That’s exactly what I felt the moment I connected with Riley Tomeny Myers to create headshots and a full team portrait for the incredible crew at Tomeny Best Injury Lawyers.

From the start, Riley had a vision: something authentic, something environmental—something that truly captured the spirit of their office. And if you know me, you know I live for that kind of creative challenge.

We began in a stunning executive boardroom—ornate, bold, and undeniably beautiful. The kind of space that makes a statement the second you walk in. But there was a twist: it was so visually rich, it risked overpowering the very people we were there to highlight.

So I pivoted.

With Riley’s full trust and creative freedom, I explored the space, chasing light, texture, and energy—until we landed on a backdrop that felt effortless, powerful, and uniquely them. The kind of setup you can’t plan… only discover.

And yes—every great office has its personality. In this case? An office pup who (whether they volunteered or not 😄) absolutely earned their moment in front of the camera.

But what truly sets this experience apart wasn’t the lighting, the composition, or even the final images.

It was the people.

Even as one of the leading injury law firms in Baton Rouge—and across Louisiana—the heart of this team is unmistakably rooted in family. You can feel it in the way Riley and Frank lead. You can see it in how the team shows up for one another. And you can’t miss it in how they welcomed me—like I’d been part of their story all along.

That’s the kind of energy I’m here for.

That’s the kind of story I want to tell.

If you’re building something real—something driven by passion, legacy, and people—I want to help you show it to the world.

Let’s create something unforgettable.

A national brand, America's Home Place, was planting roots here in Louisiana—bringing their vision of affordable, fully custom homes built directly on your land. They trusted me to capture the beginning of that journey, starting with their very first office on O’Neal Lane.

Fast forward to today… those visions are no longer blueprints—they’re real homes, filled with real stories.

As their exclusive photographer across the state, I’ve had the privilege of stepping inside these finished spaces, meeting homeowners, and seeing firsthand what thoughtful design truly looks like. Every home is different. Every layout tells a story. And every detail reflects a family that dreamed it into existence.

What stands out most? It’s how seamlessly these homes become part of the land they’re built on. Not just placed—but belonging. I’ve seen everything from uniquely tailored floor plans to private in-law suites that feel like they’ve always been part of the original design.

After touring their process and hearing directly from homeowners, I can honestly say—I’m impressed.

This isn’t just construction. It’s craftsmanship, collaboration, and care.

And for me? It’s been an incredible journey—traveling across Louisiana, capturing these moments, and watching dream homes come to life one frame at a time.

Can’t wait to see what we create next.

I didn’t either—until I had the opportunity to photograph an incredible evening right here in Baton Rouge. One of the most powerful moments of the night came from hearing Katie share her story. She was the first person to receive a groundbreaking treatment in Chicago—and today, after a Type 1 diagnosis, she no longer requires insulin.

Let that sink in for a second.

Moments like that shift a room. You could feel it—hope, disbelief, gratitude—all wrapped into one.

Recently, I was invited to photograph a private breakfast hosted by the Louisiana Nursery Association ahead of the Legislative Session downtown Baton Rouge—held at the residence of Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser. From the moment I stepped into the space, I knew this wasn’t just another event. It was something special.

The setting itself was unforgettable. A warm, inviting environment filled with character and intention, surrounded by carefully curated artwork that told its own story. One piece in particular stood out—a rare and uniquely expressive Blue Dog painting by George Rodrigue. It was one of those details that quietly sets the tone, blending Louisiana culture, history, and identity into the experience.

But as beautiful as the space was, the real energy came from the people.

As the morning unfolded, the room began to shift. Conversations sparked. Handshakes turned into meaningful dialogue. And one by one, key leaders and decision-makers entered the space—individuals whose influence will shape the future of our state.

There’s something powerful about witnessing those moments up close.

As a photographer, my role goes beyond simply documenting what’s happening. It’s about recognizing the subtle interactions—the unspoken understanding between people, the authenticity in a conversation, the small gestures that carry weight. These are the moments that can’t be staged or recreated. They exist for a fraction of a second, and then they’re gone.

