Commercial Residential Photography with VStarr: A Magazine Story
Client: VStarr Interiors
Contact: Sonya Haffey
There’s something distinct about working with VStarr and Sonya Haffey—every project becomes a creative dialogue. Modera Academical Village is a commercial residential development, and photographing these spaces calls for a unique approach—one that balances the grand scale of common areas with the intimate details of home.
Step inside and the reception area immediately makes an impression. The custom desk and textured wall are not just functional—they’re a branding statement, anchoring the space with clean geometry and soft lighting. My goal was to keep this entry visually open, highlighting the design intent while inviting the visitor to explore further.
The lobby is where the community comes together. For this photo, I framed the shot to emphasize the harmony between the curved furnishings and the rich burgundy rug, letting light wrap softly across the floor and textiles. Here, commercial doesn’t have to mean cold—these touches bring warmth and comfort to a shared space.
Natural light becomes an active element in this lounge area. The floor-to-ceiling windows invite the outdoors in, while simple lounge chairs create quiet pockets for reading or a morning coffee. I let the ambient light speak for itself—no heavy lighting, just the clarity of the space as it’s meant to be lived.
Lighting is everything in commercial residential work. In the bar and amenity space, we blended natural and installed lighting to give the area a soft, lived-in glow. Notice how the pendants create a visual rhythm, and how the bar seating draws you through the image. This is where technique meets atmosphere.
Details matter—these sculptural tables and carefully placed objects bring a sense of touch to the photos. In commercial spaces, details like this help tell the story of how residents can use and experience the environment every day.
The transition spaces matter too. Hallways featuring arched windows and indoor greenery become more than just passageways—they’re moments of connection between different parts of the building, and between people and the natural world outside.
Finally, in the meeting and co-working spaces, glass partitions let in li
