Brian Distad
Interiors Photographer
Annapolis, MD
I create editorial, marketing, and portfolio imagery for interior designers, architects, and builders across the DMV and Mid-Atlantic region.
My approach is built around light, using it to shape the mood and atmosphere of a space and build cohesive sets of images that work as a body of work, not just individual shots.
Every project begins with creative direction. Before anyone sets foot on site, we establish project goals, aesthetic direction, and how the images will be used. For most projects, that's followed by a dedicated scouting phase. By the time we're on set, the plan is already in place.
The Story
“In every photography community I joined, the number one piece of advice was always: don’t quit your day job. I did the opposite.”
My path to photography wasn’t a straight line. I studied photography and video production at Salisbury University, but after graduating I spent nearly fourteen years in the federal government working across programming, data science, and project management. Photography stayed on the sidelines.
The turning point came when the stability of that career suddenly came into question. It forced some real conversations with my wife about what the next chapter should look like. After a lot of soul searching, I made the leap, committing fully to interiors photography in April 2025.
The focus on interiors came partly through my brother, who builds homes in the Annapolis area. Hearing him talk about his experiences having projects photographed opened my eyes to a type of photography I had never seriously considered. I started following interior and architecture photographers, and something clicked.
That technical background, the programming, the project management, didn’t go away. It quietly shapes how I plan a shoot, think through workflows, and show up for clients. What looks like a creative pivot is built on years of structure and systems thinking. The combination is what makes my work feel the way it does.
When I’m not on set, you’ll find me at home with my wife and our three kids, two adventurous boys and a sweet little girl, soaking up family life and the occasional quiet moment.
Press
What Clients Say
★★★★★
Living & Lodge
“Brian will for sure be my go-to photographer for future projects. His fees are transparent, his onboarding smooth and shoot day was actually fun. I particularly appreciated his work upfront to understand my vision as well as the spaces themselves. He overdelivered on every level and produced a premium product.”
★★★★★
T. Ke Studio
“It’s rare to find someone who not only executes at a high level but also brings creative depth to the process. He has a strong eye and a clear point of view, which made the entire experience feel collaborative in the best way. If you’re looking for someone who sees beyond the obvious, Brian’s it.”
★★★★★
Whitaker Interiors
“Brian has excellent attention to detail and an incredible eye for storytelling with each collection of photos he produces. We design a wide variety of different styles, and he has adapted to every scenario with an enthusiasm that makes him wonderful to work with.”
★★★★★
Sidney Sharkey Design
“He’s delightful to work with — efficient, detail-oriented, and incredibly professional. He captured the space beautifully and delivered stunning photos that truly reflect the design. I couldn’t be happier with the results.”
★★★★★
Untold Interiors
“He was extremely efficient and moved through each space with such intention and speed without ever sacrificing quality. His eye is incredibly natural, and his talent truly shows in the final images. What stood out most was his flexibility and willingness to go above and beyond.”
★★★★★
Zinnia Design Studio
“His organization, professionalism and talent absolutely delivered a beautiful product that I will be proud to use in my portfolio. I look forward to the next time we can work together.”
★★★★★
Casa Pena Designs
“He made the photoshoot process easy, smooth, and enjoyable. He was professional, collaborative, and brought a calm, positive energy to the project. His eye for detail and ability to capture the space beautifully made the collaboration a great experience.”
★★★★★
Sew Beautiful Windows
“His ability to capture the detail, texture, and beauty of our custom window treatments has elevated the way we showcase our work. Every image is crisp, thoughtfully composed, and truly reflects the craftsmanship and quality we strive for.”
★★★★★
Gramophone Design Build
“The way he captures light, detail, and the natural beauty of a space is truly exceptional. His rates are fair, his communication is easy, and his flexibility makes coordinating shoots simple. If you’re looking for a photographer who elevates your work, he’s a standout.”
★★★★★
Ann Lane Home
“He did an incredible job capturing every detail and the atmosphere of the space. His eye for composition and lighting really brought the design to life. Highly recommend his work.”
★★★★★
Kloof Construction
“We asked for Architectural Digest style photos and he didn’t disappoint. It turned out better than expected. We will be using him for all of our houses moving forward.”
★★★★★
Wisteria Interiors
“Brian prioritizes the storytelling process and has been great at guiding the process to fit the story I want to tell in the space. The photo sets are fantastic and working with Brian has easily become one of the best investments in my design work thus far.”
★★★★★
Lindsey Abrams Design
“Brian has an incredible eye for detail and composition, and he went above and beyond to make sure every shot was perfectly styled and set up. Easygoing, collaborative, and very attentive to what I was hoping to capture. The final images are absolutely stunning.”
★★★★★
Trademark Homes
“Professional, easy-going, and very talented. He took the time to get each shot just right, paying close attention to lighting and detail. The end result was stunning images that we’re so happy with.”
★★★★★
Moore Architects
“Brian took the time to tailor his photography to meet our goals for the project. We especially appreciated his thoughtful approach to capturing the narrative of the space, not just individual shots. The photos really convey the story we hoped to share.”
★★★★★
Summit Builders
“Brian is very easy to work with. His attention to detail is amazing. He has a great eye for lighting and would highly recommend him.”
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