That’s where I come in.

Capturing those genuine connections, preserving the energy of the room, and telling the story as it naturally unfolds—that’s what drives me. It’s not just about photos. It’s about creating a visual record of moments that matter.

Opportunities like this aren’t something I take lightly.

Being trusted in rooms where conversations carry real impact is both an honor and a responsibility. It’s a reminder that photography isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about access, trust, and the ability to document history as it’s happening.

And this is exactly the kind of work I’m passionate about.

Real moments. Real people. Real impact.

I’m looking forward to continuing to capture events like these—where authenticity leads, and every frame tells a story worth remembering.

It’s something that often gets overlooked when planning growth—but it’s one of the most powerful stories a brand can tell.

Recently, I had the privilege of photographing a business that has embodied this value for decades. I received a call from James Fox-Smith of Country Roads Magazine with another opportunity to collaborate, and when he told me I’d be photographing The Bank of St. Francisville, my heart absolutely leapt.

When I moved to Louisiana in 2007, I fell in love with St. Francisville on my very first visit. It became my escape from the hustle of New Orleans during the years I lived there. Back then, the town was quieter—New Roads was only accessible by ferry, and life moved at a slower pace.

But there was a vision.

The leadership of The Bank of St. Francisville believed in a quaint Southern town with room for visitors, artists, entrepreneurs, and families to truly plant roots. Over the years, I’ve watched project after project come to life—many of them backed and supported by the Bank, not just financially, but personally.

Their leadership shows up. They check in. They ask how they can help. That kind of involvement isn’t taught in business school—it’s woven into the culture of a company from the inside out.

That’s the kind of business I strive to be.

I’m incredibly grateful for the generations of leadership that have poured into this community and impacted countless lives along the way. You can see their story featured in this month’s issue of Country Roads Magazine.

If your business has a story—one rooted in community, values, and purpose—I’d love to help you tell it.

📸 Now booking brand, editorial, and commercial photography sessions for businesses who want their impact to be seen, not just stated.

Click the button below and lets chat!

The founder and CEO, Dave Roberts, has been featured in numerous articles and has received awards and recognition, both in Baton Rouge and nationwide. Their employees travel across multiple states, which makes coordinating logistics for all department heads to be in one location for a simple headshot quite challenging.

Fortunately, their staff was amazing! I scheduled three sessions over three weeks, and they handled everything else. We successfully captured brand-new, studio-quality headshots for 23 of their employees right in their training room at the Baton Rouge headquarters!

This setup is precisely what my mobile headshot solution is designed for—businesses like Excel that need new photos without the hassle and inconvenience of sending staff to a separate location like a studio.

I am grateful for leaders like Dave, who understand the value of investing locally in a vibrant market like Baton Rouge. It is individuals with a commitment like his that make our community so wonderful! I look forward to seeing the great work that Excel continues to do in Louisiana and beyond!

If you could use updated professional headshots to bring your marketing to the next level then lets talk!

The truth is, none of this would have been possible without you — the people reading these words right now. Your support, encouragement, referrals, and even the time you take to open and read these emails mean more than I can put into words.

Thank you for allowing me to share a little piece of my heart here, and for being part of this journey with me. I’m incredibly grateful for each and every one of you, and I can’t wait to see what the next year brings for all of us.

2025 Highlights

As we wrap up another incredible year, I just want to take a moment to say thank you. Being able to serve businesses, families, and organizations here in Baton Rouge truly means the world to me.

This past year has been full of exciting opportunities, including being featured in publications like Country Roads Magazine, Baton Rouge Business Insider, 225 Magazine, Billboard – Exceptional Dentistry, and Bowlers Journal International Magazine. Seeing local and national brands trust me with their stories is something I don’t take lightly.

Behind the scenes, we’ve stayed busy too — with 100+ headshots, 45 real estate and property shoots, commercial events, weddings, and branding and marketing sessions that help businesses show up confidently and authentically.

