Michael Woolheater Media

Right before the snow rolled in, I met up with Derek, Inna, Eli, and Rykker for a family session at Arrowhead Park in Sioux Fall. It is the perfect spot for late-fall color and soft light.

This family was exactly as described: easygoing, fun, and fully present with each other. These sessions remind you how quickly seasons change — both weather-wise and life-wise.

One thing I’ve learned over the years is that the best work comes from staying curious. I’m always experimenting, learning, and pushing myself — especially lately with sports photography — blending techniques I’ve always loved with new ideas that challenge me.

Kaiden’s senior session was the perfect place to do that. We leaned into a modern, moody downtown Sioux Falls look with clean urban portraits, then shifted gears into football shots that felt bold and intense. We also included bow photos that reflected a completely different side of who he is — focused, disciplined, and patient.

Kaiden is a Dell Rapids senior with a wide range of interests, and this session was all about letting those layers show. Grateful for seniors who trust me while I keep learning and evolving behind the camera.

So many senior photos to share and so little time. Ava showed up with the perfect mix of confidence and personality — plus her motorcycle, which instantly took this shoot in a direction I loved. We started downtown with her bike and some urban looks. We used McKennan Park for fall colors and warm light.

We wrapped things up with her pup (who might actually be the most photogenic German Shepherd in the city), and Ava made every look feel effortless — from the jacket and jeans to her blue dress at sunset.

Ava is a Jefferson High School senior with a style that’s completely her own. Thank you for trusting me with your Sioux Falls senior photos — this one was a blast.

Jake showed up ready to make this senior session his own — and he brought the best crew with him. Mom, dad, and his girlfriend all came along, and I love when seniors do that. The support, the energy, the personality it adds… it always shows in the photos. And yes, we included them in a few shots too.

We started at my studio, Studio 1912, with a mix of baseball-inspired setups, clean casual looks, and a couple sharp suit shots. After that, we headed downtown — and Jake brought his family’s Corvette Stingray, which made for some wildly fun scenes in a parking ramp in Downtown Sioux Falls.

Jake is a Sioux Falls Christian senior with an easy confidence and a great presence in front of the camera. Thanks for trusting me with your Sioux Falls senior photos — this was a really fun night.

A lot has changed over the last ten years as my hobby photography business slowly became a full marketing and media firm. One thing that hasn’t changed (much) was my shield logo with the filigree. After almost a decade with the same mark, I’m stepping into a new logo. It feels like the right time for the brand to evolve — especially while I’m doing the same updates for so many of my clients.

It’s modern, minimal, and organized chaos… just like the work I create.

More coming soon.

Preston showed up with the kind of energy you hope for on a senior session — confident, competitive, and just an all-around great guy. We started downtown, shooting through a session that threatened rain the entire time, and made the most of moody Sioux Falls alleys, hanging lights, elevated metal stairways, and even water-filled potholes for reflection shots. Afterward, we wrapped things up at Studio 1912 for a few clean, indoor looks.

As an O’Gorman senior earning a 4.0 and competing in both track and powerlifting, he’s got a lot going for him — and it shows in every photo.

Preston, thanks for trusting me with your Sioux Falls senior photos. This was a fun one.

Cheyenne is one of those seniors who just stands out the moment you start shooting. We did a couple sessions to chase the best outdoor light around Sioux Falls, and she brought the same calm confidence every time. Chey is a talented Lincoln High School senior and such a natural in front of the camera. Thank you for trusting me with your Sioux Falls senior photos — these were a lot of fun to create.

We took advantage of the warm fall weather in Sioux Falls and started the Wahl family photos outdoors with the beautifully colored leaves in front of the studio before heading inside. The Wahls have trusted me with their family photos for years, and I truly look forward to seeing their smiles every season. We also collaborated recently on a commercial project for Charlie’s Pizza — more on that soon.

Thank you, Spencer and Jessica.

Last week I worked on a project with one of the steepest learning curves I’ve ever come across. Being hired by USA Curling to cover the 2025 Olympic and Paralympic Trials meant photographing a sport — and a pace — I had zero experience with. But that unfamiliarity turned into one of the most rewarding weeks of my photography career. I met people I won’t forget and learned a sport from the inside out. First of all, when I move around venues — especially the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center — I like to talk with people as I go. Early last week I came across a really cute family sitting in the front row and asked the little boy what he was watching on his phone. He showed me in the cutest way, but didn’t say much. I tried a couple more times and he stayed pretty quiet. His family asked me to get some good photos of Laura Dwyer, one of the Paralympic athletes, and told me they were her family. The next day, I walked by again and that mostly non-verbal little guy saw me and held up the back of his hand. He had drawn on it

Ezzie had one request for her senior session: at least one solid soccer photo. I still love the vintage, classical sports look for young athletes. The rest of the time she was completely open, which always makes a session flow really well. We started at Studio 1912 and then headed to McKennan Park for a mix of simple, natural looks with a few spots that fit her style. She’s laid-back, easy to work with, and made the whole evening feel effortless.

