About Us.
For more than 50 years, D. Lawrence Barksdale has been creating photographs professionally—a fact that either demonstrates remarkable dedication to the craft or an impressive inability to find a real job. Fortunately for his clients, it's the former.
Lawrence began his career photographing portraits and weddings, spending countless weekends chasing perfect smiles, nervous grooms, and flower girls determined to sprint in the opposite direction. In 2000, he transitioned into commercial photography, where buildings, products, and hotel lobbies proved far more cooperative than most wedding guests.
Over the past two decades, Lawrence has become a trusted hospitality photographer, creating imagery for hotels, resorts, restaurants, and destination properties throughout the United States. His portfolio includes work for internationally recognized brands and management companies, as well as numerous independent properties seeking to elevate their visual presence and attract more guests.
His specialty lies in helping hotels tell a visual story. Rather than simply documenting rooms and amenities, Lawrence focuses on creating imagery that allows potential guests to imagine themselves already there—relaxing in a luxurious suite, enjoying a beautifully designed lobby, or sipping coffee while admiring a breathtaking view. After all, travelers don't book square footage; they book experiences.
Known for his meticulous attention to detail, Lawrence has spent decades perfecting the art of making spaces look inviting, authentic, and memorable. He understands that hospitality photography is part art, part marketing, and part detective work. Every shoot involves identifying the property's strongest selling points, controlling challenging lighting situations, and occasionally moving furniture six inches because "it just feels better there."
Clients appreciate his ability to work efficiently, collaborate with ownership and marketing teams, and produce a large volume of polished, publication-quality images without disrupting daily operations. His photographs have been used in advertising campaigns, websites, social media, brochures, investor presentations, and countless booking decisions made by travelers around the world.
When he's not photographing hotels, Lawrence can often be found exploring America's back roads with a camera in hand, teaching and mentoring photographers, or searching for landscapes that remind him why he fell in love with photography in the first place.
Today, after five decades behind the camera, Lawrence continues to bring the same enthusiasm, creativity, and attention to detail to every assignment. His mission remains simple: create compelling images that help hospitality properties stand out, tell their story, and ultimately welcome more guests through their doors.
Because great hospitality photography doesn't just show people where they could stay—it makes them wish they were already there.