Woman in a pink floral dress holding roses, standing near the Seine River with the Eiffel Tower in the background.
Woman in a white top and blue sequin pants sits on a street, surrounded by colorful graffiti in Austin, TX
Woman in a white suit with a pearl necklace smiling at the camera against a white background.
Woman in a yellow top and jeans poses in front of a collage of vintage concert tickets.
Pregnant woman in flowing blue dress stands on tree-lined path with arching branches in a serene outdoor setting.
Two women in elegant dresses and crowns pose confidently against a yellow spotlight background.
Person in a gray suit leans against a white building with a brick staircase and greenery.

WAUKESHA, WISCONSIN

High-End, Over-the-Top Portraits for Those Who Want More

This isn't just a photo shoot. It's an experience! Whether you're celebrating your senior year, building your brand, capturing that first baby bump or your family's legacy, or stepping into the pageant spotlight, your portraits should be as bold and unforgettable as you are. 

I create vibrant, dramatic, one-of-a-kind images that turn heads, capture emotions and showcase YOU in a way you've never seen before. From breathtaking destination sessions to statement making studio portraits, I take photography to the next level because your story deserves nothing less. 

LEARN MORE
Person fishing from a small boat on a lake with a vibrant sunset sky in the background.
Woman in green dress posing confidently between two escalators.
Young man in a black shirt and shorts holds a baseball bat on his shoulder, standing on steps in an empty stadium.
Person sitting against a wall wearing a floral shirt, looking to the side thoughtfully. Black and white image.
A woman in a white sweater and blue skirt sits on a blue chair outside, surrounded by potted plants.
A person in formal attire stands confidently on a rooftop, holding a jacket over their shoulder. Clouds and buildings are visible in the background.

SESSIONS

Person sitting in a sleek black car under an orange-lit structure.

SENIOR

Woman in a flowing pink dress reclines on rocky terrain with dramatic mountains and a vibrant sunset sky in the background.

DESTINATION

Woman in strapless dark green dress and crown, smiling against a dark, textured background.

PAGEANT

Pregnant woman in a flowing lavender gown poses gracefully in front of a colorful abstract background.

MATERNITY

Family holding hands in a field with wildflowers, smiling, surrounded by greenery and soft sunlight in the background.

FAMILY/PETS

Smiling woman with long brown hair, wearing a white blazer and necklace, arms crossed, against a plain background.

HEADSHOTS/BRANDING

Woman in blue dress poses on a balcony with ornate railings and two wall lanterns. Wearing her photographic craftsman medallion

FEATURE OF THE MONTH

Denise Watrous, Craftsman Photographer, CPP.

It's finally officially official. I am a Photographic Craftsman.
 
I crossed the stage at Imaging USA and received my medallion in front of my family and my photography peers, a moment I will never forget.
 This degree was a long time coming, and it means more to me than I can put into words. For years.....decades actually....I watched photographers before me adorned with their Craftsman and Master medallions, quietly in awe of what they had achieved. For a long time, I convinced myself I would never be one of them.
 But here we are. Denise Watrous, Photographic Craftsman, CPP. And now also a proud member of the American Society of Photographers, an organization representing the very best in photographic artistry.
 Earning this degree was powerful. Being supported while earning it was everything!
My husband and kids traveled to Nashville to watch me cross that stage, and my beautiful daughter Ella served as my sponsor, placing the medallion around my neck. (Yes, I made the kids pick a number between 1 and 50 for the honor...and a 6/7 may have won that contest! LOL)
 The support of my closest friends in this industry is not just meaningful, it's essential. Most of us are solo business owners. We work alone. It can be lonely and isolating. Finding my people changed everything! We're scattered across the country and may only see each other a few times a year, but when we're together, it feels like home. And the cherry on top is having best friends with the talent to beautifully preserve this moment forever! Thank you to Brandy Moton for these stunning portraits, and to the rest of our group, Molly, Bertha, and Lisa, the world's best stylists, for fixing every detail and making sure we all looked our very best!
 To the rest of our group who showed up, reserved seats, cheered loudly, and then partied the night away with us, I love you so very much! Let's do this again!
One, maybe two more degrees to go!
Grateful. Proud. Still standing.

