As a commercial photographer I am fortunate to work with a number of excellent, detail-oriented builders and designers in the Okanagan valley and beyond. It's always a treat to go into a beautifully-prepared space, and capture images that will make their work shine.

Here are my top five tips on what you can do to get that same result, whether you're preparing to sell your home or showcase your latest professional project.

1)  Replace that burnt out light bulb! Even if it is dangling 20 feet off the floor in a stunning chandelier, or is high up under the eaves of a home, like the one below!

2) Shower and mirror spots and streaks begone!  Sparkling is the word that should always come to mind when you're looking at a space that's about to photographed. So apply a little elbow grease, and get that hardwood and tile gleaming!

3)  Eliminate mats! Kitchen mats, bathroom mats (unless they're part of the colour scheme), front door mats, backdoor mats, dog mats, and even entry mats outside the front door. They're practical and necessary, but rarely photogenic!

4)  Clear counter clutter. Blenders, coffee makers, that "to do" basket, sink soap, and anything by the bathroom sink should be placed out of sight. And clear the shower out. We want people's eyes to be struck by the beautiful tile work not latch onto your favourite brand of shampoo!

5)  Choose the best time of day. Naturally, the best time for photos is often less-than convenient. Dinner time (about an hour before sunset), and early morning around sunrise is when you'll get optimal light. When a photography shoot is coming up, I watch the weather forecast more than a meteorologist!

How do you get a property ready for photos? I'd love to hear your ideas!

If you have building or design projects that you want to shine as they should, contact me. 

Three hours south of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico is Boca de Iguanas. We were there for 8 days and I felt the relaxation wash over me as soon as I smelled the tropical breeze and heard the steady sound of the surf.

The view from our patio.

There are a couple of large, and apparently quite hungry, resident crocodiles. Leave small pets at home or their vacation may not be that great!

Keeping a wary eye on me.

It was true Mexico. We toured the bay on a genuine Mexican fishing boat! This turned into one of the best parts of the trip. Not only did we catch fish for dinner, but we also got to see a whale and her calf frolic in the waves. All this, plus a cruise into the mangroves and scenes of diving pelicans kept my camera busy.

So close you could hear the whale exhale.

It was such a rejuvenating trip and I look forward to sharing a few more photos in the weeks to come.

Happy Easter!

It was the perfect weekend for a winter photo shoot.

The temperature at Cozy Cabins Nature Resort near Lumby, British Columbia was just below freezing, and the ground and trees were laden with fluffy, fresh snow.  The air was still and the stars glistened in the night sky.

For my comfort, warm socks, boots and gloves were a given, but I didn't mind being a little chilly when it meant I got the opportunity to capture images like these:

Cozy Cabins Nature Resort The beautiful and spacious Cougar Cabin, one of seven available for rent.

Cozy Cabins Nature Resort Melody cozied up by the fire.

Cozy Cabins Nature Resort