---
title: "David  Duncan Livingston — Photographers | Houzz"
canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/photographers/david-duncan-livingston-pfvwus-pf~1451313848
markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1451313848.md
entity_type: LocalBusiness
business_name: "David  Duncan Livingston"
category: ["Photographers"]
image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/09c376040dbf634a_9711-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg
address: "1036 Erica Road, Mill Valley, California 94941, United States"
latitude: 37.8958
longitude: -122.5339
phone: "(415) 383-0898"
website: http://davidduncanlivingston.com
rating: 5
review_count: 48
best_of_houzz_awards: 13
followers: 679
last_updated: 2026-08-25
---

# David  Duncan Livingston

Original Houzz profile: [David  Duncan Livingston](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/photographers/david-duncan-livingston-pfvwus-pf~1451313848)

## Professional summary

- **Primary category:** Photographers
- **Location:** Mill Valley, CA
- **Serves:** San Jose, San Francisco, Santa Rosa, Santa Barbara, Mountain View, Napa, Palo Alto, Santa Cruz, San Rafael, Cupertino, Danville, Menlo Park, Los Gatos, Los Altos, Saratoga, Lafayette, Tahoe City, Orinda, Moraga, Mill Valley, Alamo, Larkspur, San Anselmo, Tamalpais-Homestead Valley, Healdsburg, Hillsborough, Piedmont, Blackhawk, Corte Madera, Tiburon, Kentfield, Sausalito, Saint Helena, Calistoga, Portola Valley, Monte Sereno, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Ross, Belvedere, Diablo, Stinson Beach, Aspen, Belvedere Tiburon, Burlinggame, Carmel, Jackson Hole, Martis Camp, Russian River
- **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (48 reviews)
- **Best of Houzz:** 13 awards (2012–2022), for Design, Service, Design Photography.

## About

### Houzz Badges

- Star Houzzer
- 5 Star Houzzer
- Houzz Influencer
- Recommended on Houzz
- Houzz Photographer
- 25,000 Ideabook Saves

Best of Houzz Design Photography 2020, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015.
Livingston makes publish-ready photos of interiors and architecture. David works as a photographer, art director and when needed stylist and is hired by up and coming and top established interior design and architecture firms. Livingston is also hired by retailers and manufacturers such as RH, Oly, Brownstone, SubZero, Wilsonart, Cambrea among many others.

### Services Provided

- Aerial Photography
- Architectural Photography
- Art Direction
- Creative Design
- Interior Design Photography
- PR Consultation
- Photography Styling
- Producer

### Areas Served

- San Jose
- San Francisco
- Santa Rosa
- Santa Barbara
- Mountain View
- Napa
- Palo Alto
- Santa Cruz
- San Rafael
- Cupertino
- Danville
- Menlo Park
- Los Gatos
- Los Altos
- Saratoga
- Lafayette
- Tahoe City
- Orinda
- Moraga
- Mill Valley
- Alamo
- Larkspur
- San Anselmo
- Tamalpais-Homestead Valley
- Healdsburg
- Hillsborough
- Piedmont
- Blackhawk
- Corte Madera
- Tiburon
- Kentfield
- Sausalito
- Saint Helena
- Calistoga
- Portola Valley
- Monte Sereno
- Carmel-by-the-Sea
- Ross
- Belvedere
- Diablo
- Stinson Beach
- Aspen
- Belvedere Tiburon
- Burlinggame
- Carmel
- Jackson Hole
- Martis Camp
- Russian River

### Typical Job Cost

$1000 - $7,000

For most photoshoots, the fee is $200 per photo and includes a pre-shoot conversation, the art direction & styling as needed, the shooting time and the Photoshop adjustments.

Travel expenses are not included, fees may be adjusted for corporate & commercial entities & for emerging design firms.

Deliverables are high-resolution publish-ready photos in tiff format.
Copyright is held by the photographer.
The commissioning party has unlimited use of the photos in any media.

