Air Bnb Owners, Photography Tanika Blair Air Bnb Owners, Photography Tanika Blair

Byron Bay Airbnb Photography of Carlyle Red

What a colourful and fun airbnb this is! I was so glad the owners got in contact, I had another client refer me to them. We unfortunately were hit with an unpredicted cloudy, wet day. In most cases I would reschedule the shoot in this case, but I was due to be away for a few weeks for hotel shoots, and these clients needed to get their airbnb listed. We spent 2 hours styling the spaces, hoping the weather we going to get better but to no avail. We did manage to get a few good exteriors, when the weather cleared enough to do so. For the remainder of the photos we used photography lighting, mimicking natural sunlight as much as we could.

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Builders & Trades, Photography Tanika Blair Builders & Trades, Photography Tanika Blair

Gold Coast Interior Photography for Next Level Cabinets of their Coolangatta Home project

A pleasure to capture this beautiful home, so filled with natural sunlight for Next Level Cabinets. I spent a full day at this location, to make sure of all of the natural sunlight. I also styled the space, bringing with my boxes and boxes of props, as the home owners had only just moved in. Photography a build freshly built is always helpful, but can lack in styling, I am always happy to bring along styling pieces.

A pleasure to capture this beautiful home, so filled with natural sunlight for Next Level Cabinets. I spent a full day at this location, to make sure of all of the natural sunlight. I also styled the space, bringing with my boxes and boxes of props, as the home owners had only just moved in. Photography a build freshly built is always helpful, but can lack in styling, I am always happy to bring along styling pieces.

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Photography, Commercial Interiors Tanika Blair Photography, Commercial Interiors Tanika Blair

Brisbane Interior Photography for Gray Puksand of their 108 Wickham project

My 8th photo shoot for Gray Puksand. Australia wide, interior architect and interior design expects. This is their Brisbane project, 108 Wickham. Always a pleasure to photograph this teams projects.

My 8th photo shoot for Gray Puksand. Australia wide, interior architect and interior design expects. This is their Brisbane project, 108 Wickham. Always a pleasure to photograph this teams projects.

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Product Photography, Photography Tanika Blair Product Photography, Photography Tanika Blair

Lifestyle Product Photography for The Modern Furniture - 1st Quarter Shoot

I have been photographing The Modern Furniture’s stores around Australia over the past 12 months, and I was so glad they asked me to now also do their lifestyle product photography. This was a 10 hr day. We hired Honey House for the shoot, and had the help of 3 team members from The Modern Furniture, plus myself and Mathilde to make this happen on the day. We ended up being able to capture over 100 photos, and deliver 8 videos. Of course Mathilde and I took on the stylist roles and lighting technicians. The Modern Furniture aim to do one of these lifestyle shoots per quarter. We are excited to see what we do next with these photo shoots.

I have been photographing The Modern Furniture’s stores around Australia over the past 12 months, and I was so glad they asked me to now also do their lifestyle product photography. This was a 10 hr day. We hired Honey House for the shoot, and had the help of 3 team members from The Modern Furniture, plus myself and Mathilde to make this happen on the day. We ended up being able to capture over 100 photos, and deliver 8 videos. Of course Mathilde and I took on the stylist roles and lighting technicians. The Modern Furniture aim to do one of these lifestyle shoots per quarter. We are excited to see what we do next with these photo shoots.

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Photography, Commercial Interiors Tanika Blair Photography, Commercial Interiors Tanika Blair

Brisbane Architectural Photography for Neylan Architecture of their Rosebank Square project

Architectural photography in Brisbane for Neylan Architecture of their Rosebank Square project. A big day spent at this location, capturing this incredible building in different light plus all the interiors as well.

Architectural photography in Brisbane for Neylan Architecture of their Rosebank Square project. A big day spent at this location, capturing this incredible building in different light plus all the interiors as well.

