I’m delighted you asked! My passion is capturing the essence and strength of the modern woman in various facets of her life and those dear to her. Here’s a breakdown of what I specialize in:

• Beauty Portraits: Legacy beauty portraits are timeless, capturing the elegance, grace, and spirit of an individual. It’s about celebrating who you are at every phase of life.
• Contemporary Headshots: These aren’t your traditional stiff corporate headshots. Instead, think of them as a blend of professionalism with a touch of personal style, perfect for modern professionals, creatives, and entrepreneurs.
• Personal Branding: Slightly different from headshots, these delve deeper. It’s about translating your professional identity, your brand, into compelling visuals. Great for anyone building a personal brand or seeking to make a powerful impression online.
• Boudoir Sessions: Explore and embrace your sensuality with these intimate sessions. From elegant boudoir to the evocative white sheet sessions that hint at the implied nude, the focus is always on empowerment, confidence, and the essence of femininity.

Personalized and Group Sessions: Every portrait tells a story, and sometimes that narrative is best shared. You can choose to have a significant other, be it a spouse, partner, sister, or mother, join towards the end of a session. Or, plan an unforgettable day with a group of girlfriends: get pampered, glammed up, and then enjoy individual and group photo sessions. It’s not just about the photographs, but also the memories you’ll create together.

In essence, while my focus is on beauty, branding, and boudoir, the experience is always about YOU. It’s about creating a tailored session that celebrates who you are, and sometimes, the special people in your life. Looking forward to crafting a session that’s as unique as you are!

Your photoshoot will be set in a location that complements the ambiance and mood we’re aiming for. Most commonly, sessions are held in my intimate home studio in the Arcadia area of Phoenix. This space is designed to ensure comfort and privacy, allowing you to truly express yourself.

For those seeking a different backdrop or have specific requirements, I’m also flexible with other arrangements that may involve additional costs, site visits and planning:

• Studio Rentals: Depending on the vibe and theme of the shoot, we might opt for a specialized studio rental. This can give us access to unique settings, ensuring every shot is picture-perfect.
• On-Location Shoots: Whether it’s for corporate headshots, personal branding, or even boudoir, we can take the shoot outdoors, your workspace, or to a specific location that aligns with your vision. The world is our canvas!

Regardless of where we choose to shoot, my top priority is always ensuring you feel relaxed, empowered, and radiant in front of the lens. Every location is meticulously selected to reflect your personality and the story we’re aiming to tell through the photographs.

The duration of your shoot hinges on the specific session type you opt for. Here’s a guideline to help you plan:

• Beauty or Boudoir Session: These sessions are comprehensive and designed to make you feel pampered and special. Including hair and makeup, you can expect the entire process to take about 3 hours from start to finish. It’s not just a shoot; it’s an experience.
• Full and Half-Day Branding Sessions: For those looking to craft a comprehensive visual narrative for their brand, I offer extended sessions. The duration will vary based on your specific needs, but rest assured we’ll cover a variety of looks and settings.
• Onsite Corporate Headshots: If you’re looking to update the professional photos for your office team or group, I provide efficient on-location services. Each individual will be in front of the camera for a quick 10-30 minutes, ensuring minimal disruption to their workday while still capturing high-quality shots.
• Contemporary In-Studio Headshot: Perfect for individuals in need of a professional yet modern headshot, these sessions allow for up to three distinct looks. We’ll breeze through the session in about 60 minutes, ensuring you get a range of images to choose from.

Whatever session type you choose, I’m committed to ensuring it’s efficient, enjoyable, and results in photographs you’ll love. Remember, it’s not just about the time in front of the camera; it’s about the quality and care put into every minute!

The duration of your shoot hinges on the specific session type you opt for. Here’s a guideline to help you plan:

• Beauty or Boudoir Session: These sessions are comprehensive and designed to make you feel pampered and special. Including hair and makeup, you can expect the entire process to take about 3 hours from start to finish. It’s not just a shoot; it’s an experience.
• Full and Half-Day Branding Sessions: For those looking to craft a comprehensive visual narrative for their brand, I offer extended sessions. The duration will vary based on your specific needs, but rest assured we’ll cover a variety of looks and settings.
• Onsite Corporate Headshots: If you’re looking to update the professional photos for your office team or group, I provide efficient on-location services. Each individual will be in front of the camera for a quick 10-30 minutes, ensuring minimal disruption to their workday while still capturing high-quality shots.
• Contemporary In-Studio Headshot: Perfect for individuals in need of a professional yet modern headshot, these sessions allow for up to three distinct looks. We’ll breeze through the session in about 60 minutes, ensuring you get a range of images to choose from.

