This is not a casual portrait session — it’s a thoughtfully curated experience that honors where you are in your life. At every moment, from preparation to portrait, you’ll be guided with intentional care, artistic expertise, and an emphasis on presence over performance. The result is imagery that feels both refined and unmistakably you.
Boas optional.
This experience is for women who have built full lives, careers, families, and identities, yet rarely give themselves space to step in front of the camera just for themselves.
This is not about pretending to be someone new.
It’s about showing up as you already are, with support, direction, and care.
Based in Silver Spring, Maryland, this portrait experience serves women throughout Washington, DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia who want images that feel strong, grounded, and unmistakably them.
What This Experience Is (and What It’s Not)
This is not a makeover day that leaves you wondering who you’re looking at.
It is a calm, guided portrait session where everything is handled for you, so you can relax into the process.
You don’t need to know how to pose.
You don’t need to arrive confident.
You don’t need to perform.
You just need to show up.
From professional hair and makeup to gentle direction in front of the camera, every part of the experience is designed to help you feel at ease and supported.
What’s Included
Your session is thoughtfully paced so you never feel rushed.
Professional Hair and Makeup
You’ll begin with a full professional hair and makeup session with Valerie Hammer Makeup Artistry, tailored to enhance your features without overpowering them. The goal is polish, not transformation.
Private studio portrait Session
After hair and makeup, you’ll move into a private studio portrait session with clear guidance, natural movement, and space to settle in.
wardrobe guidance
You’ll receive support choosing outfits that photograph beautifully and align with how you want to feel in your images.
A Calm, Supportive Environment
This is not a high-energy photoshoot. The atmosphere is steady, reassuring, and focused on helping you feel comfortable and confident.
This Experience Resonates With Women Who…
Are ready to celebrate themselves with intention, not obligation.
Care about imagery that feels personal and powerful.
Seek an experience that honors both inner strength and outer grace.
Appreciate thoughtful direction, upscale styling support, and a calm, centered pace.
You do not need a milestone.
You do not need permission.
You do not need to wait.
SHARE THE EXPERIENCE
If the idea of doing this alongside someone you trust sounds even better, you can.
Choose to share this journey with a close friend, sister, or partner. Each of you will have your own individual portraits — with an optional few together — in a session intentionally designed to let your connection shine without distraction.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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Absolutely. Most women who book this session tell me they were a little nervous going in and pleasantly surprised by how easy and enjoyable it felt. You don’t need to know how to pose or arrive feeling confident. I’ll guide you the entire way and create a space where you can settle in and be yourself.
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No. This experience isn’t tied to a milestone or a life event. Many clients book simply because they’re ready to do something for themselves. That’s more than enough reason.
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Once you book, you’ll receive wardrobe guidance to help you choose outfits that photograph beautifully and feel like you. Most clients bring two outfit options. Think polished, comfortable, and true to your style rather than trendy or overly formal.
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Yes. The goal is not to create a version of you that feels unfamiliar. Hair, makeup, lighting, and direction are all designed to enhance what’s already there. Clients often say the images feel like themselves on a really good day.
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Not at all. In fact, that’s very common. You don’t need to perform or figure anything out. I’ll give clear, gentle direction and keep the pace relaxed so you can ease into the experience.
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Yes. This experience can be booked as a shared session for two women who want to do it together. You’ll each have your own individual portraits, with the option to include a few images together. Shared sessions are limited and scheduled intentionally.
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Sessions take place in my studio in Silver Spring, Maryland, easily accessible from Washington, DC, Bethesda, Kensington, and Northern Virginia.
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This experience is offered on weekdays only. That keeps the process unhurried and allows for the full hair, makeup, and portrait flow without feeling rushed.ption
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Hair and makeup takes about 2 hours and the portrait session is about 45 min - 1 hour. Everything is at 1 location.
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No. This experience is not designed for business or marketing use. While the images are polished, the focus is personal rather than professional. It’s about how you feel in the photos, not how you show up online.
Location Details
Sessions take place in Silver Spring, MD, conveniently located near Washington, DC, Bethesda, Kensington, and Northern Virginia, with easy access from I-495 and the ICC.
Hair, makeup and the photoshoot are all at one location, so you just need to show up!
This experience is offered on weekdays only to keep it intentional and unrushed.
Investment
This is a premium, all-inclusive portrait experience that combines professional makeup artistry and private studio photography.
Includes full hair and makeup (~2 hrs per person) and Val stays onsite for touchups along the way (and doubles as the best hype woman)
Up to 1 hour studio photo session with option to bring 2 outfits
Full gallery of images, you pick your 5 digital downloads (option to purchase more after the session)
1 person $1245
2 people $1575
Ready to Step In Front of the Camera?
If you’ve been waiting for the right moment, this is it.
Not because everything is perfect.
But because you are.
Reach out to reserve your session or ask questions. I’m happy to walk you through what to expect and help you decide if this experience is the right fit.