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Photography, Commercial Interiors Tanika Blair Photography, Commercial Interiors Tanika Blair

Commercial Interior Photography for Gray Puksand of their NHP project in Melbourne

This is the 9th Gray Puksand project I have photographed, this being the first project Gray Puksand was flown me down to Melbourne to capture.

This is the 9th Gray Puksand project I have photographed, this being the first project Gray Puksand was flown me down to Melbourne to capture, I was so curious as to why they were flying me down rather then having a Melbourne photographer do this one, and they said it is my compositions that they love, and the lighter way I edit the photos. So I was thrilled.

I do travel a lot nowadays for my hotel photography work, but this Australia wide client I wasn’t expecting to get flown to Melbourne to shoot for.

I flu down the night before, and we started the shoot at 7am the following day, only taking around 4-5 hrs to completely capture the space. I was able to secure an assistant in Melbourne to help me for the day. And I flu back that afternoon.

Having such a big team attend the shoot was so helpful to action the space, and makes all the difference to the photos. If possible always be dressed a ready to jump in photos on your shoots.

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Tips & Tricks Tanika Blair Tips & Tricks Tanika Blair

Styling Decisions to Make Before Your Interior Photoshoot

One of the biggest decisions you'll make before an interior photography shoot isn't about the camera, the lighting, or even the location.

It's about the styling.

Before photography day, it's important to decide whether you'd like your space to feel polished and pristine, or relaxed and lived-in. Neither approach is right or wrong—the best choice depends on your brand, your audience, and the story you're trying to tell.

This is a conversation I always encourage clients to have before the shoot, as it influences every styling decision we make throughout the day. (and what styling props we bring to the shoot) 

One of the biggest decisions you'll make before an interior photography shoot isn't about the camera, the lighting, or even the location.

It's about the styling.

Before photography day, it's important to decide whether you'd like your space to feel polished and pristine, or relaxed and lived-in. Neither approach is right or wrong—the best choice depends on your brand, your audience, and the story you're trying to tell.

This is a conversation I always encourage clients to have before the shoot, as it influences every styling decision we make throughout the day. (and what styling props we bring to the shoot) 

Daybreak - Airbnb Byron Hinterland

 

The Polished Look

A clean, refined, and carefully curated look is often ideal for architects, builders, developers, and interior designers wanting to showcase the design itself.

This approach focuses on clean lines, symmetry, and minimal distractions.

You might choose:

  • Beds neatly made with crisp, tucked-in linen

  • Bedside tables styled simply with a lamp, small vase, or artwork

  • Dining chairs perfectly aligned and tucked in

  • Bathrooms with neatly folded towels and carefully placed accessories

  • Kitchens styled with minimal objects, allowing cabinetry, finishes, and materials to take centre stage

The result is timeless, elegant photography that highlights the design details and craftsmanship of the space.

The Lived-In Look

A lived-in approach focuses more on storytelling and creating an emotional connection with the viewer.

Rather than feeling staged, the space feels as though someone has just stepped away for a moment and could return at any time.

You might choose:

  • Beds with casually folded linen or slightly rumpled sheets

  • An open book, reading glasses, or a glass of water on a bedside table

  • Chopping boards with fresh ingredients prepared in the kitchen

  • Tea towels draped naturally across a benchtop

  • Perfume bottles, skincare products, or cosmetics thoughtfully arranged in a bathroom

  • Dining settings with plates, glassware, and chairs pulled out as if guests are about to sit down

This style of photography helps viewers imagine themselves living, relaxing, entertaining, or holidaying in the space.

Different Spaces, Different Approaches

Not every room needs to follow the same styling philosophy.

Often, the strongest galleries combine both approaches.

For example:

  • A kitchen may be styled cleanly to showcase joinery and finishes.

  • A bedroom may include a book and soft linen to create warmth and comfort.

  • A dining space may feature a partially styled table setting to suggest connection and entertaining.

The goal is to create images that feel authentic while still showcasing the property at its very best.