Whatever session type you choose, I’m committed to ensuring it’s efficient, enjoyable, and results in photographs you’ll love. Remember, it’s not just about the time in front of the camera; it’s about the quality and care put into every minute!

To kick off your portrait session journey, the first step is a complimentary discovery call. You can easily book this call online. Before we delve into the finer details of your session, this conversation is paramount. During this call, in order to secure your desired date, the session fee will be due in its entirety. Through our discussion about your goals and ideas for the session, we can guarantee that the time and resources allocated will align perfectly with your unique vision and expectations.

While I do offer weekend sessions, they are in limited supply and typically come with a premium fee. For Saturday or Sunday bookings, there’s a minimum additional charge of $100, which may increase based on the specific time slot and session demand. Instead of incurring this extra cost, I often suggest clients consider taking a quiet day or a “mental health” day from their hectic weekday routines. After all, this session is a treat for yourself, and you deserve it!

The lead time you’ll need can vary based on the specifics of the session you’re envisioning. Here’s a general guideline to help you plan:

• General Sessions: I recommend at least a week in advance for most photo shoots. This gives us ample time to discuss your vision, prepare, and ensure everything is in place for a seamless experience.
• Beauty and Boudoir Sessions: These are a bit more intricate and personalized. Given the detailed preparations involved, clients typically book about a month out. This time frame ensures we can discuss styling, wardrobe, props, and any other personal touches you might want to incorporate.

The key is to ensure you have enough time to prepare and feel confident and relaxed on the day of the shoot. I’m committed to providing an enjoyable, stress-free experience, and having the right amount of prep time is a big part of that. If you’re uncertain about your schedule, feel free to reach out, and we can discuss the best timeline for your specific needs!

Great question! Preparing for your photoshoot is like gearing up for a special event. Whether you’re aiming for a striking headshot, a personal branding session, an elegant beauty shoot, or a sultry boudoir session, I’ve got resources tailored just for you. Here’s how we ensure you’re at your best:

• Guided Preparation: Once you book, I’ll share detailed preparation guides chock-full of tips, tricks, and advice that I’ve curated over the years. Think of it as your roadmap to looking and feeling fabulous.
• Best Practice Timeline: To ensure everything is seamless, I’ll provide you with a timeline to follow. This way, you’ll know what to expect and when, allowing you to prepare at a pace that’s comfortable for you.
• Planning Call: Before your shoot, we’ll have a dedicated planning call. This is our chance to review the guides, discuss the timelines, and chat about outfits. Not sure what to wear or what to bring? No worries! We’ll cover all of that.
• A Little Tip to Start: While we’ll delve deeper in our guides and call, here’s a sneak peek of some prep advice: Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water in the days leading up to your shoot. Additionally, stretch out your body – it helps in getting those natural and fluid poses!

Remember, the goal is for you to enjoy the process, feel confident, and of course, get stunning photographs that you’ll cherish. Looking forward to capturing your best side!

Absolutely! While I’ve got the technicalities of the shoot handled, your input is invaluable in ensuring we capture the essence of what you’re looking for.

Once you’ve booked a session, there’s a little “homework” on your end – but fear not! It’s all designed to refine our vision and ensure we’re aligned. This homework is more about gathering your thoughts, preferences, and inspirations to ensure the final photos reflect your unique personality and desires. It’s nothing overwhelming, and it genuinely aids in achieving a more personalized and successful result.

Think of our collaboration as a partnership: I bring the professional expertise, and you bring the vision and essence of who you are. Together, we’ll craft a session that results in photos you’ll cherish.

At the heart of any session is your radiant smile and confidence!

If your session included hair and makeup, please arrive comfortably in a button down top to minimize disruption when you change into your first look.

• Wardrobe Guidance: In our planning meeting, I’ll provide you with more detailed advice tailored to your session’s goals, ensuring your attire aligns with the desired outcomes.
• End Goal Consideration: Whether you’re aiming for a statement piece of wall art or crisp business headshots, this will guide our discussions on attire.
• Personal Touch: I’ll be on hand to offer recommendations based on your unique style and the session’s objectives.
• Outfits: Depending on the session type, I’ll let you know the number of selections you should bring.  You will want outfits that make you feel your best, from casual to a bit more dressed up. Versatility is key, so consider a mix of necklines, solid colors and textures.
• Accessories: Think about jewelry, scarves, or any other personal items that complement your outfits and can accentuate your personal style.

Always remember, the essence of the session is to capture the genuine you. I’ll provide guidance, but your comfort and confidence are paramount. Together, we’ll make sure you’re poised and ready for a fantastic shoot!