## Business Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Business Name | David  Duncan Livingston |
| Address | 1036 Erica Road, Mill Valley, California 94941, United States |
| Phone | (415) 383-0898 |
| Website | http://davidduncanlivingston.com |
| License Number | Interior Architecture Photos |
| Followers on Houzz | 679 |

**Social profiles:**
- Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/david.d.livingston
- LinkedIn — www.linkedin.com/in/davidduncanlivingston/

## Contact

- **Houzz profile:** [David  Duncan Livingston](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/photographers/david-duncan-livingston-pfvwus-pf~1451313848)
- **Website:** http://davidduncanlivingston.com
- **Phone:** (415) 383-0898

## Credentials

**Certifications & Awards**
- Houzz Service Award 2020, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015
- Houzz Design Award for Photography 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015
- Photographer of the Year, Hawaii Book Publishers

- **Best of Houzz:** 13 awards (2012–2022), for Design, Service, Design Photography.

## Reviews

**Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 48 reviews**

### Reviews

**★★★★★ — Shannon White Design, Dec. 2019**

> One-Hour Marketing & PR Consultation: David's background in photography and print media allows him to share unique insights into how to marketing for interior designers. I got a lot out of our consultation. We reviewed tips on how to stage photoshoots, tips for using instagram to best advantage and discussed editorial publications and how best to approach them. I would recommend a consultation to any emerging or established Interior Designer interested in increasing their visibility.

**★★★★★ — Jennifer Tulley Architects, Jan. 2018**

> We have worked with David on many Residential and Commercial Interiors projects.  He is very knowledgeable, experienced, and a key professional partner during these photoshoots.  Prior to the day, David is very helpful in identifying shots, styling and art directions.  During the shoot, he is a delight to work with: He previews each shot, discusses his artistic and spacial vision for the space while welcoming our input, moves efficiently and thoughtfully through the different shots and communicates well through it all.  He is able to see the project through the eyes of a magazine editor.  It is a pleasure to watch him do his art!   As for the results, he oversees and delivers impeccable Photoshop work in a timely manner.  We recommend him wholeheartedly.

**Comment from David  Duncan Livingston:**

> Thanks, Jennifer. One of the things I love about shooting your projects is how well you integrate the new with the old. Your attention to scale is perfect and your eye for the details and transitions is clearly thought out. I look forward photographing your new projects.

**★★★★★ — Miyuki Yamaguchi Design Studio, Jan. 2018**

> David is definitely my go-to-photographer! While many other photographers shoot as is, David works with me to style each shot with "what a magazine editor would find in this particular shot" in mind. So during a pre-shoot discussion, we clarify what is important, what story each shot will convey, what artistic direction we want to take to appeal to potential clients and editors. And during shooting, he moves quickly and thoughtfully, wearing many different hats. He is fast! His impeccable Photoshop work is amazing, too. I highly recommend David.

**Comment from David  Duncan Livingston:**

> Miyuki, thanks for letting me be your go-to-photographer. I like the range of work you create and the collaboration we have while making your photos!

**★★★★★ — Suzanne Childress Design, Jan. 2018**

> When I first moved to San Francisco I bought a beautiful design book on classic San Francisco homes that was photographed by David. Who knew years later we would work together. Given his experience and impressive portfolio, I knew the end result would be excellent.  He is a consummate professional with a precise eye for light, balance, and detail. He has immense knowledge on what it takes to get work published and provides thoughtful insight. He will work with details to get the shot just right. The last project he photographed for me was featured in Rue. Not to mention, he is fun to work with!

**Comment from David  Duncan Livingston:**

> Suzanne, I love how you like to jump totally into your design projects. You not only make home look right but they feel right for your homeowners, each with its own personality. I look forward to photographing other homes and show the story they hold within.

**★★★★★ — Shelley & Company Interior Design, March 2017**

> David is such a pleasure to work with! Incredibly seasoned and professional, his industry knowledge and expertise brings so much to every photo shoot. I cannot recommend him more highly.

**★★★★★ — Courtney B. Smith Design, March 2017**

> David is a professional and an artist.  He is able to see a space in its best light and takes the time to massage furnishings and accessories to help create the perfect composition.  David doesn't "take the shot," he helps to actually compose the vignette and moment.  The result of his careful artistry is that my potential clients feel that they could crawl into his photos and get comfortable -- his work makes my work so much easier!