And to top it all off, we’ve been nominated once again for Best of Baton Rouge 2026 🎉 Voting starts January 5th here, and any vote would truly be appreciated. Your support — whether through a vote, a referral, or simply sharing my work — means more than you know.

As we look ahead, I’m genuinely excited to continue serving the Baton Rouge community in the year ahead and beyond. If you’ve been thinking about updating your headshots, refreshing your brand visuals, or planning something special, I’d love to connect. Let’s schedule a quick call and see how I can help in 2026.

Here’s to another year of growth, creativity, and telling beautiful stories together.

Over the years, I’ve been asked everything:

“Do you shoot family photos?”
“What about graduation pictures?”
“Can we bring the dog?”

And while the short answer is usually yes, the longer answer is where it gets meaningful.

I think of these sessions less as a type of photography and more as a philosophy. That’s the heart behind what I call a lifestyle session.

Lifestyle photography goes deeper than a backdrop, a pose, or a perfectly chosen outfit. It’s about who you are. Your personality. Your energy. The way you interact with the people you love. The way you move through the world. All of that is part of your story—and that story deserves to be captured honestly.

That’s why lifestyle sessions aren’t just for business owners looking for relaxed branding images (though they’re perfect for that). They’re just as powerful for families who want photos that feel real—not forced.

Instead of stiff poses and constant direction, I focus on giving families the freedom to be themselves. I learned a long time ago that kids especially thrive when they’re allowed just to be kids. When that happens, the moments we capture are genuine—and those are the photos that last.

A Baton Rouge Story Close to My Heart

This came alive beautifully during a recent session with Liz and her family.

I first met Liz when she needed a professional headshot for a big moment—accepting the role of CEO of the Baton Rouge Food Bank. Recently, she reached out again, this time for something very different: photos for her family’s holiday card.

We talked through the look she wanted, picked a time and location, and spent about 30 relaxed minutes together—nothing complicated, nothing rushed.

And something amazing happened.

Evans, who I learned is usually camera-shy, was the first one climbing trees, doing backflips, and asking me to capture him and his dad just playing around. No pressure. No “say cheese.” Just real life unfolding in front of the camera.

That’s the goal of every lifestyle session:
to capture you—your family, your connection, your unique identity—right here, right now.

Because if there’s one thing I know for sure, it’s this: families change fast. Mine looks different than it did last month, and completely different than it did a few years ago. These moments don’t last—but photographs help us hold onto them.

If you’re in Baton Rouge and want images that feel natural, meaningful, and true to who you are, I’d love to spend some time creating a lifestyle session you’ll treasure for years to come.

These Moments Don’t Last—Photos Do

If you’re anything like me, you already know how fast it all goes. Your family today won’t look the same next year. Kids grow, personalities change, and seasons of life pass quicker than we ever expect.

That’s why these photos matter.

They’re not just for holiday cards or social media. They’re for the years down the road—when you want to remember this version of your family.

Ready to Capture Your Family As They Truly Are?

If you’re in Baton Rouge or the surrounding area and you’ve been thinking,
“We really need family photos,”
but want something that feels natural, relaxed, and meaningful…

👉 Let’s make it happen.

Lifestyle family sessions are simple, stress-free, and designed to let your family be exactly who they are. No pressure. No forced posing. Just real moments you’ll treasure for a lifetime.

Your future self (and your kids) will thank you.

Recently, I’ve been having conversations with local families, professionals, and business owners who are all saying the same thing:

They’re tired of the façade. They want something genuine. Something that lasts.

I’ve been feeling that too.

After years of commercial work and efficiency-focused systems, I realized that the very tools making my business more productive were slowly draining the joy out of creating. One moment brought that into focus: a longtime client shared a beautiful piece of content, and I assumed it must have taken hours. Instead, she took a single photo, wrote a short script, and AI handled everything else.

That moment reminded me why I fell in love with photography in the first place.

