Portraits Created With Intention
A collaborative portrait experience designed to create something personal, lasting, and meaningful.
Fine art portraits are created slowly and intentionally. They’re not about quick sessions or standard formulas—they’re about collaboration, storytelling, and craft. These portraits are developed with care, curiosity, and trust, resulting in work that feels personal.
Each portrait session is a special experience and opportunity to create something all about you.
I know that’s scary to hear, but you’re allowed to indulge in celebrating yourself.
An experience tailor-made for you.
Every portrait begins with a conversation. We talk through your ideas, your story, and what you want the finished work to feel like. From there, I guide the process—helping shape concepts, locations, styling, and visual direction.
You don’t need to arrive with a finished idea.
You just need to be open to the process.
If this sounds like your style, keep going.
A few examples of commissioned work — each created with a different purpose, process, and outcome.
Thoughtfully guided. Deeply collaborative.
Every custom portrait session begins with a 15-minute discovery call to determine if we’re a good fit. First I want to listen, understand your purpose, who you are, and what feels important. If we’re a good fit, we’ll brainstorm together. We talk through meaning, references, mood, color, and how the final work will live in the world. From there, I guide the production process while leaving space for your ideas, instincts, and input.
Deep Discovery
This planning phase is what separates custom portraiture from a standard session. Without it, results are generic. With it, they’re personal and lasting
Styling & Production
To support the final vision, sessions may include:
All of this is handled thoughtfully and collaboratively, so you can stay focused on the experience and yourself.
Need an excuse to celebrate you?
Most importantly, these are for you. These sessions are for individuals who want something symbolic, narrative, or deeply personal — portraits that mark a transition, express identity, or exist as finished artwork.
In every case, the goal is the same: to create a portrait that feels intentional, personal, and lasting — something more than a headshot, and more meaningful than a single moment online.
Designed to Live Beyond a Screen
The goal isn’t simply a set of digital images that live on a hard drive.
Portraits are designed with the final presentation in mind.
Whether displayed as a framed print, featured in a publication, or integrated into a personal space, the finished work is meant to be seen, lived with, and returned to over time.
You’ll receive high-resolution digital files for all professional uses—LinkedIn, websites, media kits, publications. But we also design with physical presentation in mind.
Options include:
Museum-quality framed prints
Custom albums and presentation books
Gallery wraps and mounted pieces for your office or home
Final presentation is discussed during discovery, so we’re shooting with the end result in mind.
What clients are saying
“I hired Mike to do senior photos for my daughter Emily. She is someone who is not always completely comfortable in front of a camera. Mike was not only able to get her comfortable with the shoot, he brought out her personality in the shots by making her feel special and up on a pedestal. It started with his hair and makeup specialist.
Mike then made the moment special and memorable for her, complete with site and wardrobe changes. I knew I made the correct choice with Mike Higdon when my daughter called me after to thank me, telling me that it was an incredible experience. Thank you Mike.”
Matthew Gleason
Father and business owner
Investment & Commitment
A typical custom portrait session may be priced between $2,500–$8,000 depending on scope, locations, and production complexity.
This includes the full discovery process, professional hair and makeup, location scouting, shoot day, and extensive post-production. Final deliverables include high-resolution digital files and options for museum-quality prints, framed pieces, or albums.
These sessions require 2–3 weeks of planning and collaboration. If you’re looking for something quick or budget-conscious, this isn’t the right fit. If you’re ready to invest in portraits that mark where you are now and last for years to come, let’s talk.
A calming presence
Hi, I’m Mike Higdon, a portrait photographer based in Reno, Nevada. I love creating beautifully photography that makes people feel seen.
My style is informed by years as a photojournalist—real, lived in moments, with bold colors and contrast. I listen to people’s stories, put them at ease, find the details, the angles, and micro-expressions that show the real you.
My role isn’t just to take good photos — it’s to make the entire experience fun, enjoyable, relaxing, and exciting.
I’m looking forward to creating with you.
Based in Reno–Tahoe • Certified Professional Photographer • Insured • Working with people in Northern Nevada and beyond
Start a conversation
If you’re curious about creating something personal and intentional, I’d love to hear what you’re thinking.