**Comment from David  Duncan Livingston:**

> Courtney has such a great passion for design. She searches the world for one of a kind pieces and pulls them together in a wonderful fresh yet traditional way. It was great working with her.

**★★★★★ — Lisa Odyniec Design, March 2017**

> David Duncan Livingston is a pleasure to work with for many reasons, not the least of which is the strength of the images he captures. His depth of experience and training as an architect allow him to quickly understand a project, finding the best vantage points to convey the design and space in a 2-dimensional composition. He is generous with his styling talents, combining “less is more” with “consistency is more”.  I also appreciate David’s technique and use of natural light.  His equipment is technologically current, he is professional and focused for the duration of the shoot. David is involved in the design and publishing community, connecting projects to editors.  He tells the design story and balances it all with a well-traveled + worldly sense of humor.

**Comment from David  Duncan Livingston:**

> Lisa is a perfectionist, it shows in not a stuffy way but with the care and attention to the smallest of details. It was a joy to photograph this modern wonder in the mountains!

**★★★★★ — Laura Hunt Design, Feb. 2017**

> Working with David is so easy and such a pleasure. Before the shoot we met on site for a walkthrough and he took his time, made suggestions regarding what pieces to bring in and what to remove for the shoot. Drawing on his many years of experience, he clearly understands what it takes to get a great shot. David understands the narrative of a design project and how magazine editors need to see the story in photos. He is a perfectionist in setting and editing each photo. He is efficient, quick with the final edits, and accommodating in every way. Cannot wait to work with him again.

**★★★★★ — Pierre Carpenter, May 2016**

> Great work, David is worth trusting and has extraordinary human quality. I personally recommand his service. It's been a pleasure  :)

**★★★★★ — Kimberley Harrison Interiors, May 2016**

> I had the best experience working with David Duncan Livingston (DDL).
> Not only is David an excellent photographer with an innate ability to know what works in regard to telling a story about the project but he is extremely knowledgeable about the interior design world in general. DDL has a great sense of knowing how to cohesively tell a story about the design project. He has a very discerning eye to understand what works well in a photograph and further edits the process to perfection. The end result is that all the photos work together in a manner that tells a cohesive story.  I throughly enjoyed working with DDL, he was very knowledgeable but also very easy to work with! Further, DDL offered me his insight on a number of things during the process and his perspective was dead on. I highly recommend DDL and can't wait to work with him again.

**★★★★★ — Tierney Conner Architecture, Jan. 2016**

> David is a very thoughtful and experienced architectural photographer. He has captured several of our projects in the San Francisco Bay Area and always brings a sense of ease, calm and focused attention to the photo shoot. David's collaborative work style enables us to find the story behind each project. Having hired a number of other photographers in the past, what we like about David's photographs is the balanced use of natural light and current digital technology for a final image that is stunning. We highly recommend hiring David for your interiors, architecture or lifestyle projects.

**★★★★★ — Kelley Myerberg Interiors, Jan. 2016**

> David was very professional and brought years of experience to our photo shoot.  He is knowledgeable about the process, has an amazing eye and even helped me style each shot. He was able to shoot an entire house in one day without sacrificing quality - not an easy task! I was extremely satisfied with my photos and wouldn't hesitate to recommend him to others.

