What It’s Like Shooting for Chic Riot: Behind the Scenes of a Women-Led Motorcycle Brand
Shooting for Chic Riot has never felt like just another photography job. From the very beginning, it’s been about more than creating images, it’s been about building a visual identity that represents real women, real movement, and a brand rooted in independence and grit.
As a co-founder of Chic Riot, I planned from day one to shoot all of the brand’s imagery. That decision wasn’t just about consistency; it was about intention. I wanted the visuals to feel as deliberate and thoughtful as the gear itself. Every shoot, every frame, every edit plays a role in how Chic Riot shows up in the world and that responsibility is something I don’t take lightly.
The First Editorial Shoot That Changed Everything
One of the most defining moments for Chic Riot happened during our first editorial shoot in Athens, Georgia. It was raw, creative, and so much fun. For me, every time I get to work with Denise McKinley of shearfirehair I know it’s going to be a great shoot.
At one point, Tabitha and I looked at each other and said, “We’ve got something here.”
That moment still sticks with me because it wasn’t just about liking the photos, it was about realizing the brand had a voice. A point of view. Something worth building.
That shoot set the tone for everything that followed. What truly sets shooting for Chic Riot apart from other brand or commercial photography work is the level of creative control I have from start to finish. I’m involved in every stage of the process from concept development, location scouting, lighting and composition, and final edits.
That kind of control allows me to create work that feels cohesive and intentional while still leaving room to evolve creatively. The goal is always the same: images that feel clean, strong, and editorial, but never overproduced.
Whether we’re shooting in Athens, Atlanta, or somewhere in between, every Chic Riot shoot is built around mood, style and authenticity.
Real Women, Real Energy
Whenever possible, we choose to shoot real women riders or passengers. Women who actually live the lifestyle. Women who understand what it means to be on the road, to feel powerful and exposed at the same time.
There are moments when we bring in models to push a more editorial or fashion-forward look, but even then, the intention stays grounded. The imagery still needs to feel believable. Strong. Honest. That balance between real-world grit and editorial polish is where Chic Riot lives visually.
How Chic Riot Reflects My Photography
Shooting for Chic Riot has been a huge part of showing just how diverse I am as a photographer. It’s proof that clean, polished work can coexist with raw, style-driven imagery. That editorial doesn’t have to mean distant. And that brand photography can still feel human.
From product-focused shots to environmental portraits and storytelling-driven editorials, Chic Riot allows me to blend precision with instinct. It’s the same approach I bring to all of my commercial photography work, whether I’m shooting for brands, creatives, or businesses looking to tell a stronger visual story.
This work has helped shape how I approach brand photography across the board, especially for clients who want imagery that feels elevated without losing personality.
