Frequently Asked Questions

A portrait session with Rachel starts at $1290. Please inquire with your specific needs for a custom quote.

If you freeze up or get awkward in front of a camera, chances are high that you don’t yet have an image you can confidently share. A portrait studio owner can privately address concerns, provide expression coaching and wardrobe consultation, and guide you to flattering body language for natural and beautiful images. At my photo studio in Sherwood, Oregon just west of the Portland metro, I can help you feel and look your best through my years of experience and artistic expertise.

Most branding sessions and headshots are photographed at my custom designed Oregon portrait studio just off Pacific Highway in Sherwood, but I also offer environmental portraiture and team photos at the clients’ place of business or creative workplace.

My studio in Sherwood, Oregon west of Portland is a calm and bright space that is perfect for those who need a straight-up headshot or artist portrait; it can also be built out to meet specific set needs. If you work out of a corporate office or creative work space, I can bring my lighting equipment to you for a truly unique environmental portrait. The setting of a portrait should make sense to your profession.

Our world is online.

Clients want to connect with service providers before committing to working with them in person. You build trust (and hopefully likability!) with a fresh and clear photo of you and your team.

Too many companies and individuals in Oregon are stuck using outdated and generic-looking staff photos and I want to change that.

I love this phrase “executive portrait” because it speaks to presence. The head of the company is likely busy toggling her roles and may feel that taking time to do photos is less important. Au contraire, people want to see updates on leaders, and the more professional the image the better it will align with her earned role as captain and CEO.

Sometimes called a business portrait and sometimes simply headshots, to me an executive portrait shows the gravitas of the head of a company and oozes executive presence. It’s worth investing to have a suite of images to use for your press kit or social media.

Creative business owners in the Portland, Oregon metro area use headshots and business portraits for everything from business cards, email signatures and profile photos to to their artist statements and concert bios as well as updating their website and social media. You might be writing a book or applying for grant funding. Maybe you are running for office. When job searching, your LinkedIn profile photos act as a quick peek at your values and corporate social presentation. This is one space where a true headshot (head/shoulders) is all the real estate you have to make a first impression.

The level of formality will vary by individual and by purpose. A modern visual artist probably wouldn’t wear a power suit, and a lawyer is unlikely to want to wear recreational clothing for work photos. A Real Estate Broker wouldn’t be standing out in a field of wildflowers. You get the idea. I like to do a style consultation and creative planning meeting before your branding photography session day at my studio in Sherwood, Oregon or via zoom.

The best headshot is a clear and well-lit image that shows your expression, professional grooming choices, and a tiny glimpse of your style through wardrobe and accessories. The level of formality varies wildly from profession to profession (especially for Oregon entrepreneurs and artists!). I would argue that in most cases a clean and well-lit studio shot gives instant professional credit whereas an outdoor shot says “friend with a camera.”

Maybe your current photo is from a different decade (surprisingly common!). Maybe your professional look has evolved. Perhaps you have leveled up your life or changed careers. You may be preparing for a book launch, a political campaign, or about to ask for a promotion. Maybe you’re re-entering the dating scene!

Great photos bring out one’s confidence and power.

They connect with clients.

They help you make more money!