PHOTOGRAPHER TESTIMONIALS

What the Pros Say

A Photographer's Eye Knows Quality

When professional photographers step in front of my camera, they expect more than just a great portrait. They expect exceptional lighting, expert posing, and a level of artistry that stands out. I'm honored to have captured fellow creatives who trust my vision, experience, and dedication to delivering nothing but the best.

Words from Industry Professionals: 

Smiling woman in black dress; below, black and white photo of two people in formal attire, standing together.

Brandy Moton, M.Photog., Cr.Photog., CPP

Working with Denise was an unforgettable experience. She brought an incredible level of professionalism, creativity, and heart to my Craftsman ceremony portraits. From the moment we began, she made me feel seen, celebrated, and completely comfortable in front of the camera. Denise has a true gift for finding beauty in every moment. She chose unique, stunning locations that perfectly captured the spirit of the day and brought my portraits to life. Her posing direction was thoughtful and flattering, and somehow, she knew exactly how to highlight my personality and style in every frame. I walked away from our session feeling confident, radiant, and truly beautiful. What sets Denise apart is her ability to not just take a photo, but to tell a story. She captured more than just images—she captured emotion, pride, and joy. Her passion for her craft and care for her clients shine through in everything she does. If you want a photographer who will honor your moment and elevate your memories, Denise is that person. I couldn’t be more grateful.

Top: Person photographing a beach sunset. Bottom: Person smiling with a camera in a colorful setting.

Molly Beale, C.P.P.

Denise was so agreeable to getting up at the crack of dawn so she could photograph me doing what I love most…shooting sunrise! I’m SO glad I have these portraits, and can’t wait to use them on my marketing materials! After sunrise on the beach, we headed to a super cute candy shop that we had all to ourselves! To say I’m in LOVE with the portraits she made of me there would be an understatement! She knew just how to pose and light me to make me look my very best! I also felt extremely comfortable with how we decided, pre-session, for me to dress. I’m not fancy, and am pretty basic. Denise picked out just the thing that looked like me and I was comfortable in! I could go on and on, but will just say, if you’re considering portraits with Denise, DO IT! You won’t regret it!

Two images side by side: a woman in a green dress sitting on a chair; the same woman in a dark dress with a green spotlight.

Sarah Lindsay, Photographer

Working with Denise is a one of a kind experience! Walking into her studio, she immediately makes you feel at ease and like you’ve been best friends for decades. She is also an expert at lighting and posing you in the most flattering ways. Getting headshots done by Denise was the best decision and I use the headshots she took on literally everything!

Woman in a witch costume with long blonde hair poses by a brick fountain at night.

Bertha Bishop, C.P.P.

Denise is such a professional. All you need to do is show up. She will take care of the rest and make you feel and look like a million bucks! From lighting to posing and everything in between, the results speak for themselves. Having her take my portrait was truly an awesome experience!

Your Dream Session Awaits...

Let's create something extraordinary! Fill out the form below and let's start planning a session that's as bold, vibrant, and unforgettable as you are. I can't wait to hear your vision! 

Thank you for contacting us!

We have received your message and will contact you shortly

View Receipt View Submission
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Thank you for contacting us!

We have received your message and will contact you shortly

View Submission
Leave this field empty
FOLLOW ME TO INSTAGRAM
Woman in a sparkling black dress poses under spotlight, casting a shadow with raised arms.
Young man in a blue suit with a red bow tie leaning against a corrugated metal wall, smiling.
Graduate in white dress with yellow stole holding cap near fountain, smiling upward with sunlight filtering through trees.
Smiling person in jeans and a blue shirt stands by a vine-covered brick wall.
Woman in a magenta dress with curly hair and pink earrings, posing against a dark background.
WAUKESHA, WISCONSIN
WAUKESHA, WISCONSIN
WAUKESHA, WISCONSIN