Consider the Purpose of the Photography

Before making styling decisions, ask yourself:

  • Who is the target audience?

  • Where will the images be used?

  • What feeling do you want viewers to experience?

  • Are you selling a design, a lifestyle, an accommodation experience, or a product?

The answers to these questions will help determine whether a polished, editorial, lifestyle-focused, or hybrid approach is most appropriate.

Communication is Key

The most successful shoots happen when the client and photographer are aligned on the overall vision before photography day.

Sharing inspiration images, Pinterest boards, mood boards, or examples of previous projects can be incredibly helpful. These references allow everyone involved to understand the desired mood and ensure styling decisions support the final goal.

Great photography isn't just about documenting a space—it's about telling the right story.

By deciding on your styling direction before the shoot begins, you'll create images that not only look beautiful, but also connect with the people you want to reach.

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Hotels, Photography Tanika Blair Hotels, Photography Tanika Blair

Sunshine Coast Hotel Photography for Peppers Noosa Resort & Villas

Peppers Noosa Resort & Villas was a fantastic project that saw Mathilde and I create both photography and videography content for the property. Alongside photographing and filming the resort itself, we captured drone footage and lifestyle imagery throughout Noosa to help showcase not only the accommodation, but the destination and guest experience as a whole.

As with all of our hospitality projects, we incorporated thoughtful lifestyle styling throughout the shoot to create warm, inviting imagery that reflected the relaxed luxury of the resort. From the beautifully appointed villas and resort facilities to the surrounding natural beauty of Noosa, our goal was to create a collection of visual content that inspires future guests and captures everything that makes a stay at Peppers Noosa Resort & Villas so special.

Peppers Noosa Resort & Villas was a fantastic project that saw Mathilde and I create both photography and videography content for the property. Alongside photographing and filming the resort itself, we captured drone footage and lifestyle imagery throughout Noosa to help showcase not only the accommodation, but the destination and guest experience as a whole.

As with all of our hospitality projects, we incorporated thoughtful lifestyle styling throughout the shoot to create warm, inviting imagery that reflected the relaxed luxury of the resort. From the beautifully appointed villas and resort facilities to the surrounding natural beauty of Noosa, our goal was to create a collection of visual content that inspires future guests and captures everything that makes a stay at Peppers Noosa Resort & Villas so special.

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Tips & Tricks Tanika Blair Tips & Tricks Tanika Blair

What Is the Difference Between an Interiors Photographer and a Real Estate Photographer?

One of the most common questions I hear from new clients is:

"What's the difference between an interiors photographer and a real estate photographer?"

While both photograph homes and interior spaces, the purpose behind the images is completely different.

Neither style is better or worse—they simply serve different goals. Understanding the difference will help you choose the right photographer for your project and ensure you get images that achieve the results you're looking for.

One of the most common questions I hear from new clients is:

"What's the difference between an interiors photographer and a real estate photographer?"

While both photograph homes and interior spaces, the purpose behind the images is completely different.

Neither style is better or worse—they simply serve different goals. Understanding the difference will help you choose the right photographer for your project and ensure you get images that achieve the results you're looking for.

Real Estate Photography Is Designed to Sell a Property Quickly

The primary purpose of real estate photography is to generate enquiries and sell or lease a property as quickly as possible.

The images only need to be relevant for a short period of time before the property changes hands.

Because of this, real estate photographers typically work at a fast pace, photographing multiple properties per day and delivering images quickly.

Their focus is on:

  • Making rooms appear as large as possible

  • Showing the layout of the property

  • Highlighting key selling features

  • Capturing every room efficiently

  • Creating images that encourage inspections and enquiries

Wide-angle lenses are commonly used, and many compositions are photographed from the corners of rooms to maximise the sense of space.

Interiors Photography Is Designed to Showcase Design

An interiors photographer approaches a space very differently.

