Military Service & Professional Training 🇺🇸
20 Years U.S. Navy Service - Advanced Training & Certifications
20 Years U.S. Navy Service - Advanced Training & Certifications
Advanced Degrees & Continuous Professional Development
From Photojournalist to Master Photographer
Ty spent two decades as a U.S. Navy Photojournalist, achieving the rank of Chief Petty Officer and specializing in Public Relations, Mass Communication, and Journalism. This military background provided:
→Advanced training in professional photography education
After 20 years of military photojournalism, Ty brought that same storytelling expertise, technical mastery, and global perspective to fine art senior portraiture. The result is a photographer who understands:
→Light, composition, and emotion at the highest professional level
Specialization in Fine Art Senior Portraiture
Unlike photographers who specialize in multiple genres (weddings, events, families, headshots), Ty focuses exclusively on what he's most passionate about: capturing the raw authenticity of high school seniors at this pivotal moment in their lives.
That exclusive specialization means:
→Expert knowledge of what works for your age, energy, and personality
It's Not About Perfect Poses. It's About Authenticity.
Your senior year only happens once. These portraits aren't just photos—they're proof that you showed up as yourself at this pivotal moment.
Our mission: Empower you to see your best self through the lens. Not a manufactured version. Not someone you're pretending to be. But the most confident, authentic, celebrated version of YOU that exists right now.
That's why sessions are up to 5 hours. That's why there are unlimited outfit changes. That's why we travel up to 100 miles to find locations that match your vision. Because capturing authenticity takes time, trust, and commitment.
It's not ego. It's liberation.
This exclusivity isn't about limitation—it's about liberation. By limiting to exactly 100 sessions per year, Ty gives EACH senior the undivided creative attention, genuine artistry, and transformative experience they deserve. This isn't a marketing tactic. It's a commitment to quality.
School-contracted photographers shoot 100+ seniors in a single day. Generic studios process clients like assembly lines, maximizing volume over vision. We do the opposite:
→100 sessions/year means Ty spends nearly 60 hours per senior on average (including consultation, scouting, session, editing)This isn't artificial scarcity. It's intentional artistry. When quality is the goal, quantity becomes the enemy.
What's Included in Your Session
→2-5+ Hour Portrait Session (time to truly be yourself)
When you choose Swartz Portraits, you're choosing a master photographer with 40 years of professional experience, PPA Master of Photography credentials, and a passion for fine art portraiture.
You'll receive:
→Direct access to Ty (not an assistant or coordinator)This isn't just about photos. It's about investing in how you see yourself. 💫
Based in Chesapeake, Virginia — Serving clients nationwide and worldwide.
Swartz Portraits specializes in fine art senior portraiture with a 100-mile travel allowance included with every session. This means sessions throughout the Hampton Roads area (Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and surrounding regions) are fully covered without additional travel fees.
National & International Service:
→Seniors travel from across the U.S. (Texas, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Washington, California, and beyond)No geographic limitations. Whether you're local or across the country, Ty brings the same master-level artistry, personalized attention, and gallery-quality results to every session.
Your senior year only happens once. Don't settle for generic photography. Schedule a free consultation where you'll discuss your vision, get expert advice, and learn what makes Swartz Portraits different.
No pressure. Just genuine conversation about creating something authentically YOU.