While the idea of sharing this experience with a friend can be tempting, especially if you’re feeling a tad nervous, I generally advise against it unless you’re both participating in the shoot. I wholeheartedly believe in the magic of connection during a session. The rapport we build directly translates into the emotion and authenticity captured in the photographs. Having someone else present can sometimes act as a distraction, diluting this intimate connection. I encourage you to immerse yourself in the session, and afterwards, you can excitedly catch up with your friend over lunch to share all the details! If you’ve read the “about me” section on my site, you’ll understand just how pivotal this connection is to achieving the best possible outcomes.

While Arizona is known for its sunny disposition, Mother Nature can sometimes have her moments. Monsoon season is a perfect example but, don’t worry! Safety is paramount, and as long as it’s safe for you to travel, our session will proceed as scheduled. My expertise with both natural light and strobe ensures that even the gloomiest days won’t impact the quality of your photographs. And to ensure you stay dry, I’ll be right there to greet you and usher you safely indoors when you arrive.

Life can be unpredictable, and I fully understand that sometimes plans need to change. If you find yourself needing to reschedule, here’s what to do:

• Reach out to me as soon as possible. The sooner we can address the situation, the more flexibility we have in finding a suitable alternative.
• Our policy is clear: If you reschedule more than 10 days before your booked date, your session fee will be seamlessly transferred to the new date. (We allow up to two reschedules only) 
• For rescheduling less than 10 days before the planned date, 50% of the session fee might be retained. A fresh deposit will then be needed to secure another slot, and the balance will be applied to any collection purchase.  
• If there’s a cancellation within 48 hours of the session or a no-show, unfortunately, the session fee cannot be refunded or applied to a new date.
• All rescheduling needs to take place within the current calendar year. It’s also worth noting that if you’ve booked a session as part of a special promotion or event, i.e., The 40 Over 40 Portrait Experience, TheFearless40, ThisIsMe, there might be certain bonuses or features that aren’t available at a later date.

Always remember, communication is key. Let’s keep the lines open and work together to ensure a smooth experience.

Yes, hair and makeup services are an integral part of the experience for in-studio beauty and boudoir sessions, ensuring you look and feel your absolute best. For those booking personal branding and headshot sessions, the option to include hair and makeup is available for an added charge. This allows you to customize the session to best suit your needs and preferences.

Absolutely! While I hope you’ll be captivated by many of the images, I’m here to assist you in narrowing down your selections. Whether it’s guiding you towards the standout shots or helping differentiate between similar images, my aim is to ensure you’re thrilled with your final choices.

While the inclination to bring someone might arise, I generally advise against it. If your photo session was a solo experience, your ordering appointment ideally should be too. Sometimes, even with the best intentions, friends or partners might unintentionally influence our decisions or affect how we feel about certain images. Remember, this session centers around YOU. Trusting your gut reaction and spending individual time with each image will often yield the most authentic representation of what you genuinely love about your portraits.

The appointment is set for 45 minutes, though I always reserve a bit of extra time in my calendar just in case you need a few more moments to finalize your choices. It’s worth noting that this will be your sole opportunity to select and purchase your photographs.

The viewing and ordering process depends on the type of session you’ve booked and in either case, you have one opportunity to do so:

• Headshot Sessions: For these quick and focused sessions, the process is swift. You’ll get to view and select your desired shots on the very same day. After making your selections and processing your payment, you can expect to receive your fully retouched digital images within a short span of 72 hours.
• Full Branding, Beauty, or Boudoir Sessions: The timeline here is a bit extended to ensure every detail is just right. About a week following your session, we’ll schedule a Zoom viewing and ordering appointment. This online meet allows you the convenience and comfort of making your selections from wherever you are.  This will be your one and only opportunity to make your selections so please allow for the full amount of time, have your payment method available and plan to be viewing on a full size monitor, not your cellphone. 

Regardless of the session type, I ensure that the viewing and ordering process is as seamless and enjoyable as the shoot itself, placing the stunning results of our collaboration right at your fingertips.

Your reveal and ordering session is the prime time to make your selections. We don’t archive photos that aren’t chosen and purchased during this session. So if there are images tugging at your heart, I strongly advise securing them then and there. If finances are a concern, rest assured we have payment plans available to ensure you don’t miss out on your cherished photos.

For your convenience, I accept all major credit cards such as Amex, Visa, and Mastercard. Additionally, I accept digital payment methods like Venmo, Zelle, and Paypal. If you’d prefer to send a check by mail, that’s perfectly fine, but please be aware it might cause a slight delay in processing your orders due to mail delivery times. For those interested in spreading out their payments, I also offer payment plans with a credit card on file and predetermined payment dates. Kindly note that the delivery of your product will commence only after the final payment is settled.