Rather than focusing on how large a room appears, the goal is to showcase the design, materials, furnishings, styling, craftsmanship, and atmosphere of the space.

The photography becomes a long-term marketing asset that may be used for years across websites, social media, magazines, award submissions, advertising campaigns, and publications.

The emphasis is placed on telling the story of the space and capturing the details that make it unique.

The Interior Is the Hero

One of the biggest differences is how each photographer treats the relationship between the interior and the view.

A real estate photographer will often prioritise showcasing a spectacular view because it helps sell the property.

An interiors photographer will usually prioritise the design of the room itself. The view is still important, but it becomes part of the story rather than the main focus.

The hero is the interior design.

Composition Is Everything

Real estate photographers often shoot from corners using very wide lenses to make spaces feel larger.

An interiors photographer is more likely to choose compositions that flatter the design.

This might mean:

  • Shooting straight-on to highlight symmetry

  • Focusing on furniture layouts

  • Showing the relationship between materials and finishes

  • Capturing carefully styled vignettes

  • Including foreground elements to create depth and mood

The goal is not to exaggerate the size of the room but to accurately and beautifully represent the design.

Interiors Photography Takes More Time

A real estate shoot may take less than an hour.

An interiors photography shoot can take an entire day—or sometimes several days—depending on the size of the project.

This is because every image is carefully considered.

Furniture may be adjusted, styling refined, lighting modified, and multiple compositions explored before the final photograph is captured.

The process is slower, more deliberate, and much more detail-focused.

Lighting Is Treated Differently

Real estate photography often prioritises speed and consistency.

Interiors photography prioritises atmosphere.

An interiors photographer pays close attention to how natural light moves through a space throughout the day and often plans the entire shoot around the best lighting conditions for each room.

Additional lighting may be introduced where required, and multiple exposures are often captured and blended together during post-production to create a polished final image.

Details Matter

For an interior designer, builder, architect, furniture brand, or accommodation provider, the details are often the most important part of the project.

Joinery details, material selections, lighting fixtures, furniture, artwork, styling, and craftsmanship all contribute to the overall design story.

An interiors photographer intentionally captures these details through close-up images and carefully considered compositions that would rarely be included in a standard real estate shoot.

Which Photographer Is Right for You?

If you're selling or leasing a property, a real estate photographer is usually the right choice.

If you're an interior designer, architect, builder, hotel, accommodation provider, furniture brand, or product supplier wanting to showcase your work and build your portfolio, an interiors photographer is likely the better fit.

At the end of the day, the difference comes down to purpose.

Real estate photography is designed to sell a property.

Interiors photography is designed to showcase design, build brands, and create lasting imagery that continues working for you long after the shoot is over.

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Tips & Tricks Tanika Blair Tips & Tricks Tanika Blair

Why I'm Not Scared AI Is Going to Take My Photography Job

Over the past few years, I've been asked the same question more times than I can count:

"Are you worried AI is going to replace photographers?"

My answer is always the same.

No.

Not because I think AI isn't impressive. It is.

Not because I think photography won't change. It already is.

But because after more than 13 years as a professional interiors, architecture, hospitality, and product photographer, I've realised that what clients hire me for goes far beyond simply pressing a shutter button.

Over the past few years, I've been asked the same question more times than I can count:

"Are you worried AI is going to replace photographers?"

My answer is always the same.

No.

Not because I think AI isn't impressive. It is.

Not because I think photography won't change. It already is.

But because after more than 13 years as a professional interiors, architecture, hospitality, and product photographer, I've realised that what clients hire me for goes far beyond simply pressing a shutter button.

AI Can Generate Images. It Can't Create Reality.

AI can create beautiful images of spaces that don't exist.

It can generate dream kitchens, luxury hotels, and perfectly styled living rooms in seconds.

But my clients aren't selling imaginary spaces.

They're selling real homes, real hotels, real products, and real businesses.

