There’s something different about experiencing art when you have the opportunity to meet the person behind it.

During Gallery Night in Ann Arbor, I had the opportunity to visit Chris Nordin Studios and spend time with Chris Nordin, learning more about his creative process and the purpose behind Sculptural Reflections.

I originally set out for the evening with my camera, hoping to explore more of Ann Arbor’s galleries, meet local artists, and document some of the creativity happening throughout the city. What I found at Chris Nordin Studios was more than simply another stop along the way—it was an opportunity to slow down, listen, and learn about the thought and craftsmanship that go into creating meaningful art.

Some photo sessions are about creating great images. Others carry a little more meaning.

I recently had the opportunity to photograph my friend Martez, a local musician and artist whose creativity is matched by a story of growth, recovery, and perseverance. Our friendship through recovery made this session especially meaningful to me—not just as a photographer, but as someone who understands how powerful it can be to rediscover who you are and what you’re capable of.

For this portrait session, we headed to Argo Park in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where the natural environment gave us an incredible variety of backdrops. Between the water, trails, foliage, concrete structures, and late-evening sunlight, we were able to create portraits that felt both natural and expressive.