Portage Michigan Branding Photos and Headshots: Introducing 'Girl on Fire'

Let's chat about my brand new Girl on Fire photo sessions! The concept is born from my desire to empower us women who've been hustling for maybe decades with kids, work, and everything in-between. Now is our time to bring it back around and rediscover that beautiful spark inside each of us.

The thought of having a professional photo shoot might send you into a panic.  ‘At our age’, the idea of being professionally photographed might be viewed as unconventional or even unnecessary.  We get our photos done as kids, when we graduate, when we marry, a few family photos if we’re really on top of things, maybe headshots for our business cards, and that’s supposed to be it.

And, if you’re like me, finding the time to actually prepare for and attend a photoshoot sounds like an item waaay down on my already too long to-do list.  The thought of actually dedicating our time to a photoshoot just for us, can seem like a luxury not meant for us.

Don’t get me started on worries about what the mirror is reflecting back to us right now!  I mean seriously, does time ever slow down?! And why is gravity out to get me?!

Plus, what is a ‘professional photoshoot’ anyway?!  Are we supposed to get twisted into pretzel-like poses and make model faces, because that is not going to happen.

And not only that….

Does this sound familiar?  Trust me, I’ve been there, done that, and bought the tshirt!  But there is another option.

Let me give you permission, woman to woman, to embrace this moment in your life as an opportunity for renewed focus.  An opportunity to remember the young woman you once were, and rediscover the beautiful spark she still has inside her heart.  My Girl on Fire photo session is a redefining act of self-expression and celebration - celebration of the authenticity of your life story, and an acknowledgment of the unique beauty that comes with life experience.

We set the stage by meeting in your own home, and by embracing your space as a supportive and non-judgmental environment where your comfort and personality take priority.  This is where we’ll create the perfect fusion of those crazy 1990’s Glamour Shots (they actually did have some things right), the updated style of fashion focused Senior portraits, the refined aesthetics of a Better Homes and Gardens editorial photoshoot, and the casual elegance of an at-home lifestyle shoot.

Before you ever step in front of my camera, I’ll walk you through the entire process.  We’ll look at samples of other shoots that I’ve done, and talk about how you see yourself getting comfortable in your own skin, in your own space.  We'll have a short meet-up at your place to talk about your outfits and take a walk through your living spaces - quick and painless, I know you're busy.


We then work together to choose two or three outfits that represent the many aspects of your personality - casual, athletic, all business, comfort first, even formal - anything goes.  Now, if you’re like me, you’re an emotional dresser.  What felt great yesterday might feel impossibly horrible today.  Lucky for you, we are shooting at your house, so your closet is right there if we decide to make last minute or even mid-shoot adjustments!!

The actual photo session happens right in your home, preferably in the daylight hours for that natural sun filled glow. This decision is purposeful, in order to create that  lifestyle/editorial look, with the objective of authentically capturing your personality and style in your own familiar space.  And, if your house is looking super ‘lived in’ like mine right now, do not worry - I’m an expert at staging, so we can create our perfect shooting spaces as we go.

On shoot day, plan on hanging out with me for two to three hours, depending on how many outfits you're feeling and where our conversation leads us.  I’ll share my insecurities if you share yours - completely judgment free of course!  We’ll use our conversation to guide how we photograph you, choosing poses and angles that will make you forget all about those pesky insecurities and help you settle into your comfort zone in front of the camera.

Your final images are always your choice. You decide which images you love, and how and when to share them with the world.  I’ll present them in an online gallery, and we’ll talk through your first reactions, then narrow them down to your favorites.  My hope for you is that, through this process, you will come away with 20 to 30 gorgeous photos of yourself that boost your confidence, ignite your inner spark, and that help you fall in love with yourself just a little bit more!

Get ready to have some fun, maybe some wine, to rediscover your beautiful inner spark, and let's face this extraordinary moment in life together!  Together, we can change the world one beautiful woman at a time, until every woman recognizes that this Girl on Fire experience is not unconventional, but is in fact a necessary reminder that we’ve still got what it takes to light the world on fire!