I take immense pride in offering high-quality, tangible memories for my clients. Here’s a detailed list of the printed products you can expect:

• Matted Photographs: Each of your chosen photographs is printed on premium paper and then matted, giving it a polished finish and ensuring it’s ready for framing. This gives each image a refined and timeless look.
• Reveal Box: For collections of 6 or more images, you’ll receive a stunning window front reveal box. Handcrafted with precision in Italy, this box is more than just storage – it’s a display piece in its own right, allowing you to showcase your images with elegance.
• Italian Crafted Wall Art: Looking for a statement piece? I offer beautifully crafted wall art that’s both printed and hand-finished in Italy. These pieces are made to be both stunning and durable, suitable for any space you wish to transform.
• Custom Albums: For those who prefer a more intimate way to relive their moments, I offer custom albums. These albums are crafted with attention to detail, making them a perfect keepsake to revisit when you want to be reminded of the fabulousness that is YOU!  

Each product I offer is chosen with the intent of celebrating and preserving your memories in the most luxurious and lasting way possible. They’re more than just prints; they’re keepsakes you’ll treasure for years to come.

My retouching philosophy revolves around celebrating natural beauty while making subtle enhancements to ensure you look your best in every image. Here’s a breakdown:

• Temporary Imperfections: If it’s not a permanent feature on your skin, it won’t be in the final image. This includes elements like bruises, cuts, pimples, red eyes from allergies, and any other fleeting blemishes. They will be expertly edited out.
• Permanent Features: When it comes to scars, beauty marks, freckles, or other enduring characteristics, our approach is collaborative. We’ll discuss them, and I’ll work based on your preferences on a case-by-case basis. These are often the unique features that make you, YOU, and I respect their significance.
• Wrinkles and Lines: Many wrinkles or pronounced lines can be accentuated by the play of light and shadow during a shoot. More often than not, I’ll work on minimizing the appearance of these shadows to give a softer look. However, the genuine texture of the skin is preserved.
• Body Sculpting: My approach to body sculpting is both careful and respectful. During our session, as well as in our reveal and ordering discussions, I prioritize transparent communication. While I might gently enhance certain areas to bring out their best, I always honor and celebrate your natural shape. My primary aim is to illuminate, not alter, the authentic you.

In essence, I believe in retouching responsibly and ensuring that the end result is a true reflection of your natural beauty, with just a touch of polish.

Headshot Sessions: Once you’ve made your selections and your payment has been processed, your fully retouched digital images will be delivered to you within approximately 72 hours.

Full Branding, Beauty, or Boudoir Sessions: After your payment has been made in full, you can anticipate your images to be ready in around 4 weeks.

I do accept payment plans, however, please be aware that we initiate the retouching and printing processes only once the final payment has been completed. As a result, the delivery timeline for your photos, as outlined in “How long does it take to receive my portraits?”, will commence following the final payment settlement.

I always appreciate when clients bring their vision to the table. However, while I’m open to discussing your preferences and ideas, it’s important to note that my editing approach and shooting style have been honed over years of experience. If you’re seeking something drastically different from my usual aesthetic, we may need to assess if we’re the right fit for one another. And that’s perfectly alright! Finding the right match for your vision is paramount. Should we discover that our styles don’t align, I’d be more than happy to recommend another talented local artist who might be a closer match to your desired aesthetic. It’s all about ensuring you get the best possible end result!

I sure do! I provide options for both color and black & white (b&w) options for my photographs. Each image tells a story, and sometimes that story is best conveyed in vibrant color, while at other times, the timeless elegance of black and white captures the essence most authentically. The art of black and white is unique, offering a depth and mood that can’t always be achieved in color. It’s essential to understand that not every photograph transitions seamlessly between the two; each is its own creation with its own soul. Whether you lean towards color or b&w imagery, we will discuss this during your consultation so we plan accordingly.  I often set lighting and photo style/mood for your desired outcome so it is best to know what you are drawn to early in the planning process.  Ultimately, my goal is always to present you with the most striking and emotive representation possible.

Absolutely! I love this part of my job!! Not only will I assist, but I can personally visit your home to assess the space, take measurements, and provide recommendations tailored to your aesthetics. If desired, we can even strategize this before your shoot, ensuring that the session is designed with your envisioned wall art in mind.