Photography became meaningful to me long before I owned a business or understood marketing. It started when I found an old Minolta SRT101 with my grandfather at a camera expo. He’d grown up with a darkroom. He handed me lenses like they were family heirlooms. I learned film through patience, intention, and craft. I learned that a photograph could hold emotion. I learned that a real moment could last for generations.

Today, that matters more than ever.

What is an Anti-AI Session?

• Natural-light portrait session at the location of your choice

• Individuals, families, couples, and business branding welcome

• One roll of film, intentionally shot with care (about 30 exposures)

• Professionally developed by Louisiana’s only dedicated film lab in Hammond

• Delivered directly to you as physical prints, plus digital scans for sharing

• No computer editing, retouching, or artificial corrections

Why Film?

Film forces us to slow down. It asks us to be present. It captures how you actually looked, felt, and existed in that moment — not a retouched version created for trends or algorithms.

This is photography that leaves a legacy. Something your children or grandchildren could hold decades from now. Something that isn’t replaceable.

Interested?

If this resonates with you, simply reply to this email with “Interested.” I’ll send details and answer any questions, without commitment.

I’ll dust off these old cameras, and we can create together!

-Jonathan

To be honest, I started my photography business because I love photography. Ever since I could hold a camera, I’ve had one. From developing disposable cameras to 110, 35mm, DSLR, and even my beloved Sony Alpha Mirrorless! As I progressed, the equipment got more expensive. Eventually, more and more people wanted me to take their photos, so I knew I had to start my own business and do things right.

Guess what? I absolutely LOVE being a small business owner right here in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Running the business is almost as fun as photography itself! It’s true that when you love what you do, you don’t work a day in your life.

I’ve spent years refining my business processes and systems to create the most wonderful experience for you! Booking a session is super easy. It’s just a few clicks, a 15-minute chat, and you’re all set to book your own session at the time that works best for you!

EASY PEASY!

I know that as a busy business owner, you don’t have the time or patience to plan all the details of a photo session out. So, I ask a few questions to get an idea of your vision and current branding strategy. I create a vision board on Pinterest and plan the session around the intended mood of your marketing.

I’ve studied color theory and how it relates to branding and marketing in great detail. I even passed the Certified Professional Photographer test from the Professional Photographers Association. All these details and more go into my behind-the-scenes preparation of your session. 

Many people ask me what keeps me going year after year. Honestly, it doesn’t feel like nine years have passed. I wake up each morning determined to live up to my full potential as a photographer, business owner, and most importantly, an artist.

Photography is art, and it’s the way I’ve discovered the easiest way to express my soul. A picture is worth a thousand words, and a single image can convey so much. The joy and fulfillment I feel behind my camera are almost indescribable. I want to express my deepest gratitude to each and every one of you who have supported me throughout my journey. I couldn’t have achieved this without your unwavering encouragement.

There have been times when I’ve felt like giving up, but I knew that the breakthrough would come. I know that many of you reading this may be in a similar situation in your own small business endeavors. I want to urge you to keep igniting that passion that sparked your journey in the first place! You are not alone, and you don’t have to carry this burden on your own shoulders.

I would be delighted to connect with anyone who is willing to share their story.

I grew up watching my grandfather hand-draw blueprints on his glowing drafting table late at night, coffee in hand, the room dim but alive with creativity. That same man built a darkroom in his basement—one I got to see in action before eventually developing my own film in high school, where I officially fell in love with photography. He also had one of the most impressive vintage camera collections I’ve ever seen—one I still hope to rival someday.

My uncle, a professional landscape photographer in Yosemite, California, passed down to me much of the film gear I still use today. And my stepfather? He taught me how to build homes from the ground up, instilling a deep respect for craftsmanship and design—lessons I carry into every photoshoot.

Add to that my love for technology, entrepreneurship, and business branding—and it was only natural that I launched JD Silva Photography in 2017.