Taya is a sweet girl from Harrisburg High School who made this session a fun one from the start. We began at her school so she could count it as her gym time for the day — multitasking at its best. I always like when Mom and Dad come along so we can grab a few family photos, and this night had one of my favorite weather surprises — a full sun shower. It rained pretty hard for a bit, but we never stopped shooting. The weather made that moment stand out but Taya's smile made that moment last forever.

Thank you Hartman family!

I got to work with Dylan and his family this summer for his senior photos. I get the opportunity to work with a lot of male seniors and they aren't always excited. I feel that change right away when they realize how chill and easy-going the sessions are. Something I do that I really enjoy is - always taking the time to grab some family photos in between spots.

Thank you, Dylan and family!

Isabella’s senior session was one of those evenings that just felt easy — warm light, good conversation, and plenty of laughs with her mom, Bobbi Jo. We started at Studio 1912 and ended the night at McKennan Park with that soft golden light that always seems to show up when it matters. Isabella is funny, kind, and down to earth — the kind of person who brings calm to a room and makes everyone feel at ease. A great sister, an even better human, and someone I know will do big things after Jefferson High.

Rachel and Carston’s wedding was my first time photographing in Salem and Alexandria, and I couldn’t have asked for a better intro to both. The day started at Granite Springs Lodge, which I didn’t realize was such a hidden gem until I pulled in that morning. Between the tree lines, the quiet water, and the way the light falls through the property — it’s a dream for photos.

They got ready in separate parts of the lodge before meeting for their first look surrounded by trees and family close by. The ceremony was held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Salem, a beautiful space that fit them perfectly. Afterward, everyone headed back to Granite Springs for a relaxed reception and a golden sunset that felt like it lasted forever.

Tiffany and Nathan’s wedding day was one of those that just flowed — easy energy, great people, and a full circle of moments in Sioux Falls. Most of their wedding party (and a lot of their guests) work at 22Ten Kitchen & Cocktails, which happens to be one of my favorite spots in town, so it felt like photographing friends from the start.

The day began at "The Shrine" with details and prep before heading to McKennan Park for the first look and wedding party photos — one of the best green spaces in Sioux Falls for clean light and space to move around. The ceremony and reception were both held at the El Riad Shrine downtown, which gave the evening a timeless, downtown vibe with plenty of room for everyone to celebrate.

We ended the night with a walk through downtown during sunset — neon lights, reflections, and the kind of relaxed energy that comes after a good day.

Hannah and Nathan’s wedding was beautiful and it was my first time at Valley View Villa near Mitchell. The property sits quietly along a Creek and has wide open views, clean lines, and a setting that photographs really well. It was a humid and warm day that came with pretty cloud coverage.

Thank you so much Hannah and Nathan for letting me capture your day and making me feel like a part of the family.

This is the stretch of the year when I start sharing the seniors I photographed around Sioux Falls and nearby. This is Andria (Harrisburg High School) who likes natural light, warm tones, and a little texture. We visited my studio, Studio 1912 as well as an area near Mary Jo Wegner Arboretum. Mom and Dad came along, and the red Corvette wasn’t just a prop; it became the backdrop for family photos. Simple, honest senior photos that feel like her.

Senior photos are some of my favorite to capture - one subject and all of my attention. Thank you Andria and family!

I recently had the opportunity to photograph Jon Pardi for the third time. Each opportunity had its own feel. Sioux Falls showed up big for this one. Jake Worthington and @colby_acuff kicked off the night and set the stage perfectly — both have that honest, old-school country sound that just works.

Jon came out swinging with the hits, and the crowd didn’t sit still for a second. There’s something about photographing live music that never gets old — the lights, the noise, the people singing every word. Nights like this always remind me why I love what I do.

Tyson and Mariah — I’m way overdue sharing your beautiful summer wedding. I remember every wedding like it was just last weekend, and yours stands out for all the right reasons. You two were such a joy to work with — genuine, kind, and surrounded by two incredible families.

I lived only a few blocks from Holy Spirit for almost a decade and had never photographed a wedding there until yours. What a stunning church and an even more beautiful day to finally do it.