PEOPLE PHOTOGRAPHY · SANTA MONICA, CA
Photographing people
worth looking at.
Portrait. Character. Concept. Whoever you are and whatever story you want to tell — Strong House Photography is about capturing real images and collaborating with inspired and worthy individuals like you.
Photography made by Humans.
•
Headshots
•
Character
•
Concept
•
Dating
•
Portrait
• Headshots • Character • Concept • Dating • Portrait
PERSONAL WORK
Projects
Some ongoing photo projects
ONGOING SERIES
Dirty Minds
A photo book with Images only as dirty as you are.
ONGOING SERIES
Bunny Project
A bunny finding herself and getting into trouble sometimes.
ABOUT SHILOH - PHOTOGRAPHER
I want to know you - not just take your photo.
"Most headshots look like someone told you to smile at a stranger. Mine don't."
I'm Shiloh Strong — Brooks Institute-trained photographer and filmmaker who’s been working in front of and behind the camera as a Visual Craftsman my whole life. (DGA, WGA, SAG-AFTRA.)
Now shooting out of The Surf Shack Studio in Santa Monica, California. I've spent twenty-plus years telling visual stories, building community and photographing actors, artists, and people who believe in themselves.
You should too.
Let’s make some images together.
20+
YEARS SHOOTING
Brooks
INSTITUTE TRAINED
IPA
AWARD WINNER
DGA
2017
WGA
2015
SAG-AFTRA
1992
THE STUDIO
Most studios are a white wall in a concrete box.
Mine is a creative haven 10 blocks from the Pacific, with a natural light outdoor studio space - and that's what makes the difference. Relaxed space, garden vibes, ocean breeze, and all the equipment we need to get the shots we want. The light is always wonderful, moving and unique.
The Surf Shack Studio is where I live and where I work. It’s a one-of-a-kind house that I decided years ago I would never apologize for. I’ve embraced its unique - 1970’s Southern California vibe. The aesthetic is “Mr. Miagi from Karate Kid as a photographer.”
I learned a long time ago that photographing people isn’t about the fancy equipment you have - it’s about making people comfortable and feel good about themselves.
That happens when you can create a space that is comfortable, has good light, interesting locations and is an inspiring space to connect.
THE LIGHT - Sometimes Santa Monica gets a soft, diffused marine layer in the mornings which creates a beautiful glow - sometimes it’s bight and sunny and we bounce the light around the yard. It doesn’t matter - it’s always different.
BUILDING - The Surf Shack Studio is more than just a photography space. It’s a full on building / creating space. Equipped with a full woodworking shop - we can build sets, props - anything needed for a project.
BACKDROPS - The studio has unique one-of-a-kind backdrops, light, shade and bounce from building are always changing and that’s the point. There's an outdoor setup for clean portrait work, weathered wood and texture for character and conceptual sessions, and the beach and iconic Santa Monica locations is a short walk from the studio.
“Exceptional portrait photography only happens when you create the space for it to happen.”
PHOTO SESSIONS - Unhurried on purpose. There's coffee and sparkling water and snacks. A hair and makeup station. If you want to bring a friend for moral support, bring a friend — this is a welcoming and comfortable space.
Parking is street parking and it's easy to find. I'll send you the exact directions, the exact door, and what time to get there.
COMMUNITY
Founder, Ashes To Films
In 2025, Shiloh founded Ashes To Films (A2F) — a nonprofit supporting fire-affected filmmakers in Los Angeles. Born from losing his own home to a wildfire in 2009, A2F provides funding, mentorship, and a platform for artists rebuilding their creative lives after crisis. The inaugural year A2F helped 25 new short films made by fire-impacted filmmakers a reality and the Ashes To Films festival screened 41 stories of resilience to nearly 1,000 attendees. A2F received the Phoenix Award at the 2026 Lumen Awards.
Four steps. No surprises.
THE PROCESS
01
Pre-Book & Consult
We schedule a pre-shoot Zoom call. I want to find out what you want to create with me — goals, inspirations, ideas, dreams, props, wardrobe. All the fun stuff!
02
Hair and Makeup
Your H&M artist meets us at the Surf Shack. This is required — it's not optional and it's not a luxury. It's the difference between a good photo and a great one. I only work with the best artist.
04
Gallery and Final Delivery
Full gallery delivered within 5 days. You get everything. A private link for your selects — share with your fav people for feedback and then choose the final retouched images.
03
We Make Photos
Sessions run 2–5 hours depending on your package. Relaxed, collaborative, and a lot more fun than you expect.
BOOKING NOW OPEN
Ready to make something?
Every potential session starts with a conversation. Let’s meet and tell me what you're after — a headshot, a character, an idea — and let’s make something. Sessions book fast.