Studio Spotlight: Bold, Artistic Portraits with Ashlea

At Dawn V. Gilmore VIP Photography, I believe portraits should be more than just images — they should be powerful statements of individuality and confidence. Recently, I had the pleasure of photographing Ashlea in my Biloxi photography studio, where we experimented with my newest lighting tool: the Godox Optical Snoot with Gobos, paired with rich colored gels.

The result? Striking, high-end portraits that combine artistic flair with classic sophistication.

Creating Custom, Stand-Out Portraits

With over 16 years of professional experience photographing women, I’ve mastered the art of posing and lighting to highlight each client’s unique beauty. For Ashlea’s session, I used my Canon 5D Mark IV with a 50mm f/1.8 lens, carefully crafting the light to create shadows, depth, and mood that make every image look like a work of art.

The gobos allowed me to project intricate light patterns onto the backdrop, while the gels washed the scene in bold colors — from radiant golds to dramatic blues and purples. These creative techniques transformed Ashlea’s portraits into editorial-quality images that stand out far beyond the traditional headshot.

Luxury Studio Portraits on the Mississippi Gulf Coast

My studio, located inside The Offices at The Sanctuary - Biloxi, is designed to give every client a luxury portrait experience.

Whether you’re seeking:

• Modern business headshots that elevate your professional brand

• Empowerment portraits that celebrate strength and beauty

• Editorial-inspired images for personal branding or creative expression

— your session will be completely customized.

By blending high-end lighting, creative set design, and expert posing guidance, I ensure that every photograph tells your story in a way that feels elevated, timeless, and one-of-a-kind.

Why Choose a Studio Session?

While outdoor sessions have their charm, a studio environment offers complete creative control — from lighting to backgrounds — making it possible to create custom, polished portraits that simply can’t be replicated in natural light alone.

Clients who book in my Biloxi studio often tell me how much they love the confidence boost that comes from stepping into such a professional, luxury setting designed to highlight their best features.

“You make me feel like a million bucks. Every. Damn. Time. You are literally so damn amazing at what you do!!!”

— Ashlea, VIP Portrait Client

Book Your Own Stand-Out Portrait Session

If you’re ready for portraits that are bold, creative, and unforgettable, I’d love to create them for you. With over 16 years of experience in posing, lighting, and luxury photography, I specialize in helping women and professionals look and feel their absolute best.

Serving Biloxi, Ocean Springs, Gulfport, D’Iberville, and the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Book your session today and discover the difference of a VIP luxury photography experience.

See more of my empowerment sessions here!