The artist & the studio
Aaron
McPolin
Internationally recognized fine-art photographer working in intimacy, portraiture and the fine-art nude — and the photographer behind Morning Shadows.
Morning Shadows is the studio of Aaron McPolin — an Australian fine-art photographer and videographer whose work moves between fashion, film and the fine-art nude. His images deal with taboo and tenderness, and treat the person in front of the lens as the subject rather than the material.
Across more than a decade, Aaron's art and commissioned work has been celebrated internationally and featured in some of the most recognizable titles in art and culture. His signature series A Tender Dissolution — a three-year study of Shibari, Kinbaku and Australian botanicals — has been exhibited across Australia and Los Angeles and featured by Playboy, Penthouse and Beautiful Bizarre.
He is also co-creator of Treasure The Erotic — described as the world's most lavish erotic art collection — a body of sculptural and photographic fine-art works, art books and collector editions that honor eroticism as something to be treasured, not hidden.
“We dedicate this art to intimacy and the value of human pleasure.” — Aaron McPolin
Recognition & features
Awarded
Multiple wins at the International Photography Awards across fine art, advertising and beauty — including 1st Place in Fine Art/Nudes for Bloom. Honorable Mention, Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize (2020) for A Tender Dissolution.
Featured
Featured by Beautiful Bizarre and BASIC Magazine, and interviewed in Melanie Rose's Tea for Two.
Exhibited & represented
Solo & group exhibitions across Australia and LA, including the solo show A Pattern of Rebirth. Represented online via Artsy and Fox Lab Fine Art.
Recognized & featured
In their words
“Your work has graced the pages of iconic magazines like Vogue, Playboy, and Penthouse – platforms with distinct aesthetics.” — Melanie Ruth Rose, Tea for Two
“My artwork challenges viewers to see past their misconceptions … to break down judgement and further an understanding.” — Aaron McPolin, in BASIC Magazine
The philosophy
What the studio is for
Morning Shadows exists to make work that reads as fine art, and to make the process straightforward for the person in front of the camera. You set the boundaries at the consultation, they hold for the whole session, and nothing is published without your written approval.
- Consent-led, client-first, hand-picked industry crew
- Public work is artful and implied
- Your image is protected and yours
- Helmut-Newton-meets-fine-art direction
Before you book
Your questions, answered
None at all. Most of our clients have never done anything like this. You'll be guided through every pose and expression — your only job is to show up as you are.
Whatever makes you feel most yourself — we'll plan looks together at your consultation, from elegant and covered to bold and artful. Styling guidance is part of the experience.
A small, calm, professional team — typically your artist and hair & makeup. The studio is private and closed, and the crew are hand-picked industry professionals. You set the boundaries and we hold them.
Yes, and we encourage it. Bring a friend or your partner if it helps you settle — they are welcome on set for the whole day. You can also bring your own hair, makeup and styling team instead of ours, and if it puts you at ease, you or the person you bring can film on set.
From one hour for a Portrait to a full day for an Icon commission. Nothing is rushed — the pace is yours.
You do, completely. Portfolio and social use are both opt-in and each use is granted separately, and we ask after your session once you have seen the work rather than on the day you book. Public galleries are always artful and implied, and nothing is shared without your written say-so.
Yes. We sign a non-disclosure agreement on request, and we can do that before the consultation if you would rather talk under one.
At a private reveal after your session, you choose what to keep — prints, editions or a book — hand-finished and delivered to you.
Yes, and most people do. A phone call, a video call, or a coffee if you are in Los Angeles — whichever suits you. It costs nothing, there is no deposit to have it, and there is no obligation afterwards.
Every client signs a model release. Portfolio use is opt-in — nothing is published unless you have agreed to that use in writing.
Contact
Let's talk
However you'd like to begin — a session, an Academy day, a gift, or a partnership — it starts with a conversation, and that conversation costs nothing.
Book a session
Portrait, Private Boudoir, Fine Art or Icon — art-directed and built around you.
Creator & brand alignment
Representation, content partnerships, sponsors and affiliates.
The studio
Los Angeles, California — by appointment, worldwide on request. Studio & bookings: info@alumastudios.com Press & partnerships: info@alumastudios.com Instagram: @morningshadowsla Thinking of a gift? Ask below — a session or Academy day can be arranged as a gift. We reply personally, usually within a day.The Art of You
Create with Aaron.
Every experience is guided personally. Begin with a no-pressure conversation about your vision.
Begin your experienceEvery client signs a model release. Portfolio use is opt-in — nothing is published unless you have agreed to that use in writing.