Architecture

Capturing the New Look: Hilton Waikoloa’s Palace Tower Renovations /  by Ethan Tweedie

A hotel that blends comfort, style, and place transforms a guest’s experience. I recently photographed the stunning renovations at Hilton Waikoloa’s Palace Tower, where the Hawaiian island-inspired design offers a fresh take on luxury with bright interiors balancing elegance and relaxation perfect for the Islands.

These bright, island-inspired interiors bring a fresh, modern feel while maintaining the warmth and comfort that guests expect while staying here on the Big Island. My goal for this shoot was to showcase the inviting atmosphere and thoughtful design of these updated spaces. By capturing both wide room views and key details, I aimed to highlight the elegance and style that make these rooms stand out.

High-quality imagery is essential for hotels undergoing renovations or launching new spaces. Guests book based on online visuals, and first impressions matter. At Ethan Tweedie Photography, I specialize in capturing the essence of luxury hotels and resorts, showcasing their unique atmosphere and guest experience whether it is on the Big Island, Oahu, Kauai, or Maui.

Let’s connect if you’re looking to showcase your next project with stunning photography. Contact Ethan

Ethan specializes in photography for luxury hotels and resorts, architects, interior designers and luxury real estate. Ethan serves all of the Hawaiian Islands including the Big Island, Maui, Oahu and Kauai. You may contact me at 808-938-4665 | ethantweedie@gmail.com


Capturing Frank Lloyd Wright’s Meyer May House in Grand Rapids, Michigan /  by Ethan Tweedie

his past fall, I had the unique opportunity to photograph another Frank Lloyd Wright home—the Meyer May House in Grand Rapids, Michigan. It was a special experience as I was visiting my Mom, who had recently moved to Ludington, Michigan, the town where she grew up. Ludington is a place I hold dear, with its pristine sugar sand beaches, lighthouses, and a wealth of outdoor activities that made for wonderful childhood memories.

While in Michigan for a few weeks, I thought it would be the perfect time to make a short trip to Grand Rapids and visit the Meyer May House, one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s most iconic properties. After contacting Steelcase Inc., who owns and operates the property, they graciously offered a private tour just for my Mom and me, along with a few hours to photograph the home. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up, and I’m thrilled to share the stunning images from this unforgettable experience.

The Meyer May House was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1908 for Meyer May, a local businessman. As one of the best examples of Wright’s Prairie School style, the home features low-pitched roofs, overhanging eaves, and horizontal lines that blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. The interior is characterized by open spaces, custom-built furniture, and natural materials like wood and stone—hallmarks of Wright’s visionary design.

After the May family sold the home in the 1940s, the property was rezoned for multi-family use. In the 1980s, Steelcase Inc. purchased the house and undertook a meticulous restoration, returning the home to Wright’s original vision. Today, the Meyer May House is open to the public as a museum, offering tours that allow visitors to experience Wright’s architectural brilliance up close.

I want to give a special thanks to Don Dekker, Director of the Meyer May House, for the personal tour and for allowing me the opportunity to photograph this magnificent property. The photos were captured on October 7th, 2022 and provide a glimpse into the beauty and timeless appeal of Wright’s design.

Ethan specializes in photography for luxury real estate, architects, interior designers, and luxury hotels and resorts. Ethan serves all of the Hawaiian Islands including the Big Island, Maui, Oahu and Kauai. You may contact me at 808-938-4665 | ethantweedie@gmail.com