## Selected projects

- [Kitchens](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kitchens-pj-vj~1757659)
  - Location: San Francisco, CA
  - Photos: 24
  - Description: Here are a broad sampling of the transitional, contemporary and traditional kitchens. I am an interior photographer hired to photograph the best and award-winning kitchens in California and beyond. I work with designers, cabinet manufacturers and high-end appliance manufacturers to make the photos you see here. I like kitchens that are clean, inviting and become the heart of the home. I art direct and style the projects to give this feeling in the photos shown.
- [Fun with Blue](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/fun-with-blue-pj-vj~787379)
  - Location: Menlo Park, CA
  - Photos: 14
  - Description: Recently I have been seeing a lot of blue have a look. I am an interior and architectural photographer in California. My clients vary from paint manufactures, retail catalogers, interior designers and national magazines. Each day & week takes me to a new home and to a new shoot. When I look back at a few months of shooting I see decorating trends that are quite apparent, in this case, the rise of blue in home design. Please be inspired by these photos of blue rooms, blue walls, blue art, blue fl…
- [Rooms With Views](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/rooms-with-views-pj-vj~755739)
  - Location: San Francisco, CA
  - Photos: 5
  - Description: As a California-based interior and architectural photographer, I have the opportunity to shoot homes in amazing locations with captivating views. The true test of photographing an interior with a view is when the final photograph makes the interior design as captivating as what you see out the window. The final photo needs to feel natural filled with natural light. As the photographer, I can provide no information, contents or finishes about the spaces shown.
- [SF Decorator Showhouse](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sf-decorator-showhouse-pj-vj~1769234)
  - Location: San Francisco, CA
  - Photos: 12
  - Description: Each year I am privileged to be hired by some of San Francisco's best interior designers as I photograph their rooms in the San Francisco Decorator Showhouse. Have a look at these amazing designs.
- [CLASSIC COTTAGE](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/classic-cottage-pj-vj~68701)
  - Location: Mill Valley, CA
  - Photos: 20
  - Description: Significant Remodel, 2726 sq. ft. Interior Design by Benjamin Dhong, Photography by David Duncan Livingston
- [Cool Gray](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cool-gray-pj-vj~1413170)
  - Location: Belvedere Tiburon, CA
  - Photos: 21
  - Description: When approaching this spacious family home, it was crucial that we create spaces that brought the outdoors in. Marrying the husband’s organic sensibilities with the wife’s penchant for all things glam, Cool Gray is a modern family home perfect for intimate gatherings and relaxed family nights. Statement features include bespoke Trove wallpaper and a one-of-a-kind Swarovski crystal tree branch chandelier.
- [Modern Interiors](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-interiors-pj-vj~755790)
  - Location: San Francisco, CA
  - Photos: 12
  - Description: I am a California-based photographer of modern interior architecture and interior design. My photography clients are magazines, book publishers, designers and architects each seeking my experience to mindfully photograph a home in a natural and graphic way. When composing my photos I look to frame the way the volumes in the space come together, show the details and the materials of the space. I work in a collaborative nature seeking an inviting blend of architecture and furnishings. As the photo…
- [Glen Ellen Retreat:  Full Home Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/glen-ellen-retreat-full-home-remodel-pj-vj~379055)
  - Location: Glen Ellen, CA
  - Photos: 16
  - Description: Full Residence Remodel in Glen Ellen, CA consisting of great room, kitchen, bathroom, master bedroom, master bathroom, guest bedrooms, & exterior back patio.
- [Dina Moragbine Hotel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/dina-moragbine-hotel-pj-vj~1774375)
  - Location: Kailua-Kona, HI
  - Photos: 18
  - Description: Fresh resort and hotel photography needs to feel escapist and welcoming. Not too stiff, not too stylized, the photos should have a real feeling and make you want to be there. Here is a boutique hotel in the tropics that I photographed and art directed the photography.
- [John K. Anderson](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/john-k-anderson-pj-vj~907007)
  - Location: San Francisco, CA
  - Photos: 13
- [Butler Armsden Architect](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/butler-armsden-architect-pj-vj~20879)
  - Location: Saint Helena, CA
  - Photos: 12
  - Description: As the photographer I can provide no information, contents or finishes about the spaces shown.
- [High-Rise Interiors](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/high-rise-interiors-pj-vj~755468)
  - Location: San Francisco, CA
  - Photos: 6
  - Description: The vertical growth of San Francisco and Los Angles is taking form in high towers with many multi-million dollar homes within each building. As a photographer of these spaces, I have special considerations I address in capturing the kind of photos you see here. Many of these homes have small floor plans and lots of reflective glass, in my photos I seek to minimize the distortion of the wide lens and be mindful of how the views outside are shown. As the photographer, I can provide no information,…
- [San Francisco Decorator Showcase](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/san-francisco-decorator-showcase-pj-vj~2611315)
  - Location: San Francisco, CA
  - Photos: 9
- [Kentfield Classic](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kentfield-classic-pj-vj~2849941)
  - Location: Kentfield, CA
  - Photos: 29
  - Description: Full renovation, interior architecture, and decoration for a historic residence in Kentfield, California. This project was featured in Traditional Home magazine. Designed while at Wendy Posard & Associates and project team included CDK Builders (General Contractor) and Simmonds & Associates (Landscape Architecture). Photographed by David Duncan Livingston.
- [Ski Homes](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ski-homes-pj-vj~1136848)
  - Location: Truckee, CA
  - Photos: 92
- [Ski Chalet](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ski-chalet-pj-vj~1136755)
  - Location: Truckee, CA
  - Photos: 59
- [Instagram Details](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/instagram-details-pj-vj~878057)
  - Location: San Francisco, CA
  - Photos: 17
  - Description: Effective Instagram marketing is almost anti-marketing. The best results on Instagram come from a strong visual point of view that you develop and share with a group of followers. Do not try to sell, just show enticing moments. Little glimpses, some randomness, not too slick. Have fun. Crop your photos in a nicely framed square. Here are some moments I have made to be shared on Instagram.
- [Vignette Interiors](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/vignette-interiors-pj-vj~775033)
  - Location: Palo Alto, CA
  - Photos: 45
  - Description: As a photographer for high-end interior designers many of my most exceptional projects can not be shown on Houzz. Here are some details and vignettes of some projects I have recently photographed. Designers and magazine art directors use these photos along with the main room photos to flesh out a two page spread. These little details help show the design felling of the respective spaces. I can not provide information about the objects, furnishings or designers shown in these photos. Use these ph…
- [Family Game Room](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/family-game-room-pj-vj~2523231)
  - Location: Diablo, CA
  - Photos: 5
- [Shingle Style Casual](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/shingle-style-casual-pj-vj~888102)
  - Location: Ross, CA
  - Photos: 10
  - Description: A wonderful home in Ross, CA with classic shingle details and a soft welcoming interior. White linen slipcovered furniture is timeless and family friendly. The photos here are art directed, styled and photographed by David Livingston for the homeowner.