How Branding Found Me

Growing up in Cincinnati, I had a standing date with my grandma to visit the finest malls in the area. We didn’t just shop—we studied brands. I was drawn to the luxury storefronts, the way every element was curated to tell a story, create emotion, and leave an impression. Jewelry stores. Department stores. Coffee shops. Bookstores. Even my favorite local game shop—every space showed me that branding is about feeling, not just visuals.

That early fascination evolved into my favorite type of photography: Commercial Branding.

Who I’ve Worked With

Since launching my business, I’ve been lucky to work with:

• Aircraft Marketing

• Real Estate Teams

• Dental + Medical Offices

• Restaurants + Cafes

• Hospitals + Urgent Care Facilities

• LSU

• National Women’s Events

• Billboards, Magazines & International Publications

• Local Entrepreneurs across Louisiana

So far this year alone, I’ve photographed everything from groundbreaking ceremonies to billboard campaigns to feature spreads in the International Bowlers Journal—and of course, countless real estate listings and headshots.

Every project has been a reminder of the passion and hustle business owners bring to South Louisiana. I’m honored to help showcase that spirit through high-end, intentional photography.

Let’s Make 2025 Your Brand’s Best Year Yet

As we move into the second half of 2025, my calendar is filling up fast. And I want YOU—my loyal email community—to get first dibs before the remaining slots are gone.

If we’ve never worked together, it’s as easy as this:

1. Click “Book Now”

2. Schedule a free 5–10 minute phone call

3. I’ll get the details and draft a custom quote

That’s it — easy peasy.

📸 Let’s bring your brand to life with visuals that connect and convert.

When their longtime marketing director, Kathy, reached out to me about this year's plan to incorporate many of the advanced marketing services I offer, I was thrilled! I suspected they would want all the high-tech options available, even though very few people know about them!

We dedicated a whole day to shooting their new patient care rooms, capturing photos, videos, and even a Matterport tour. If you haven't heard of Matterport, it's an incredible tool that creates a 3D virtual tour. Not only does it elevate your listing, but the hospital plans to use it on their website, linking the spaces to Google Maps Street View!

Kathy mentioned something I didn’t believe until I conducted my own research after learning about their ideal demographic in the area. Having lived in the St. Francisville community for years, I knew the hospital’s demographic primarily consists of an older generation. To my surprise, the best way to reach them with a video advertisement is through a targeted Connected TV (CTV) campaign. Yes, I know it sounds technical, so let me break it down.

Connected TV (CTV) refers to any device—phone, tablet, or smart TV—that is online and streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Prime, and Peacock, among others. Unless you subscribe to premium, ad-free tiers, you will encounter ads at some point, usually 15 to 30 seconds long. So, our project commenced!

I sat down and outlined an entire year’s worth of projects we wanted for these ads. I've shot multiple clips throughout the year and will continue to do so regularly. WFPH has had me on retainer for their marketing needs for years, and since we've built a library of video clips, they can now create specific target ads quickly and cost-effectively, as every session is backed up on my server!

I wanted to share a preview of one of their CTV ads with you. Having an impactful ad that targets your exact audience is within reach! There are countless services available that can help you get this in front of your target audience with just a few clicks. If you feel uncomfortable handling it yourself and would like our team to assist, just let us know—we’ll make it happen!

Let’s be honest. There are many photographers in the Baton Rouge market, not to mention the amazing talent in New Orleans and the rest of the state. What can JD Silva Photography offer you that you can't find with other great artists on social media? I'm glad you asked! I’m Jonathan Silva, the founder and owner here. I don’t have a studio yet (but I’m building one at home), and I don’t have a fancy office.

What I provide is a highly focused and specialized service designed specifically for local businesses that require top-tier, high-quality marketing materials. It's essential to recognize that not every business requires advanced-level marketing. I often observe many of you producing incredible and creative content, which is both encouraging and a testament to how accessible and user-friendly photography tools have become in recent years. However, despite these advances, nothing truly replaces the value gained from more than ten years of dedicated practice and professional experience.

