High-Octane Love: A Harley Davidson Photoshoot at the Short Hills Mall

Have you ever seen something in passing that instantly sparks a creative idea—one you have to bring to life? That’s exactly how this photoshoot began.

I was driving one day when I spotted a couple cruising down the highway on a motorcycle. Instantly, the idea hit me: How incredible would it be to photograph a couple on a Harley during golden hour? The motion, the attitude, the romance—it had all the

ingredients for something unforgettable.

So come along with me as I take you behind the scenes of a photoshoot inspired by that moment.

Setting the Scene: Short Hills Mall

The vision was clear: a couple, a Harley-Davidson, and a gritty yet clean environment that could complement the bold energy of the bike. I originally imagined a parking lot or urban-style location—but if you’re familiar with New Jersey, you know that most visually interesting spots come with a price tag.

That’s what made the parking deck at Short Hills Mall such a hidden gem.

Not only is it completely free, but during golden hour, it becomes surprisingly quiet. With the sun dipping low and the light spilling perfectly across the concrete, it creates an ideal backdrop for a quick, uninterrupted shoot. No crowds. No distractions. Just space to create.

Meet the Couple

Thankfully, I knew the perfect couple for this concept—owners of a Harley-Davidson and fully on board with the vision. Let’s call them Mr. & Mrs. Harley.

After sending over a vision board, they were instantly in. They showed up dressed head-to-toe in black leather, ready to bring the energy. From the moment they stepped off the bike, it was clear this shoot was going to be effortless.

One of the biggest challenges when photographing couples is helping them feel natural in front of the camera. But with Mr. & Mrs. Harley, nothing felt forced. Their chemistry was real, comfortable, and lived-in—and that made my job incredibly easy. Every interaction felt authentic, and the connection translated beautifully on camera.

Preparing for the Session

No matter the type of shoot—portraits, Sweet 16s, or weddings—I always bring two cameras. For this session, I packed two Canon R5s, with one serving as a backup. Preparation is everything.

For lenses, I chose the Samyang 85mm f/1.4 RF. While it’s not my everyday go-to, I love how sharp it is and how beautifully it renders depth when shooting wide open. That creamy bokeh at f/1.4 paired perfectly with the golden-hour light.

Lighting-wise, this shoot required flash. I kept things simple with a one-light setup, which allowed me to control the dynamic range and add drama without overcomplicating the process. I’m a big believer in simplicity—especially when working solo. One light, used well, can create endless looks without battling wind, gear, or setup fatigue.

The Final Images

Now for the best part—the results.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, it cast a warm, golden glow that wrapped around the couple and the bike perfectly. The combination of leather, chrome, and soft light tied the entire gallery together and gave the shoot its cinematic feel.

Take a look through the images and let me know what you think—did we nail the vision?

Final Thoughts

This shoot was a reminder that inspiration can come from anywhere—sometimes from a split second on the road. When you stay open creatively, those moments can turn into something tangible and powerful.

If you have a vision you’ve been dying to bring to life, I’d love to help make it happen. Let’s start a conversation and turn that idea into something unforgettable.