ABOUT

Hi, I’m Cia, photographer, artist, creative collaborator, and founder of Cia Nelson Studio, based in the SF Bay Area. With over 15 years of experience behind the lens, I specialize in architecture, interior, and lifestyle photography that captures spaces and people in a way that feels real, meaningful, and personal.

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 authentic, beautiful, 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. I also spent seven years photographing homes for Airbnb, which gave me invaluable insight into how to showcase inviting, lived-in spaces with warmth and clarity. That foundation, combined with my experience as a 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.

In addition to my role as lead photographer, I spent four years at Viscera Studio as part of the senior creative team, leading strategy and execution in photography, branding, and communications for mission-driven clients. There, I directed branding and marketing initiatives, managed projects from concept to completion, and collaborated with cross-functional teams to build strong visual identities and campaigns. My role spanned everything from content creation and proposal development to studio operations and client communications, giving me a deep understanding of how thoughtful creative direction and clear systems can help ideas come to life.

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.

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