I specialize in high-end marketing and branding. I officially started my business in 2017, after years of being a hobbyist, and began offering a wide range of sessions. However, I soon learned that high-level branding is what inspires me the most. I enjoy telling stories through branding. I love sitting down with business owners to discuss their ideas and turning those visions into a branding strategy. From a young age, I have cared deeply about quality branding—things like materials, colors, mood, and overall aesthetics. This passion translates into my photography.

Over the years, I have trained myself to recreate various photography styles, which lets me tell stories across different industries. I have worked with makeup brands, tattoo artists, breweries, restaurants, influencers, wine and food festivals, Fortune 500 companies, magazines, textbooks, and even captured the delivery of my own children. Photography is part of who I am.

The camera helps me express how I see the world. The images I create allow me to freeze special moments in time. A powerful image connects with the viewer's emotions and drives them to engage with your brand. You have a few seconds to grab the attention of potential clients, and effective branding is the way to do it.

A website is your business's front door. If you dont have one please get one ASAP (I use Squarespace). They offer the first look at your culture, values, and aesthetic. It's important to showcase images of you, your products, and your space right away.

Stock images won’t do. Authentic images show your passion and create a sense of trust for clients. Did you know we even offer virtual Matterport tours? Marketing possibilities are endless and begin with good images. Not just any images will work! I meet with you before every branding session to ensure you get the photos you or your marketing team need.

I would love the chance to tell your brand's story!

I’ll be honest—sports photography isn’t my specialty. I’ve mainly taken team photos and not much else in that realm. I am a commercial marketing and branding photographer in Baton Rouge. However, my son is a die hard passionate sports fan, and I couldn’t resist the chance to bring him along (especially since it was a free community event, haha!).

As soon as he learned that only two MVP-signed chains would be awarded, he became laser-focused on getting one for himself! Despite feeling a little hesitant about his height, he struck up a conversation with Harold Perkins Jr. and Wallace Foster IV. They inspired him with the message that his height wouldn’t hold him back and that determination can lead to anything we set our hearts on.

That’s exactly the spirit of the camp! It was all about having fun with football while honing skills under the guidance of world-class coaches, even though we had to practice indoors due to stormy weather. We were in the very same facility where LSU legends like Joe Burrow have trained—how cool is that? The Elite Training Academy was top-notch, and I’m so grateful they hosted this event. It made for some truly stunning photographs!

I can’t thank Harold Perkins Jr. enough for his passion, as well as all the players, volunteers, and incredible sponsors like Whataburger, who added so much to the camp’s energy with fantastic swag. My son felt valued and cherished, and I know this experience is one he will treasure for life.

Last night, he went to bed with excitement, promising me he would make me proud today. As soon as he got the chance to hold the MVP emblem, he declared he’d do whatever it took to earn one. That’s why I didn't hesitate when he wanted to add the Future MVP emblem to his custom Louisville Slugger souvenir bat we had made at the Louisville Museum just a few weeks ago.

At the end of camp he was surprised that his name was called as one of the winners! He was eager to thank Wallace Foster IV for the nomination but was gently redirected—he was quickly reminded that he hadn’t been given that MVP chain; he had earned it through sheer determination and heart.

As a father, I couldn’t ask for anything more. I already feel this Fathers Day weekend is complete. Huge thanks to WBRZ for covering this incredible event—Don't forget to check out WBRZ Coverage, Harold Perkins' interview and video coverage through the link HERE!

After a few maintenance delays, the day of the shoot finally arrived. I stepped into the scene and met my client, who turned out to be the husband of Adrian Escamilla—one of the top agents at Engel and Völkers Baton Rouge! Fun fact: I had actually taken her headshot back when she first joined their team long before I had the pleasure of meeting Bob!

The moment Bob and I connected at an Engel and Völkers event, there was an instant connection. We share similar backgrounds, making this such a small world! I couldn’t have asked for a better person to join me on my first (and fingers crossed, not the last!) aircraft session.

