Meta Lab’s arrival at the Wynn Las Vegas introduced something entirely new to the Strip  –  a space where technology, design, and retail innovation merge seamlessly. When I was commissioned to photograph the new Meta Lab pop-up, I immediately recognized it wasn’t just another retail assignment. The space represents the next generation of experiential shopping  –  where AI technology and immersive design converge to create something memorable. Capturing that intersection through photography required more than documenting interiors; it was about telling the story of innovation through imagery.

As a Las Vegas commercial photographer, I often work in environments that demand a balance between artistic composition and brand storytelling. This project required both. Meta Lab’s retail design invites exploration, with glowing surfaces, reflective installations, and clean architectural lines that reflect the brand’s forward-thinking ethos. Each image needed to communicate that sense of energy and movement while still maintaining clarity and elegance. That’s what makes retail photography such an interesting challenge  –  translating atmosphere into visuals that engage viewers and elevate a brand’s presence.

Photographing Innovation in Retail

What made this project so unique was Meta’s ability to blend technology and lifestyle in a way that felt approachable. The space featured displays for Ray-Ban Meta and Oakley Meta AI glasses  –  products that already redefine how people interact with the world around them. My goal was to mirror that futuristic tone through light, angles, and detail. Every shot was carefully composed to showcase how digital interactivity lives within a warm, high-end retail setting.

In brand photography, context is everything. The challenge lies in creating images that communicate not only what a space looks like but also how it feels to stand inside it. Photographing at the Wynn meant working with sophisticated lighting conditions  –  reflections from glass, dynamic displays, and shifting color tones from LED panels. The key was to embrace those variables and use them to shape the narrative. Controlled exposure, perspective, and composition allowed me to capture the clean lines and tech-forward aesthetic while preserving the mood that Meta intended visitors to experience.

Meta Lab design by De-Yan New York.

Balancing Design and Technology

Retail interiors like Meta Lab rely heavily on architectural precision. Every design element serves a dual purpose  –  function and storytelling. From the mirrored surfaces to the interactive demo stations, the environment invites curiosity. Photographing that meant focusing on both the architectural photography aspect and the retail brand identity.

Lighting played a critical role in shaping each frame. Reflections had to be managed carefully to preserve the sleek character of the environment without losing texture or contrast. The Wynn’s interior palette  –  sophisticated, minimal, and reflective  –  gave the photographs a cinematic tone. Working in a luxury retail environment also required timing each shot around the rhythm of the space, capturing the flow of natural foot traffic while highlighting key features like product displays and signage.

Projects like this remind me why retail photography and commercial photography are essential tools for brands redefining in-person experiences. Strong imagery helps translate a company’s vision into visuals that connect emotionally with potential customers.

Retail Photography as Brand Storytelling

Meta Lab represents more than a store  –  it’s a brand experiment in action. For photographers, these projects highlight how visuals contribute to shaping perception. Every lighting choice, lens angle, and composition becomes part of a larger brand message. When executed well, retail imagery doesn’t just promote products; it builds trust and identity.

Over the years, I’ve seen the same principle apply to other retail assignments  –  from luxury boutiques such as Rolex and Louis Vuitton to expansive retail flagships like Ashley Furniture at The Bend. Each space has its own rhythm, and effective photography captures that essence while supporting the marketing and advertising goals behind it. That’s where the value of brand photography becomes clear: it connects design, architecture, and emotion in a way words alone cannot.

For a brand like Meta, with its foundation in innovation and connection, the imagery needed to be dynamic but approachable  –  reflecting technology that feels human. Shooting at the Wynn provided that perfect visual contrast: cutting-edge design set against one of Las Vegas’s most refined luxury settings.

Reflections on the Project

Photographing Meta Lab was an opportunity to explore how modern retail spaces are evolving. As technology continues to shape shopping experiences, brands increasingly rely on photography to define their presence in both digital and physical spaces. Projects like this one show how commercial photographers play a role not just in documentation, but in interpretation  –  turning architecture, light, and experience into a visual narrative that reflects innovation.

The process also underscored how important collaboration is in commercial building photography. Working with designers, brand teams, and on-site managers ensures every frame aligns with the intended vision. It’s a blend of creative instinct and technical precision  –  much like the relationship between Meta’s hardware and the human experience it enhances.

I always find great satisfaction in documenting spaces that represent forward thinking. Meta Lab at the Wynn is one of those rare projects that connects innovation with design, and design with emotion. For brands aiming to capture that same synergy through photography, I’m available to collaborate on architectural, retail, and commercial building photography projects across Las Vegas and beyond.