A US Army OCP Uniform Portrait Session with Kayla
- Austen Hunter
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
As a Pensacola-based military portrait photographer, I’ve had the honor of working with service members at some of the most meaningful moments of their careers. My name is Austen Hunter. I'm an Air Force veteran and professional photographer who specializes in military portraits designed to honor legacy and the tradition of service. One thing I know about military portraits is that these sessions aren’t just about looking sharp—they’re about preserving a chapter of life that deserves to be remembered with intention.
Introducing Kayla’s Military Portrait Session
Kayla is a dental hygienist in the United States Army who recently concluded her active-duty service. As she prepared to transition into civilian life, she knew she wanted one thing before closing the door on her military career: an official portrait that truly felt like the end of the chapter.
While service members typically have the option to get a professional portrait taken at their local base public affairs office, results can vary greatly. Ultimately, an exhausted, overworked government employee typically won't treat your retirement portrait with the care that a dedicated artist would, so she decided to book with me for her retirement portrait in uniform.
Kayla traveled all the way from Georgia specifically for this session because she wanted it done right. She chose to wear her Army OCP uniform—the uniform she felt most comfortable and most herself in. By the end of the session, she was thrilled with the results, knowing she now had a portrait that honored where she’s been as she steps into what’s next.
As we concluded Kayla's session, we did a quick photo review to ensure she was happy with the results. Here's how the final images looked:
US Army OCP Uniform Portraits
The Army Operational Camouflage Pattern (OCP) uniform represents modern service—daily commitment, adaptability, and professionalism. Unlike dress uniforms that are worn for ceremonies, OCPs reflect the real work of the Army. For many soldiers, it’s the uniform they’ve lived in, trained in, and served in.
When photographing OCP uniforms, precision matters. Fit, patch placement, rank visibility, and lighting all play a role in ensuring the portrait feels authentic and respectful. Just remember to police those pesky loose threads that always seem to show up right before an inspection.
The Importance of Military Portraits
Military portraits matter most at milestones: transitions, retirements, promotions, or the conclusion of service. Too often, the only images service members have are rushed phone photos or outdated official shots.
A professional military portrait creates space to pause. It captures pride, discipline, and identity in a way that lasts far beyond the moment. These images become keepsakes—for the service member, their family, and future generations. Kayla’s session wasn’t just about marking the end of her Army career; it was about preserving it with dignity.
“When service members reach a transition point, they deserve more than a quick photo. They deserve a portrait that honors the years they’ve given and the identity they’re carrying forward.” — Austen Hunter
Final Thoughts
Closing a chapter deserves intention. Kayla trusted me to help her mark the end of her Army service with a portrait that felt honest, powerful, and complete—and I don’t take that responsibility lightly. If you’re active duty, transitioning, or a veteran looking to honor your service, I’d be honored to work with you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I wear my OCP uniform for a professional portrait session?
A: Absolutely. OCP uniforms are appropriate and meaningful for portraits, especially if they represent your daily service or personal identity in the military.
Q: Why are military portraits important when transitioning out of active-duty service?
A: Transitioning out of the military is a major life milestone. A professional military portrait creates a moment to pause and reflect, preserving your service with dignity and intention.
Q: When is the best time to schedule a military portrait before separation or retirement?
A: The ideal time is within the final months of active-duty service, once uniforms, rank, and insignia are finalized. This ensures the portrait accurately reflects your career at its conclusion while giving you time to plan the session without the pressure of last-minute transitions.
