About Kara.
Kara Mercer is a commercial photographer and creative director specializing in interior, architectural, lifestyle, and travel photography. With over 20 years of experience behind the camera, she’s known for her refined editorial style, artful use of light, and ability to tell a story in a single frame.
Her work is deeply rooted in a love of design, natural texture, and honest storytelling. Whether shooting a quiet interior in the Pacific Northwest, creating branded content for a boutique hotel, or directing a short-form video campaign for a lifestyle brand, Kara brings calm direction, clarity of vision, and a collaborative spirit to every project.
Originally trained in visual communication and creative arts, Kara began her career capturing destination weddings and fashion campaigns before expanding her focus to commercial work. This experience informs her editorial eye and the emotional resonance that runs through her photography. Today, she works with interior designers, architects, hospitality groups, and lifestyle brands who value intentional design and timeless imagery.
Clients often describe Kara’s style as “light-filled,” “elegant,” and “emotionally grounded.” Her images are designed to live across platforms—from magazine spreads and lookbooks to social campaigns and website libraries—and always speak to the heart of the brand.
Kara is based in Seattle and regularly works in Portland, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and beyond. She is available for travel throughout the United States and internationally.
Previous Clients
Adobe
Armadillo & Co.
Bellevue Lifestyle
Better Homes & Gardens
BluDot
Blundstone
British Airways
Bryr Studio
Caesarstone
Chandon
Citizens of Humanity
Cloudy Bay
Coclico
Conde Nast
Cultiver Goods
Cuyana
Domo Designs DK
Ebay
Everlane
Ferm Living
Filson
Fujfilm
Iams
Ilana Kohn
J. Crew
Kaarem
Larsson & Jennings
Madewell
Maserati
Matador Network
Miranda Bennett Studio
Olympia Coffee
Ona Bags
PostHotel
Room & Board
Seattle Polo Club
SIka Designs
Sorel
Stocksy
Suntory Whisky
Surya
Taylor Shellfish - Pacific Northwest
Tesla
United Airlines
Vereverto
Veuve Clicquot
Visit Alaska
Visit Austria
Visit Faroe Islands
Visit Jordan
Woud DK
Yield Designs
Zappos
Professional Achievements
Domino
Fujifilm
Matador Network
Visit Jordan
AD
House Beautiful
Portrait Magazine
Better Homes & Gardens
Visit Austria
Artifact Uprising
Tiny Atlas Quarterly
Rue Magazine
Go Live HQ
William Sonoma
Bloomingdales
Photographer's FORUM Magazine
LUXE Magazine
ABC News
All Sorts Of
Medium Format Magazine
Living Ect Uk
Dwell
Jenni Kayne
Services
Commercial Photography & Video
Interior & Architecture Photography
Lifestyle Photography & Video
Product & Still life Photography
Corporate Photography
Studio Photography
Creative Direction
One on One Mentoring
Educator & Speaker
Speaking Engagements
Evolve Workshop
Pixel Photo Fest
Way Up North
PPE Fujfilm
Adobe Creative Live
WPPI
Fujifilm GFX launch
B & H Optics