Floral border with red and yellow flowers

My name is Sommer!

A woman with curly hair holding a camera in a desert landscape with cacti.

I'm a portrait and editorial photographer drawn to bold visuals, honest emotion, and meaningful connection. I have an Associates of Fine Arts and a Bachelors of Graphic Design. With a background in oil painting, I approach each shoot like a painting—blending narrative, style, composition and emotion to create images that feel both intentional and natural. I celebrate diversity and want to honor your identity.

I am a strong believer in human rights and equality for all.
Here are just a few of the values I hold:
Black Lives Matter. Free Palestine. Mental health is health. Queerness is valid. Defend reproductive freedom. No human is illegal. Science is real. Climate justice is social justice. Protect Indigenous sovereignty. Trans rights are human rights. Peace is a human right.

Why state these things here? Because art has always been political. Art and politics are inseparable; every image, every story reflects the world in which it was made. In a time when oppression is loud and ongoing, I believe it’s essential to use art to build safe, inclusive spaces — and to draw firm boundaries against those who seek to harm or silence.

Video By: Daniel Cadena:@cinematusdaniel

Model: Mala: @malaa_vida

Stats

Sign: Gemini

Pets: Two cats!

Fav Book: Throne of Glass

Snack: Tostilocos

Hobbies: Thrifting, painting, rock climbing

Editing Fuel: Cold Brew

Dream Photoshoot Location: an overgrown lily pond

Woman holding and hugging a fluffy gray cat in sunlight.

Kind Words

  • Person wearing a leather cap and sunglasses, posing with a hand on the chin, leaning on a concrete railing, in an urban setting.

    "Best Photographer I’ve ever met! Sommer knows all the angles to make you look your best and she made me feel relaxed and confident the entire time! I cannot believe how amazing the photos came out!"

    - Sarah

  • Two women standing back-to-back in a desert landscape at sunset, with one wearing a hat and the other wearing glasses.

    "We had the pleasure of working with Sommer for our engagement shoot at Gates Pass. She was such a cool person to work with and our photos turned out absolutely incredible. They were even better than we expected they would be. She has such a beautiful and unique style and she made us feel so comfortable the entire time despite my wife and I being extremely awkward! We would love to set up another shoot with her sometime in the future! Definitely worth the trip from Illinois!"

    -Alyssa and Shelby

  • Bride in white lace wedding dress looking at her reflection in a mirror. She has long curly hair with a tiara and a floral tattoo on her back.

    “She is absolutely AMAZING! so easy to work with and oh-so-so talented! She did my engagement photos and wedding and absolutely every photo I got back was stunning! What a great way to immortalize the day 🥰 10/10 I recommend her to anyone looking for professional, personal, gorgeous pictures!!!!!"

    -Devin

  • Woman in black dress with tattoo on arm, standing outdoors against a background of modern buildings.

    “Amazing photographer and amazing person! Did a wonderful job on my grad photos but does even better editorial shoots. Models go book her!

    -Alexa

  • A family lying on a blanket outdoors, smiling at the camera. The setting is a natural landscape with grass and mountains, under a clear blue sky with some clouds.

    "Absolutely the best! Sommer has done several family photos for us and they are always incredible and very artistic. She gives great instructions to make you feel comfortable. Highly recommend 🩵"

    -Helena

  • "I first found Sommer (Solstice Photo) when looking for a photographer for my son’s graduation photos. He’s a musical artist, so we wanted someone that had an artist’s eye as well. She was perfect for the job. I then hired her just before my 50th to do a shoot when I was heavy in the swings of early menopause. I wanted to feel powerful in my changing body. Now in my early 50’s, I found myself needing new professional headshots, as well as a partner in creating a photographic installation piece for an upcoming exhibition. I took the opportunity to also celebrate my post menopausal self and play in the desert. Sommer makes you feel so comfortable, and I felt as one with the desert I adore. Our combined artist energy was so fun!"

    -Rachel