[See all 44 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/photographers/david-duncan-livingston-pfvwus-pf~1451313848)

## Ideabooks

- [New Kitchen Photography](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/119262470/list/new-kitchen-photography) — 25 ideas
- [Photographing Traditional Interiors](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/32722913/list/photographing-traditional-interiors) — 5 ideas
- [Photographing Modern Interiors](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/32722648/list/photographing-modern-interiors) — 15 ideas
- [Great Interior Decorating Photography](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/32722744/list/great-interior-decorating-photography) — 7 ideas
- [How to Compose Your Shot for Stunning Home Photography](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/15218773/list/how-to-compose-your-shot-for-stunning-home-photography) — 9 ideas
- [Pro Secrets for Taking Fantastic Travel Photos With Your Phone](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/9626788/list/pro-secrets-for-taking-fantastic-travel-photos-with-your-phone) — 14 ideas
- [Meet 4 Basic Types of Home Photographers](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/6884049/list/meet-4-basic-types-of-home-photographers) — 8 ideas
- [Take Great Home Photos the Easy Way — 5 Tips From a Pro](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/5170769/list/take-great-home-photos-the-easy-way-5-tips-from-a-pro) — 11 ideas
- [7 Pro Lighting Tips for Budding Home Photographers](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/15218826/list/7-pro-lighting-tips-for-budding-home-photographers) — 7 ideas

[See all 9 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/davidduncanlivingston)

## Community Q&A

**Q: Wall paper in bath** *(in Photo Questions)*

The patterned wallpaper in en-suite/powder room looks great. Does wallpaper require any special treatment to use in wet area like powder room?

A: Use vinyl wallpaper and keep the seams away from the water areas.

**Q: Love the watery tile** *(in Photo Questions)*

Can you tell me if the cabinets are grey or white? Thank you!

A: Gray.

**Q: What color is the wall?** *(in Photo Questions)*

A: custom color

**Q: Beautiful cabinetry!  Can you tell me if the range has a down-draft ve** *(in Photo Questions)*

A: No.

**Q: Would you happen to know the brand and style of the kitchen faucet?** *(in Photo Questions)*

The kitchen faucet, would you happen to know the brand and style?

A: No.

**Q: Love the white framed mirror. Where is it from?  thanks!** *(in Photo Questions)*

A: Custom.

---

*Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-25.*
