Put Pages into Post Categories?

Does anyone have any recommendations on how to put pages into categories?

I want to use a portfolio theme but they all seem to use posts instead of pages. But I’m creating a site, not a blog, so I don’t want all the bloggy stuff that goes with posts (i.e. dates, authors, chronological hierarchy, etc.). I want to use pages as they’re easier to create as individual product (photo, art, etc.) pages and the their order can be controlled easily.

Really surprised that I don’t find others struggling with this. Am I missing something. Appreciate any input.