Jon Kreye: From Cabin Trips to Hospitality Photography Career

Jon Kreye, an award-winning photographer based in Minnesota, has built a career over eight years photographing cabins, vacation rentals, hotels, and resorts for major travel and lodging companies. His journey began with childhood trips to lakes and cabins in Minnesota and Wisconsin, which instilled a deep appreciation for unique places. Kreye's photography style emphasizes natural light, shadows, and immersive compositions that evoke the experience of being in a space rather than just documenting it. He has photographed over 300 properties worldwide, including assignments for MSC Cruises' inaugural Alaska season, capturing whale watching, ziplining, hiking, and glaciers. Kreye's approach involves understanding why someone would choose a place and photographing the experience, not just the property. He has adapted to the demands of social media while maintaining a personal creative voice, balancing strong hooks with authentic perspectives. Kreye emphasizes that building a career requires more than technical skill; it involves relationships, communication, and being known for a specific specialty. His interests are expanding into architecture, travel, and storytelling about the people behind the places, with upcoming projects including the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in North Dakota. Kreye's philosophy centers on curiosity and using photography as an excuse to explore new places and share stories.