Visual Invitation to a Comforting Space with Photographer Yuya Parker

Yuya Parker
Yuya Parker

Anyone who has ever bought or considered buying a home knows that the right photograph can hook you. Mint Locations procured photographer Yuya Parker to utilize his remarkable skills for just this purpose. Known for his work with mammoth companies like Starbucks, Yuya has an eye which can capture the special qualities of any space in a way that is immensely appealing. When Mint Locations happened to see a photo Mr. Parker had taken of one of their houses, they were so impressed that they sought him out to officially start an official tenure with them. A great photo can impress anyone and it seems that Yuya Parker only takes impressive photos. He relates, “I had a strong portfolio of my previous architecture photography, which I think helped bolster their impression of me in addition to the first photos I took of one of their properties. My extensive experience in photographing properties in the past gave me the skills I needed to capture beautiful photography of their listings. I know exactly how to take a variety of architectural photos and how they work. I think my experience makes it easier for clients because they feel assured that they will get good photographs and I’m able to create a low-stress atmosphere when I have the privilege of photographing someone’s home because I know what kinds of challenges can come up when shooting different types of buildings and I’m able to work calmly and efficiently with this element of unpredictability.”

The simple path is to focus on cool items such as furniture, plants, light fixtures, and paintings, but that doesn’t always create the best photos, or even necessarily convey what being in the room actually feels like. The essence of why Yuya’s photos communicate something special is the way in which he goes about personally discovering the identity of each. He often spends time with the homeowners, listening to stories of special events in their lives and how these helped to shape their living environment. Actors might call this “connecting with the character.” Parker’s conviction is that every house is different and getting to know it is the challenge and the reward of his work. From dwellings built by famed architect Myron Hunt to those less well-known, the appearance of each home Yuya photographs is imbued with a sense of character. The smallest of details can have a massive effect. Parker reinforces this idea noting, “For example, a space might have a very large room and showing everything in one photo doesn’t always make a strong photograph. Sometimes I have to make the conscious decision to lose something from the photo in order to create a stronger composition. Doing something as simple as placing a door slightly open in an entryway changes the way in which someone receives the photo. Beyond the obvious ‘inviting’ quality, it communicates that people live and interact in this space…it’s a sense of belonging somewhere to something bigger than just you.”

The housing market is experiencing unprecedented highs in almost every state. Potential homeowners have a vision for their lives and time with loved ones in the future. While every photo will not speak to every buyer, photos imbued with personality and emotion will reach the right person with the right visual language. Connection with our home is nearly equal to that of our family. Yuya Parker understands this and treats photographing these homes with this same respect. A gifted photographer who sees that every space has something unique to offer, Yuya Parker brings homes to life.

Writer: Coleman Haan