Ah, the treasures that clients adore most! By far, the favorite among my offerings is the Reveal Box which holds print collections. It’s packed to the brim with breathtaking photographs. The beauty of this piece lies in its versatility; the front image is easily interchangeable, allowing you to refresh your display whenever the mood strikes.  When diving into the realm of Large Wall Art, two standouts emerge:

• Canvas Pro: Revered for its classic texture and timeless feel, it elegantly brings photos to life.
• Metal Prints: These are favored for their modern, sleek finish and vivid color and/or black & white reproduction, making your photographs pop with vibrancy.

Both selections have found their way into the hearts (and walls) of many, ensuring that memories are not just captured, but also showcased in all their glory.

Receiving your cherished memories in physical form is always a moment of great joy. Here’s an outline of the wait times you can expect after your product payment is made in full:

• Matted Photographic Prints: After your reveal appointment, the typical wait for these prints can be up to four weeks. During peak times or holiday seasons, this duration might be extended due to increased demand.
• Large Wall Art & Specialty Albums: Owing to their intricate craftsmanship, these items can sometimes take up to ten weeks.

If you’re considering these prints as gifts or have a specific deadline in mind, I recommend planning your session dates in advance to accommodate any potential delays. Remember, while I always aim to deliver promptly, ensuring the highest quality for your prints remains a top priority.  As with all printed items, you also receive the matching digital image for your personal use.  I deliver these via Dropbox after you have had the chance to touch, feel and see the printed products. Nothing quite compares to a printed photograph of you,, so I prefer you have those tangibles first.

While not obligatory, we’d deeply appreciate a mention or a tag to @joellenvernaportrait so your network knows where the magic came from. Please remember not to modify the images in any way, be it cropping, additional retouching, or adding filters, to maintain the integrity of the original work.

We’d be thrilled if you choose to share your images on social media! The photos in your gallery are optimally sized for online sharing. While not obligatory, we’d deeply appreciate a mention or a tag to @joellenvernaportrait so your network knows where the magic came from. Please remember not to modify the images in any way, be it cropping, additional retouching, or adding filters, to maintain the integrity of the original work.

Definitely! When you purchase digital images, you’ll also receive a print release for each image. This means you have the rights to print those images up to the original file size for your personal use, be it for display in your home or sharing with family and friends. While you have the flexibility to choose where to get your prints done, I do offer recommendations for professional printing services to ensure the best possible quality. It’s worth noting that I would advise against using generic big-name non-photo retailers, as their print quality might not do justice to the true essence of the photograph.

Certainly! I do offer incentives for clients who opt for prepayment. By choosing this route, you might be eligible for certain discounts or exclusive offers. When we sit down for your planning consultation, we can delve into the specifics of what you’re aiming for, and I can guide you through the available prepayment benefits. It’s always my goal to provide value to clients who commit to their sessions early.

Showcasing client work is something I deeply cherish. While I hope for every client’s enthusiasm in allowing me to feature their images, I understand and prioritize the need for discretion. Whether it’s on my website, dedicated blog posts, or across various social media platforms, I might look forward to sharing both behind-the-scenes moments and the final results of our collaboration. However, your privacy remains paramount. I will not publish any content without your clear agreement. Specifically for boudoir clients, we provide bespoke sharing options, such as completely anonymous presentations or displaying only the most conservative images. Furthermore, if your images are intended as a gift or for a special release, I can hold off on any sharing until after your chosen date. Above all, your comfort, preferences, and timing always take precedence.

I would never say no to that! Should you find yourself enamored with more photos than anticipated, you can definitely upgrade your previously selected pre-packaged offer. It’s essential to me that you walk away thrilled with your images, and I’m here to make sure your session exceeds your expectations.

While it is not ALL images, I do offer a package that encompasses all images from the reveal—a package initially designed with my photographer clientele in mind. This package typically provides around 75-100 curated images, presented during your reveal, in a low-resolution jpg format. It’s important to emphasize that these images undergo only very basic retouching for color and exposure, so they won’t have the same detailed finish as those processed with my comprehensive retouching service. Additionally, these photos are in digital format only, as I will not print unfinished work.. This exclusive package is available only when paired with a purchase of the full 20-image collection or a higher tier, and it’s priced at an additional $3500.

All portraits, regardless of format—be it digital or print—are priced equally. For beauty or boudoir sessions, when you purchase photographs, they are in the form of matted prints or album images, and you’ll be gifted the corresponding digital files at no extra charge. Conversely, if you opt for digital files during a personal branding session and decide you’d like the matching matted prints, I’ll be happy to provide those upon your request at the time of ordering.”

I understand the interest in having RAW files. However, the images I capture are protected by my copyright, and the resulting finished product is a reflection of my work and brand. To maintain the integrity and consistency of that representation, I provide only finished, edited images to my clients and do not release RAW files. I appreciate your understanding and respect for my artistic process.