Working with Mason Amelia was a breeze! They provide clear guidance and even assign a personal representative to assist photographers throughout the entire process. They even suggested using an ND filter—perfect for anyone new to video. If you’re a photographer approached by them, don’t hesitate! It’s truly an incredible experience.

After our shoot, Bob took the plane for a scenic ride around the city, eager to enjoy this beauty just before it sold. He generously invited me along, and of course, I couldn’t turn down the chance! I had never been in such a small plane. It was exhilarating, and I am so grateful for that unforgettable ride!

I’m passionate about branding and marketing, and this plane photoshoot was right in my wheelhouse.

Let’s chat about how I can bring my expertise to your next project. I look forward to showing you the video of this beauty! Stay tuned!

Exceptional Dental aimed for a specific look, with clients already lined up for the photoshoot. Local Baton Rouge Fajitas were catered in, which is just part of the experience when working with a seasoned marketing agency on a billboard shoot .

One morning, as I was driving into work, I looked up and saw my image on the billboard right down the street on Magnolia Bridge in Baton Rouge LA!

It has been humbling to be featured at such a high level, and I look forward to many more opportunities like this in the future. Thank you all for being part of this journey with me!

Let me share a fun story about Chase. He’s a football player at Catholic High, and his awesome mom, Mackie Cathy, whom I’ve gotten to know through the Women’s Council of Realtors in Greater Baton Rouge, reached out to see if I could take some senior pictures for him.

I’m a portrait photographer. I started out with families and now do branding/commercial but I don’t like to put myself in a box. I do have one thing that is consistent no matter what the subject. Bold, minimal and clean images with a efficient, simple customer focused experience. This is something that I love offering small businesses, especially in Baton Rouge! This session for Chase was no different!

I got the to the shoot and orginally planned for it to be at the Goodwood Library but the sun was just way too harsh even at 5pm! I swiftly pivoted to a Downtown location that I’ve yet to take bad pictures at. It is at the shaw center area downtown Baton Rouge.

I promptly asked Chase who his favorite music artist was (drake) put it on and we got to work. He let me do my creative vision and we both liked the dramatic artistic work that we got with our hour session. We also got some classic ones to be framed for mom and them!

This was such a fun shoot! Every one of these shots were taken with the same off camera softbox (Manny Ortiz Beauty Dish) I LOVE balancing strobe and ambient and being able to get such a variety of looks so quickly!

All these looks were taken within 300ft on one another in less than one hour total! Thanks for designing this for us Manny!!

Click Book Now anywhere to schedule your Lifestyle/Branding session and make your vision come to life!!

One night, while doing a mundane chore, my phone rang. To my surprise, it was Bowlers Journal International Magazine. They wanted to schedule a photo shoot during the USBC Open Championships in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. I was thrilled—I had just landed a feature spread in an international magazine!

I did some research on the magazine and discovered that Bowlers Journal International is the oldest monthly sports publication in the world and the only print publication dedicated to bowling today. I also learned that Baton Rouge has a rich history with the United States Bowling Congress Open Championship (USBC Open). The Baton Rouge River Center hosted the event in 2005, 2012, and now again in 2025. This year, the tournament breaks a USBC Open record with more than 11,600 five-player teams registered to compete, surpassing the 2012 USBC Open. You can read all about the event and even register (it spans 150 consecutive days) here

I know I sound like a complete bowling nerd, but I promise I’m not! I barely know how to set up the bumpers for my kids! To say I was nervous about this shoot is an understatement. So, as usual, I prepared thoroughly but remained open to anything. The magazine couldn’t disclose much more about the subject, but I was put in contact with Mike, whom I wouldn’t meet until the day of the shoot.

Upon entering the River Center in Baton Rouge, I was greeted by the creative director for the entire USBC Open and Bowl.com. He had designed the masks over the lanes and all the graphics too! I was impressed by how he captured the culture of Baton Rouge, even incorporating the Spanish Town parade—how fun!

