Capturing New Beginnings: Paul & Jackie’s Creative Experience at Colman Commons
When filmmaker and photographer Paul Sanders walked into Colman Commons with his wife Jackie, he wasn’t just planning a photo shoot—he was helping her launch a new chapter.
Paul, the founder and owner of Gravity Proof Media, is a true end-to-end creative: cinematographer, photographer, producer, director, and editor. Known in some circles as Buff Rogers, he’s spent years behind the lens telling powerful stories. This time, the story was close to home.
Supporting a Major Career Shift
Jackie recently earned her real estate license after a long and successful run in the fitness industry and as a collegiate athlete. Stepping into real estate is a major shift, and Paul wanted to make sure she entered this new field with intention—and powerful visuals.
His goal: create a bank of high-quality content for Jackie, from portraits to lifestyle imagery that reflects her personality, professionalism, and energy. That meant finding a space that could match her moment.
Colman Commons immediately came to mind.
Why Colman Commons?
Paul had visited Colman Commons before and remembered not just the beautiful space, but the warm welcome he’d received.
Walking through the building, he saw a creative playground:
Multiple rooms with distinct vibes that could double as different “locations”
A quiet, focused environment in the heart of downtown Seattle
A space that feels rooted in community, not just commerce
For a content creator, that combination is gold. For a couple building a new chapter together, it was exactly what they needed.
“We got to come to this one spot and have almost four different locations and not have to move too far to do that.” – Paul
From Studio to Streets: A Neighborhood as Backdrop
The shoot didn’t stop at the studio doors.
After capturing scenes inside Colman Commons, Paul and Jackie stepped outside to explore the surrounding neighborhood. The streets around the space are rich with character and history—old buildings, textured surfaces, and the kind of architecture that tells its own story.
They found the perfect spot in a back alleyway with:
Exposed red brick
Variations in brick color and detail
Classic fire escapes zig-zagging across the backdrop
These elements gave Jackie’s photos a timeless, urban feel—professional, grounded, and authentically Seattle.
A Welcoming Team That Knows Creatives
For Paul, the physical space was only half the story. The staff experience at Colman Commons made all the difference.
He recalls being welcomed in, given full access to the space, and then trusted to do what he does best: create.
“They made it easy. It was a warm welcome. The whole space was open to me… Ashley let me know if I needed anything, I could call on her—then she left me alone to do my thing, which I love.”
Ashleigh, part of the Colman Commons team, played a quiet but crucial role. When Paul and Jackie wanted to capture a celebratory moment—Jackie popping a bottle to mark her new real estate license—they realized they didn’t have one.
Ashleigh did.
From the green room to the small details that support a successful shoot, she made sure they had what they needed. That kind of support doesn’t just make good photos—it creates a good experience.
A Space for Creatives, Professionals, and Community
Paul’s final reflections on Colman Commons speak to what we strive to be: a space where creativity, professionalism, and community come together.
He describes Colman Commons as the ideal place if you’re looking for:
A quiet, creative space in downtown Seattle
Multiple looks and environments without traveling all over the city
A team that understands the needs of creators and entrepreneurs
A location where your work also supports local community members
“If you want a quiet space in the downtown Seattle area to really be creative and utilize a good space with a lot of variations of scenery, come here. Don’t go anywhere else. Support community. Support Ashley. Support O. These are the things we need to do to uplift each other and make sure we’re uplifting community as well.”
Uplifting Stories, Building Futures
Paul and Jackie’s shoot at Colman Commons wasn’t just about beautiful images—it was about honoring a transition, investing in a dream, and doing it in a place that reflects the values of support, creativity, and community uplift.
We’re grateful to have been part of this moment for their family and excited to see where Jackie’s real estate journey leads.
If you’re a:
Creator looking for versatile backdrops,
Entrepreneur building your brand, or
Community member seeking a professional, welcoming space in downtown Seattle,
Colman Commons is here for you.
