On Sunday, August 30th, SHINE 2026 returned to The Somerset Collection in Troy for its 12th annual fashion show, presented by Variety – the Children’s Charity of Detroit and FAR Therapeutic Arts & Recreation. I’ve been fortunate to support the event with photography for a number of years.
SHINE brings together children from Variety the Children’s Charity of Detroit and friends from FAR Therapeutic Arts & Recreation for an afternoon that puts them quite literally in the spotlight. The models take to the runway in back-to-school fashions from Somerset Collection retailers, accompanied by community mentors. Hair and makeup for the event was provided by Alex Emilio Salon.
An Event Built Around Confidence and Inclusion
What makes SHINE special isn’t really the fashion. It’s the confidence, personalities and sheer enjoyment you see coming down the runway. For me as a photographer, that’s what the assignment is about capturing. There are the expected photographs — the runway, speakers, guests and the overall atmosphere — but the images that matter most are often the expressions and interactions happening in between.
The photographs from this year’s event say that far better than I can.
Supporting Variety Detroit and FAR
SHINE also has a purpose beyond the afternoon itself. The event benefits the Variety 4-H Horseback Riding Program and scholarships for therapeutic programming through FAR.
Variety Detroit has served children in the Detroit area since 1932, providing programs and support for children with disabilities, illness and other challenges. FAR Therapeutic Arts & Recreation provides therapeutic programs incorporating music, art, dance/movement and recreation, and 2026 marks FAR’s 75th anniversary.
I’m happy to donate my photography for SHINE each year. It’s a small contribution to an event that means a great deal to the children, families and organizations involved.
Event Photography That Preserves the Story
Events like SHINE are also a good example of what I try to accomplish with event photography. It’s not simply documenting who attended. The photographs should show what the event actually felt like — the people, reactions, relationships, energy and moments that tell the story long after it’s finished.
And SHINE certainly provides plenty of those.