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Salt Lake City Portrait & Brand Photographer | Ali Sumsion

@alisumsion

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Authentic | Timeless | True to Life Color | Connection Over Everything

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Trigger warning: *mention of sui-cide* It’s been six years since my husband and the father of my children left this earth. It’s hard to know what to say on a deathiversary but it doesn’t feel right to let it pass without a public offering to the ones who knew and loved him. Because he is so missed by so many. He was a man who was loved. The way he died stands in stark contrast to the way he lived. He was a caring and doting father, an empathetic soul, a gentle man. I know for sure he was not in his right mind when he made the choice to end it. Or maybe choice is the wrong word. Is it a choice to jump from a burning building? I didn’t break down today but I did last week when Brian was out of town. I called my sister and scream cried all the questions I’ll never have answers to. That still happens. Six years later. I’m saying that for the folks just starting out on the grief journey. In the beginning you will bawl your eyes out every single day and you cannot imagine a life when you won’t. And then, years later, you won’t bawl your eyes out every day. But sometimes you will. You never won’t bawl your eyes out about it sometimes. Because you’ll never forget a person like Zach and the pain of losing him. He told me in 200 years no one would remember his name. But I still do. As long as I’m breathing. We love you Z. We miss you tremendously and we always will ❤️ by @alisumsion

Soft look, strong presence🖤

#headshots #explorepage #northernutahmodel by @alisumsion

Eighteen years with one of my favorite boys who is now a man. A little life update: he’s in the EMT program at the tech center and working part-time at Chic-fil-a. He wants to be a wild land firefighter. He upgraded his 1992 Camry to a Subaru Impreza with all wheel drive and is looking forward to snowboarding this season. More important than any of that is his kind and generous heart which he has managed to maintain throughout his teenage years. I’m so lucky to be his mom. Happy 18th birthday Franky! It’s been an honor to walk beside you through the peaks and valleys of life ❤️ by @alisumsion

I’ve had quite a few people ask lately if I’m still doing photography now that I work at RiNo Sign Works full-time.

The answer is yes!

Photography is still a huge part of my life, and these are some of my favorite images I’ve made so far in 2026.

I’d especially love to book more studio sessions. My studio is right behind my house, which means they’re available year-round and are one of the most budget-friendly session options I offer.

If you’ve been thinking about family photos, headshots, branding photos, seniors, or just want an excuse to get in front of the camera, I’d love to chat. Thanks for continuing to support this business of mine. ❤️ #utahphotographer by @alisumsion

In March, I made a pretty big change and left my full-time photography position to join my husband at @rinosignworks. Walking away from what many people would consider a dream job wasn’t an easy decision. I loved my time at @sparkleinpink, and I’ll always be grateful for the opportunities, friendships, and experiences I had there. But I also believe the photography industry is changing rapidly, especially in the product photography space, and I wanted to position myself for what’s next.

At my core, I’m an entrepreneur. My adhd brain is wired for novelty and working in the sign business is something different every day. I’m thriving in that environment. I’m focused on sales and marketing at RiNo, and coincidentally so much of what I learned as a photographer built an incredible foundation for this unique role.

No one cares more about the success of a business than the people who risk everything to experience the roller coaster of owning a small business. I’m hopefully optimistic about joining my husband on the ride and excited to manifest all our goals. We’re already seeing the results and let me tell you - 2026 is OUR YEAR! Also if you’re looking for someone to fabricate something cool including unique, well-built signage, send them my way! #womeninbusiness
#entrepreneurmindset
#smallbusinesslife
#careerpivot
#businessownerlife by @alisumsion

Class of 2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣6️⃣🎓💋
DM me your address if you want announcement!

“Feels so scary getting old” -lord by @alisumsion

Hallelujah, the final countdown is on!! It could still be 3 weeks or 6! 😂 Either way, hopefully it’s baby month!! 🤍 by @alisumsion

Why is this such a banger?
#poppunkkids
#teenagerhumor
#momlifeunfiltered
#raisingteenagers
#poppunkvibes by @alisumsion

Chic mamas: these were made for you!
Loved photographing these beautiful leather bags for NOLA, a new family owned company based right here in Salt Lake. Their bags are simple, compact, and thoughtfully designed for everyday life. They can be worn as a backpack or crossbody thanks to removable straps, and they honestly feel more like a really nice purse than a traditional diaper bag.
High quality, super functional, and very cute. I’m a big fan of brands that are built with real life in mind. Always love getting to photograph products for businesses building something special.

#saltlakebusiness
#utahbrand
#utahsmallbusiness
#productphotographyutah
#utahmade by @alisumsion

Cute Gwen makes me wish for a daughter. You truly can’t be sad around this girl. She will find a way to brighten your day #familyphotoshoot #studiophotographer #utahfamilyphotographer #slcfamilyphotographer by @alisumsion

Told you I’ll be here forever❤️‍🔥
📸 @alisumsion
MUA @morganfaymua by @alisumsion

A little career update from me...
After many years focused entirely on photography, I’m starting to shift gears a little bit. I’ll still be taking on portrait and commercial photography clients, but I’ve also started helping with marketing for Brian’s company, RiNo Sign Works.
We design and fabricate custom signage and architectural elements for developers, restaurants, hospitality groups, retail businesses, and office properties. The company has been around for over a decade, but I’m just now stepping into the marketing side of things and learning a lot about the industry.
One of the projects we recently completed was a full signage package for The Gauge Apartments in Salt Lake City. The project included large illuminated exterior building signage, an illuminated projecting sign for visibility from the street, window graphics, and a full ADA signage system throughout the property.
What I’ve realized is how much thoughtful signage can impact the overall experience of a space. When it’s done well, it becomes part of the architecture and helps people navigate a building without even thinking about it.
Anyway, I’m excited about this new chapter and getting to work alongside Brian. Photos by yours truly 😘 #signinspo #multifamilyinvesting #interiordesigntrends #signagemanufacturer #signdesign by @alisumsion