
Capturing Culture & Creativity:
My Photography Blog - Explore recent projects, photography tips, and behind-the-scenes insights as I use photography to share my culture and uplift Native stories, voices, artists, and more.
Behind the Scenes: Earth the Workshop by Cara Mia
Behind the scenes of Earth the Workshop felt like stepping into a living mood board, where every creative poured their heart into bringing a vision to life! Here’s a peek at the magic that happens when community, creativity, and intention meet.
Art Department for Chamber Media’s Holiday Commercials
Working with Chamber Media again felt like coming full circle. I handled the art department for a series of holiday commercials, balancing high-end resort aesthetics with budget-friendly set design. From Christmas to Valentine’s Day, each detail was chosen for impact without being over the top.
Courage at the First-Ever Lone Peak Film Festival
Attending the first Lone Peak Film Festival with Courage was unforgettable. I not only learned and connected with other storytellers but also discovered family ties, enjoyed powerful films, and felt surrounded by love and support.
Senior Puppy Portraits with Buck
Before Buck’s passing, I had the honor of capturing senior puppy portraits for him and his owner, Audrey. From cuddles on a blanket to quiet moments in the park, the session was filled with love and tenderness. Photography is powerful in moments like these, preserving the bond we share with our pets long after they’re gone.
Photographing the Debut of Courage at Jon Batiste’s Salt Lake City Concert
Abraham Thomas opened Jon Batiste’s Salt Lake City concert with the first live performance of Courage, the song from our short film. And I photographed both Abraham’s debut and Jon’s lively set, documenting a night filled with music and unforgettable moments!
Fashion Brand Photography for Peppermayo June 2025 by Emmerson Studios
When Peppermayo reached out to me for a brand photography collaboration, I was so happy to bring their June 2025 fashion collection to life with creative styling and editorial-level visuals. Here's how we told their story through stunning locations and scroll-stopping content.
Beauty, Bias, and the Need for Better Industry Standards
I joined makeup artist Heather Nitta in a bold fashion shoot that challenged Utah’s lack of diversity and age inclusion in the beauty world. We were later featured on ABC4 Utah to share the deeper message behind the campaign.
Lured InFashion Editorial with Marin | Shot at the Great Salt Lake
In the middle of the day under the harsh Utah sun, I used my portable flash to create studio-quality light outdoors for an editorial fashion shoot styled by Marin. Here's how I balanced natural light, portable gear, and creative vision for our dreamy series, “Lured In.”
A Rose Garden Wonderland: Editorial Shooting in Portland, Oregon
On a creative photography trip to Oregon, we captured whimsical, high-fashion moments in one of the most breathtaking rose gardens in the world. This is the behind-the-scenes of how it all came together.
The Fastest Photoshoot I’ve Ever Done… Inside a Las Vegas Casino
What do you get when you mix a vintage dress, a hidden flash, and a Vegas casino that doesn’t allow professional photography? The fastest, most chaotic, and surprisingly successful fashion shoot I’ve ever done. In this blog, I share how I pulled off a spontaneous 15-minute photoshoot with my model friend Gloria, dodging security while chasing grungy-glam shots in the heart of the Strip.
Honoring our Traditions While Boldly Creating What’s Next | Photographing Utah Indigenous Fashion Week
Photographing Utah Indigenous Fashion Week 2025 was an unforgettable experience. From the stunning venue to the powerful designs on the runway, this event celebrated Indigenous identity, diversity, and artistry!
Creating a Cover Image with Violinist Angelica Salazar: Drama, Music, and Creativity
Check out the creative process behind a captivating photoshoot with violinist Angelica Salazar. Inspired by her music, we crafted a dramatic visual narrative filled with elegant poses, rich red tones, and flowing fabrics. See how creativity and collaboration brought this artistic vision to life.
It’s Not Lonely At the Top — A Rooftop Fashion Night with Alleyways Amplified
Alleyways Amplified has a way of curating events that feel intentional, elevated, and full of creative energy! Their latest fashion show, It’s Not Lonely At the Top, took place on the 41st floor of the Astra Tower in downtown Salt Lake City and the setting couldn’t have been more striking. Yes, it was chilly (very chilly—it is Utah spring, after all), but honestly, the cool air made the night feel even more dramatic in the best way. The dark sky, the glowing city skyline, and the open rooftop created such a stunning atmosphere. It was the kind of backdrop that makes everything feel cinematic.
A Stunning Lakeside Shoot with the Godox Pro100: My New Favorite Flash
This shoot by the lake was one of my favorites! Soft light, a red gel, and the peaceful energy that comes just after sunset. I worked with the sweetest model and a super talented makeup artist, and I brought along my Godox Pro100 flash to help capture it all. I’m obsessed with this flash!
Behind the Scenes of Courage – A Film Rooted in Heart, Culture, and Community
As the producer and behind-the-scenes photographer of Courage, I had the incredible opportunity to help bring this Indigenous-led short film to life from the ground up. From assembling a cast and crew rooted in Native talent to documenting the creative process on set, this project was a celebration of authentic storytelling, representation, and the collaborative effort it takes to create something truly meaningful behind the camera.
Teaching Set Design & Capturing BTS at the Dream Starter Native Youth Filmmaking Workshop
I had the incredible opportunity to document behind-the-scenes moments and teach about set design at the Dream Starter Native Youth Filmmaking Workshop in Utah County. Led by Al Groves and his daughter Dowawisnima Groves, this workshop focused on Indigenous youth learning the art of filmmaking. With filmmaker Adam Conte guiding them, the kids explored the many roles on a film set—learning that, just like in our Native communities, everyone has a role, and everyone contributes to the greater good of the project.
Behind the Scenes at Park City Fashion Week 2025
Working as a photographer for Park City Fashion Week 2025 during the Sundance Film Festival was an unforgettable experience. The runway show was filled with incredible talent—from designers and models to hair and makeup artists, producers, and an entire team working tirelessly to bring the vision to life. Seeing the energy and creativity behind the scenes was just as inspiring as the show itself.