Building the Apiary Venue at Kelly Tareski Photography

The Apiary is one of the handcrafted outdoor settings on the Kelly Tareski Photography property in Nine Mile Falls near Spokane. We built it with post-frame construction, weathered materials, and vintage details to create a rustic setting that also functions as part of our working property.

Choosing a Location for the Apiary

The first step was finding a location that made sense for the bees, the property, and photography. We wanted sunlight, some protection from strong wind, reasonable access, and enough separation that the setting could work naturally within the landscape.

Reclaimed Materials and a Vintage Barn Look

My husband and I regularly look for authentic pieces we can reuse around the property. For the Apiary, weathered wood and vintage metal details helped establish the barn-inspired character we wanted. Reclaimed pieces bring age and texture that are difficult to reproduce with brand-new decorative materials.

Building the Structure

Post-frame construction gave us a sturdy, open structure that fit the visual style of the property. As the posts and beams went up, we could shape the Apiary around both its practical use and the camera angles that might make sense for future portrait sessions.

Finishing details such as wood tones, lantern-style accents, and surrounding plants helped the Apiary feel like part of the property rather than a temporary photo backdrop.

A Working Home for Honey Bees

The Apiary is also a real working bee area, not simply a themed set. That means portrait use has to respect the current conditions, the bees, the season, and the practical needs of the property.

When the setting is appropriate for a session, the weathered wood, barn-inspired structure, and surrounding landscape can add rustic texture without requiring us to leave the KTP property.

Using the Apiary in a Portrait Session

The Apiary can be discussed during session planning when its look fits the portrait concept. Families, seniors, couples, branding clients, and other portrait clients may use nearby areas or the Apiary setting depending on current conditions and availability.

If you are interested in this setting, contact Kelly Tareski Photography to discuss current venue availability and session planning.