It turns out the USBC takes over the River Center for an entire six months! The tournament lasts 150 consecutive days, not including setup and teardown. I’m talking about 54 lanes of bowling glory on the same floor where I once saw my boys jump inside dinosaur inflatables!

As I entered the office, I spotted the subject of the article, Mike Donavan. I stepped into a scene that felt all too familiar: technology supplies, wiring, computers, cameras, monitors, and printers everywhere. I knew nothing about Mike except that he created “brackets” for the championship, and they needed him to be the hero of the entire session, so I quickly looked around and sparked up a conversation.

It turns out Mike is an IT programmer who invented the very first bowling scoring system using a personal computer. This is the same technology used in local bowling alleys like Main Event, Rock n’ Bowl, or All Star Lanes in Baton Rouge. Being an IT professional myself for years, I felt they couldn’t have picked a better photographer for the job.

We immediately hit it off, and when I saw he had a drink cup from Bergeron’s Boudin, it sealed the deal—we were both reluctant to move it, but did figuring the magazine wouldn’t want a feature on Cajun food!

Mike travels with the USBC crew to get everything set up, ensuring the scoring system and brackets are tournament-ready. His partner has been by his side for decades while he developed and implemented this incredible software that’s still in use today.

One of my favorite photos from the shoot was taken by accident—or at least sort of. I knew I wanted to highlight Mike's software, capture the real environment he works in, and make him the hero of the shot.

I started walking around, and as soon as I saw this frame, I knew it was the shot I wanted, though I had no idea what my strobe settings would do. It turned out to be exactly what I needed! This low-key shot, with the hard side light, gives the image a timeless look. In the foreground is his friend and colleague, and in the background is the creative director, who beautifully puts everything together.

Mike also brought along one of his old pamphlets that he designed and printed himself in 1987—the same year I was born! I love the story this photo tells, featuring the old software brochure on the 54th lane of the USBC Open alongside his new version of the software!

I am honored to be a small part of this historic event here in Baton Rouge, as the USBC Open is not scheduled to return to the River Center in the foreseeable future. Look for the spread featuring Mike in the April Edition of Bowlers Journal International!

This experience reignited my passion for what I do—capturing not just faces, but profound stories, histories, and the passion behind every moment. Whether it’s a historic championship, a pivotal career milestone, or a personal achievement, your narrative deserves to be celebrated in a way that resonates for years to come. If you seek more than just a photo—if you desire images that truly reflect your unique journey—let’s come together to create something extraordinary.

Book your session today, and let’s transform your fleeting moments into cherished memories.

“Buyers are 95% more likely to inquire about listings that have a 3D virtual tour according to surveys.”

Imagine someone searching for nearby businesses on their phone, and your logo appears right in their hand on Google. With just one click, they can step into your business—whether it’s a retail store, salon, brokerage, law office, medical facility, dentist's office, and more.

This technology can provide a handcrafted, tailored guided tour of your space, allowing you to showcase what sets you apart in the marketplace! You can even link directly to your online store or booking system within the virtual tour.

Thousands of people can shop at your store, book your services, and fall in love with your brand from anywhere in the world—even while you are asleep! I truly believe this is the future of business and marketing.

While you may not have heard much about it yet, businesses across the country have been utilizing this widely untapped marketing tool for years.

I cannot wait to show you sessions we already have on the calendar for cutting edge hospital accommodations, premier brokerages and of course million dollar listings! This is the power of a Matterport virtual tour and we haven’t even scratched the surface!

Matterport integrates directly with Google Maps Street View, VRBO, Realtor.com, Homes.com, Redfin and local listing portals. Matterport is a affordable and easy way to book more of those short term rentals throughout the year too! All done locally in house in Baton Rouge, Louisiana!

I would love to have a brief call at your convenience to discuss these exciting new tours. You may not have heard about these options yet, as this technology has been rarely used in branding and can be difficult to access. Fortunately, I am not only a photographer but also a tech nerd!

Ask about our Net 30 and flexible payment options too!