Portrait Session - Shiloh
PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY | LOCATION PHOTOGRAPHY | SENIOR PHOTOS
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A Break from the Studio: Senior Portraits Between Projects
Most of my days lately are spent in the studio surrounded by lights, seamless backdrops, and products lined up for the camera. With a large, long-term product photography project currently in motion, I’ve been busy shooting hundreds of items for 360° spins and e-commerce listings. It’s detailed, technical work—and I enjoy it—but every so often, it’s refreshing to step away from the turntable and spend time photographing people.
Recently, I had the chance to do just that with a senior portrait session for the daughter of a family friend. While I don’t typically advertise senior photos, I absolutely love working them in when my schedule allows. It’s a nice change of pace, and it reminds me of how much I enjoy the interaction that comes from photographing people. Portrait sessions like these feel alive in a way product photography doesn’t—there’s conversation, expression, personality, and collaboration happening in real time.
When I first met with Shiloh and her mom, she made a single request—half-jokingly—cows, and if possible, wanted them in her photos. I took that as a challenge. Ahead of time, and without letting her in on the plan, I made a couple of phone calls. And voilà—cows.
But not just any cows: Texas Longhorns. Shiloh was absolutely thrilled when we arrived, and she was even brave enough to step into the bullpens with me to take portraits alongside these incredible animals. It was the perfect touch to make the session uniquely hers.
I’ve always believed that photography should reflect the person in front of the lens, and I do my best to go above and beyond to make that happen. Whether it’s arranging a location that connects with their personality, or setting up a studio environment that makes a product shine, the goal is always the same: to create images that feel intentional, personal, and memorable.
That said, there’s an interesting connection between senior portraits and the commercial product work I do. Many of my product photography clients—especially those in industries like clothing, jewelry, and lifestyle brands—need images of people showcasing their products in authentic ways. Those sessions require the same portrait skills: knowing how to work with natural expression, adjusting posing, and capturing images that feel both polished and personal.
This senior photo session was the perfect reminder of that overlap. It also gave me a chance to deliver images that both celebrate a milestone and stand as portraits that will be enjoyed for years to come.
You can see a few of images from the session in the gallery above. And if you’re interested in how portrait work ties into brand storytelling, take a look at my lifestyle product photography page, where I share more about that side of my work. As always, feel free to connect with me for upcoming projects, or just to say “hey!”., =)
Scope of Work
Portrait Photography
Location Photography
Fashion Photography
Photo Editing
Senior Photography
Cow Wrangling
Details
Camera - Sony A7RV
Lenses - 50mm f1.4, 16-35mm f2.8, 70-200mm f2.8
Edited In - Adobe Lightroom, Adobe Photoshop, Capture One
Photographer
Project Location
Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Client Info
WITHHELD
