Shoot Title: Spring Forward

Model: Mya Van Koten

Team: Claire Verity, wardrobe; Karina Talaro, hair and makeup.

Inspiration: These pictures were inspired by Mya herself, whose beautiful skin tone, wonderful smile and generous personality are the perfect palette for just about any outfit.

How many shoots we’ve done together: We’ve done somewhere in the neighborhood of 20 sessions with Mya over the past five years (with four more scheduled for this year!).

Time of year: Spring 2022

Location: Oregon City

Shoot music: I don’t recall exactly what was played that day but I know there was some Beyonce and some Carole King in the mix.

Shoot munchies: Our jack-of-all-trades wardrobe stylist, Claire Verity, also does a killer job on craft services, with everything from vegan treats to all kinds of cheeses for yours truly.

My favorite part of the day: Hanging around with Mya is the best. Period.

Camera: Sony A7rIII

Lens: This session was shot with a variety of Sigma ART prime lenses, ranging from 35 to 105mm, depending on the situation.

Propers: Mya, who is truly a muse; Mya’s mom, Carolyn, who supports our artistic endeavors; wardrobe stylist, Claire Verity, for making the vision happen; and makeup artist Karina Talaro, who knows me so well she doesn’t even have to ask.

Michael Verity is a Portland-based photographer specializing in professional headshots, modeling portfolios and fashion editorial photography. The husband of an acting coach and father of two young adult actors, he’s been photographing successful actors, creatives and business professionals for more than a decade.