Photographing Media.Monks’ Bold Workspace in Los Angeles
Inside a Creative Agency: Capturing the Creative Pulse of a Global Agency’s Los Angeles Office
Photography has the power to capture more than what we see. It can express how a space feels. The mood, the energy, the culture that exists within its walls. That’s especially true when photographing creative environments, where design, movement, and brand identity are all brought together in harmony. How do you create a space that can keep up with that kind of momentum? And more importantly, how do you capture it?
Well, as a former employee and someone who experienced the day-to-day energy of MediaMonks LA firsthand, allow me to show you.
A Space Designed for Energy and Impact
From the moment you step inside MediaMonks LA, you're met with a design that’s anything but conventional. The architecture immediately commands your attention with a massive, winding staircase that spirals toward the ceiling like a sculptural centerpiece. It draws your eye upward toward a skylight that floods the space with natural light, and just beside it, a bold lightning bolt mural climbs the wall, melding seamlessly into the light above. It’s kinetic, dramatic, and unmistakably MediaMonks.
Even before stepping inside, the vibe is clear. The parking lot itself sets the tone: there’s a basketball hoop standing tall, paired with a custom-branded MediaMonks basketball. Simple, fun, and symbolic of the playful team culture within. It’s the kind of touch that makes you smile, even before you walk through the door.
Around the back of the building, a private patio offers a change of pace, a calm outdoor zone with plenty of seating for team lunches, impromptu meetings, or quiet solo breaks. A bright yellow-painted staircase climbs one side, boldly contrasting the building’s sleek black exterior. It’s the kind of visual pop you don’t forget, and exactly the kind of energy that’s infused into the agency’s work.
But all these design elements aren’t just for show. They’re a reflection of how MediaMonks operates: creative energy always in motion, ideas lighting up from every direction, and this space supports that flow.
Photographing a Place I Knew Inside and Out
When I was still working at MediaMonks as a creative lead, I had the opportunity to photograph the office during quieter moments. Being immersed in the space on a daily basis gave me an insider’s perspective, one that allowed me to see not just how the space looked, but how it lived. I knew how the sun moved across the floors, where the natural energy of the office gathered, and which details mattered most to the people working there.
Even though I’m no longer part of the team, looking back on the images reminds me of everything the space embodied: boldness, collaboration, and creative momentum.
Because I was so familiar with the environment, I approached the shoot in two phases. The first took place during off-hours, capturing the architecture and interior design in its purest form. Showcasing clean lines, intentional lighting, and design details that often go unnoticed in the bustle of daily activity. The second phase happened during a regular workday, when the space came alive. People collaborating in the café nook, walking the iconic staircase, scribbling ideas across whiteboards in the glass-walled conference room, it all gave the photos a heartbeat.
Those “lived-in” moments were essential. They brought the space to life in a way that design alone couldn’t. Because this wasn’t just a beautifully constructed office, it was a place where world-class creative work was being dreamed up and brought to life.
Storytelling Through Design
My photography style has always been rooted in storytelling. For this shoot, I wasn’t just photographing desks and walls, I was highlighting intention. Everything in the office, from the way the light hits a raw concrete pillar to the texture of the upholstery in a lounge area, was designed with purpose. And I wanted every photo to reflect that.
Here’s what I focused on:
Natural Light: The building’s large windows and skylight create constantly shifting lighting conditions throughout the day. I leaned into that rhythm, using the soft morning tones and golden-hour glows to really evoke the mood and atmosphere. (There was even an Instagram account at one point, entirely dedicated to the sunsets seen from the windows, and for good reason.)
Textures and Materials: The contrast between industrial and soft, exposed concrete, warm wood, brushed metal, glass, and plush fabrics and cushions, the space is both structure and comfort. I highlighted those layers to show the thoughtfulness that was put behind every tiny detail.
Composition: Wide shots captured the scale and drama of the architecture, while tight frames zoomed in on the tiny details. The jagged corners of the staircase railing and the way the different murals throughout the office gave every room its own unique personality.
Life in Motion: Capturing people working, laughing, collaborating, it added the human heartbeat. These weren’t staged moments. They were honest, candid scenes that showed what the space is truly built for: creativity in action.
This shoot was more than a documentation of a cool office, it was a way to capture the spirit of a creative powerhouse through the lens of someone who understood its pace, people, and purpose.
Some of the images from this shoot were later published in Adformatie, a leading Dutch magazine focused on advertising, media, and marketing. It was an honor to see the visuals featured in a publication that celebrates creative industry excellence.
Behind the Lens: My Office Photography Process
Working inside an active office requires sensitivity and efficiency. Here’s how I approach it:
Creative Discovery: We talk through brand values, design elements, and usage goals.
Shoot Planning: Scheduling around peak activity to get both quiet and lively moments.
Styling and Prep: Small tweaks make a big difference, organizing cables, removing clutter, and perfecting sightlines.
Shooting: Balancing natural and artificial light to match your brand tone.
Editing: Final delivery includes both high-res and web-ready versions, all carefully color-graded.
I bring the same level of attention whether I’m working with a startup in Venice Beach or a global agency downtown.
Interior Photography That Feels Real
For me, the goal is never to make your office look like something it's not. I want the final images to feel authentic to who you are. That means embracing the creative chaos, the clean lines, the personal touches, whatever makes your brand yours.
With MediaMonks, that meant honoring both the architectural drama of the space and the collaborative culture that fills it daily. From the dramatic staircase to the quiet lounge corners, every photo was composed to echo the agency’s creative spirit.
Commercial Photography Services in Los Angeles
If you're a business looking to capture the heart of your space, I offer:
Creative office photography
Environment and workspace storytelling
Lifestyle team imagery
Branded content for digital and print
I’m based in Encino, CA, and serve creative businesses across Los Angeles, from Santa Monica to Studio City, West Hollywood to DTLA. Whether you're launching a new location or refreshing your online presence, I’d love to help.
Let’s Tell the Story of Your Space
Your office is more than four walls, it’s a story waiting to be told. Whether it’s through a bold staircase, a glowing mural, or the quiet collaboration of your team, I’ll help you bring that story to life.
