Stepping Back Into the Studio for a New Year
There’s something about the first portrait sessions of a new year that feels like turning a page. The energy is different, fresh, curious, full of possibility. As a Milwaukee portrait photographer, I love that moment when the studio lights warm up, the music starts, and I get to create again with new ideas and new people.
2026 began exactly the way I hoped it would: with expressive, creative portraits and clients who came ready to explore something new. This blog is a little peek behind the scenes of those first sessions — the moments that inspired me, challenged me, and set the tone for everything I want this year to look like.
Why These Early Sessions Matter
The first sessions of the year always teach me something. They help me reset, refocus, and reconnect with why I love this work so much. It’s not just about producing images, it’s about building experiences that feel personal and intentional.
Clients often walk in with a mix of nerves and excitement, and that energy reminds me how important creative portraits are. They’re not just photos for a website or social media. They’re expressions of identity. They’re snapshots of who someone is at this moment in their life.
And starting the year documenting those moments feels meaningful like everything that comes next will build from this foundation.
What Went On Behind the Scenes This Month
One of my favorite moments from the first week of sessions was when a client walked in with absolutely no idea what they wanted. They just said, “I want to feel like myself in the photos.” That was enough. We built a concept together on the spot, soft lighting, warm tones, natural movement, and the images ended up being some of my early favorites of 2026.
Another session took the opposite route: bold color, dramatic shadows, and a wardrobe that felt like it stepped out of an editorial spread. Watching someone light up when they see themselves that way; powerful, expressive, and a little fearless. This is exactly why creative portraiture is so special.
Behind the camera, I experimented with new lighting setups, lens choices, and color palettes. I wanted to push myself creatively without losing the honesty that defines my work. Some ideas worked beautifully. Some didn’t. But that’s part of the fun, every session teaches me something new.
There were quiet moments, too. Pauses between shots where someone’s expression softened and the real version of them came forward. Those are the frames I’m always chasing.
Each session felt different, but they all shared the same heartbeat: connection, curiosity, and trust.
Why This Matters for You
If you’re considering booking a creative portrait session this year, these early shoots are a great example of what your experience might feel like.
You don’t need a perfectly curated mood board. You don’t need to pose like a model. You don’t even need to know what you want at the start.
Your session can be bold or soft, colorful or minimal, structured or spontaneous. My job is to guide you, read the room, and help your personality shape the final images.
These first 2026 sessions reminded me that the best portraits come from collaboration — not perfection.
What It’s Like to Work With Me This Year
This year, I’m leaning even more into creative direction and studio storytelling. That means:
• exploring new lighting styles
• building concepts that reflect your personality
• taking time to understand who you are
• creating an environment where you can relax and express yourself
• giving gentle guidance instead of stiff posing
The studio is a safe, creative space. I want you to feel comfortable enough to try things, laugh, move, settle into yourself, and trust the process.
My Milwaukee studio portraits this year will be all about intention and expression — portraits that feel like you, but elevated.
A Little Encouragement as You Start Your Year
If you’ve been feeling the pull to refresh your portraits this year for your brand, for your creativity, or just for yourself consider this your sign.
You don’t need a special occasion. You don’t need a perfect plan. You just need the desire to explore a new version of yourself or celebrate the current one.
Creative portraits can shift how you see yourself. They can build confidence, spark excitement, and remind you that your story is worth capturing.
Let’s Create Something New This Year
If you’re ready to start 2026 with expressive, personal, creative portraits, I’d love to photograph you.
I’m currently booking Milwaukee studio portrait sessions for the upcoming months. Whether you want bold color, soft emotion, or something entirely new, we’ll build it together.