When an interior designer spends two years creating a home, when a hotel invests millions in a refurbishment, or when a furniture company launches a new collection, they need authentic photographs of the actual project.

No amount of AI can replace documenting something that exists in the real world.

Photography Is About Problem Solving

A large part of my job has very little to do with photography.

It's about solving problems.

It's arriving at a hotel and realising one room doesn't receive enough natural light.

It's moving furniture to improve a composition.

It's styling a bedside table.

It's waiting for the perfect light to hit a building facade.

It's figuring out how to make a tiny bathroom photograph beautifully.

Every project is different.

Every property is different.

Every client is different.

The ability to adapt, improvise, and make hundreds of creative decisions throughout a shoot is something AI simply can't replicate.

My Clients Aren't Paying for a Camera

If photography was simply about owning a camera, everyone would be a professional photographer.

My clients hire me because of my experience.

They hire me because I understand how to photograph interiors.

They hire me because I know how to style a room.

They hire me because I know when the light will be best.

They hire me because I understand marketing and what images are most likely to connect with their audience.

They hire me because I can walk into a space and immediately start seeing opportunities that others might miss.

Those skills have taken years to develop.

Human Connection Matters

One thing that often gets overlooked in conversations about AI is relationships.

Many of my clients have worked with me for years.

We know each other's businesses.

We understand each other's expectations.

We've developed trust.

A photoshoot is often a collaboration between the photographer, designer, architect, builder, hotel manager, marketing team, stylist, and property owner.

The best results come from communication, shared ideas, and creative collaboration.

People still want to work with people.

AI Will Become Another Tool

Do I think AI will change the industry?

Absolutely.

In fact, it already has.

I use AI myself in our editing process, it has improved our editing, and the final outcome of our photos ten fold.

Just as digital cameras replaced film, and Lightroom replaced darkrooms, AI will become another tool photographers use.

The photographers who embrace new technology will likely benefit from it.

The ones who ignore it may struggle.

But that's very different from being replaced by it.

The Value Is in Seeing

One of the things I love most about photography is that every photographer sees the world differently.

Give ten photographers the same room and you'll get ten completely different sets of images.

Why?

Because photography is not just technical.

It's creative.

It's instinctive.

It's personal.

It's knowing which angle tells the story best.

It's knowing when to simplify.

It's knowing what not to include.

It's understanding how a photograph should feel, not just how it should look.

That human perspective is what clients are really investing in.

So, Am I Worried?

Not really.

I think AI will continue to evolve at an incredible pace.

I think it will change the way photographers work.

I think it will automate certain tasks and create new opportunities.

But I don't believe it can replace experience, creativity, problem-solving, relationships, trust, or the ability to walk into a real space and capture it beautifully.

At the end of the day, my job isn't just taking photographs.

My job is helping people tell the story of something they've worked incredibly hard to create.

And I suspect there will always be value in that.

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Interior Designers, Photography Tanika Blair Interior Designers, Photography Tanika Blair

Gold Coast Interior Design Photography for Beck Space

A pleasure to meet Jess and photograph this Main Beach project for Beck Space.

A pleasure to meet Jess and photograph this Main Beach project for Beck Space.

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Builders & Trades, Photography Tanika Blair Builders & Trades, Photography Tanika Blair

Gold Coast Interior Photography for The Good Tradie and Form + Fellow

Another shoot for The Good Tradie and Form + Fellow team. The home owners were so beautiful, and made this shoot go that much smoother, waking up at 4am for us to be able to do photograph their Gold Coast apartment in Main Beach.

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Hotels, Photography Tanika Blair Hotels, Photography Tanika Blair

Brisbane Hotel Photography for Mercure Hotels

1 of 4 shoots we did this day in Brisbane. My first shoot for Mercure hotels, and more to come! We were so thrilled with how this mid day shoot came out.

1 of 4 shoots we did this day in Brisbane. My first shoot for Mercure hotels, and more to come! We were so thrilled with how this mid day shoot came out.

