Recently, I had the pleasure of traveling to Elkin for a photo shoot at a stunning property. This large, beautifully furnished home exudes warmth and coziness, complete with a basement and inviting ambiance. Normally, I prefer natural light for my photos, but this Airbnb’s mixed ambiance lighting added an extra layer of charm that was irresistible. Despite the potential color cast from mixing artificial and daylight, the cloudy day provided a perfect balance for capturing the property’s true essence.
The home boasts ample space, multiple bedrooms, a game room, a bathtub, fire pits, and a huge driveway. It’s a private haven yet conveniently close to downtown Elkin. The host requested drone photos to showcase the entire property, and I was also asked to do a twilight conversion. After wrapping up the shoot, just as I was about to leave, the sun set amidst thick clouds—ideal conditions to avoid harsh shadows. I quickly set up my camera to capture a single exposure, making the twilight conversion possible. I hope you enjoy these photos as much as I enjoyed taking them.
Working with mixed light
This home is lit with warm ambient lamps and pendants, and it has plenty of daylight from the windows. Mixing the two can create odd color casts, so I balanced each frame to keep whites clean while letting the lamps add warmth. The result is rooms that feel cozy without looking yellow.
A classic Cape Cod with a fresh interior
From the outside, it is a classic Cape Cod with dormer windows, a brick chimney and neat landscaping. Inside, the design is fresh: a mint-green front door, botanical wallpaper behind a round wood dining table, a black-railed staircase, and a white kitchen with open shelving and an island. I photographed the dining room from the entry so guests see the door, the stairs and the table together.
Bedrooms with distinct looks
Each bedroom has its own feature wall, from grasscloth texture behind a painting of trees to buffalo-check wallpaper in a room with two beds. I shot each one straight on with matching lamps and nightstands framing the bed.
Outside: hot tub and fire pit
The covered patio with a hot tub and string lights, and the big lawn with a gravel fire pit circle, colorful Adirondack chairs and a hammock, each got wide frames to show how much outdoor space this property has.
If you host a getaway outside the city, see what the packages and add-ons include, including twilight conversion.
