ABOUT

Hi, I’m Cia—photographer, artist, creative collaborator, and founder of Cia Nelson Studio. With over 15 years of experience behind the lens, I specialize in architecture, interior, new development, hospitality, portrait, and lifestyle photography that feels both elevated and deeply personal.

My work lives at the intersection of design and identity. Whether I'm photographing a thoughtfully curated home, capturing someone in their natural environment, or creating original artwork, my goal is always the same: to create imagery that feels real, beautiful, personal, and full of life.

I got my start during an 11-year collaboration with a custom home architect in Palo Alto, where I developed a deep appreciation for architecture, design, and photography. That foundation, along with my experience as Lead Photo Editor for Luxe Airbnb, shaped my eye for detail and helped me hone a natural, editorial style that brings out the beauty in both spaces and people.

Clients come to me when they want more than a pretty picture—they want to be seen. Whether we're shooting your latest project, your brand story, or your personal portrait, you can count on me to bring calm energy, clear direction, and an artist’s eye to every client experience.

Beyond the lens, art has always been a grounding force in my life. From collecting rocks and sketching nature as a child to being inspired by Disney animation and fashion illustration, my creativity originated with art. Today, I channel that early passion into a growing body of artwork—exploring watercolor and digital illustration as mediums for expression and storytelling. Through blending traditional and digital techniques, I aim to create art that feels thoughtful, emotive, and connected.

In honor of my mother, I donate a percentage of each artwork sale to the International Myeloma Foundation—a small way to create beauty and impact in her memory.

Let’s create something beautiful and meaningful together.

Clients: Airbnb, Homepolish, One Fine Stay, TOPOS Architects, Alexis Cole Design, Studio AMA, Katharine Webster Landscape, Veritas Investments, AE3 Partners, Blu Skye Media, Freeman Design Group, Northstar Senior Living, American Precast, Kerwin Realty, Pampas Cafe, Greetings From Oga, Faux Life, Maro Studio.

Publications: This is Happening, Architectural Digest, Bass Magazine

Press: Voyage LA Magazine, Afro Punk

Located in the San Francisco Bay Area

Media and Publications

Story Windows - Photo Contributor

Architectural Digest - Leading Designers of East Bay feature

This is Happening - photo published