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Photography, Interior Designers Tanika Blair Photography, Interior Designers Tanika Blair

Coolangatta Interior Photography for Design Scout Interiors

Another stunning job by the Design Scout Interiors team, this time I much more local job, this one is in Coolangatta, looking over Kirra beach.

We did this over 2 afternoons, rather than one full day, making use of all the natural sunlight this home gets, facing north-west.

Another stunning job by the Design Scout Interiors team, this time I much more local job, this one is in Coolangatta, looking over Kirra beach.

We did this over 2 afternoons, rather than one full day, making use of all the natural sunlight this home gets, facing north-west.

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Hotels, Photography Tanika Blair Hotels, Photography Tanika Blair

Sunshine Coast Hotel Shoot for Novotel - Twin Waters

A challenging shoot for me, as I don’t usually work with artificial lights, or this many. Luckily, it wasn’t downlights (the worst kind of light), but I got comfortable in the uncomfortable, and all parties were pleased with the result.

The first shoot I’ve done for Novotel hotels, and more to come! This is Twin Waters on the Sunshine Coast.

A challenging shoot for me, as I don’t usually work with artificial lights, or this many. Luckily, it wasn’t downlights (the worst kind of light), but I got comfortable in the uncomfortable, and all parties were pleased with the result.

The first shoot I’ve done for Novotel hotels, and more to come! This is Twin Waters on the Sunshine Coast.

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Photography, Commercial Interiors Tanika Blair Photography, Commercial Interiors Tanika Blair

Brisbane Interior Photography for Gray Puksand and McCormack of the McMillian Shakespeare Workspace Project

My favourite thing about Gray Puksand shoots, Anita and the team allow the time to add people into nearly every shot, and it brings so much more life to their photos.

My favourite thing about Gray Puksand shoots, Anita and the team allow the time to add people into nearly every shot, and it brings so much more life to their photos.

This shoot of the McMillian Shakespeare Workspace was completed for both McCormack Builders and Gray Puksand. It was the first of 4 shoots we conducted in one day, something I haven’t attempted before (but just didn’t have the time to come up to Brisbane again anytime soon, so I was very glad all 4 clients were able to do the same day and it all worked out timeline wise with sunlight).

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Photography, Air Bnb Owners Tanika Blair Photography, Air Bnb Owners Tanika Blair

Brisbane Airbnb Photography for Latrobe Airbnb

What a joy to walk into this beautiful home to capture the hard work of it’s owners. We did 4 shoots in one day in Brisbane this day, and this was the last one, it was a big day! … but this warm and inviting interior really kept us going and we knew we needed to do this home justice.

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Interior Designers, Photography Tanika Blair Interior Designers, Photography Tanika Blair

Gold Coast Interior Design Photography for Kiln Design of the Maureen Project

Another stunning project by Kiln Design photographed on the Gold Coast. This Canberra Interior Designer is so amazing to work with.

Another stunning project by Kiln Design photographed on the Gold Coast. This Canberra Interior Designer is so amazing to work with.

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Photography, Shops, Commercial Spaces Tanika Blair Photography, Shops, Commercial Spaces Tanika Blair

Sunshine Coast Store Photography for The Modern Furniture in Noosa

I have photographed nearly every one of The Modern’s stores around Australia (only 3 more to go, we have booked in for 2026) … this is the Noosa store.

I have photographed nearly every one of The Modern’s stores around Australia (only 3 more to go, we have booked in for 2026) … this is the Noosa store.

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Air Bnb Owners, Photography Tanika Blair Air Bnb Owners, Photography Tanika Blair

Byron Bay Airbnb Photography for Ranger Property of Ruskins St

Another great airbnb shoot for Ranger Property, this time their new 2 bedroom apartment on Ruskins St, in Byron Bay.

Another great airbnb shoot for Ranger Property, this time their new 2 bedroom apartment on Ruskins St, in Byron Bay.

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