Narrative Grounding Portraiture

A guided portrait experience where you reconnect with who you are through reflection and storytelling, then see that truth captured in images you can choose to keep, so you can remember and return to yourself.

Why Do This?

Narrative Grounding is a space to interrupt the story of who you were told to become . This is not about becoming something new; it is about remembering who you already are.

You do not have to smile. You do not have to hide your wrinkles, stretch marks, scars, bruises, teeth, or grief. This is about falling in love with yourself as you exist right now.

Instead of “I need” or “I want,” you ground in “I am.”

You hold the pen to your story, the one written on your bones. Letting yourself be spacious and take time to unearth this narrative is incredibly powerful. It is the stuff of legends.

Loving yourself takes time, you know this. You might not love all of you in one session. That is okay, that is welcome, that is growing. But you will walk away with a piece of art so that you, and those you love, can remember what you unearthed and you can practice and see yourself there until you become its truth. What aspects of your life could flourish and soar in if you do?

Narrative Grounding is authorship: the intentional rewriting and embodying of your own enoughness.

The Process

  • (Roughly 15 min)

    We begin with a conversation about what draws you in and how you want to feel in your portraits. Together, we create something that feels honest and true to you, whether it unfolds in the studio, your home, or somewhere meaningful. We also see if we are a good fit, what brings you to this space, and to see if you feel safe with me .

    “Being able to feel safe with other people is probably the single most important aspect of mental health.”- The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel van der Kolk, M.D

  • (30-60min)

    You write the story.

    Through curated prompts (created especially for you from our curiosity call) and reflection, you put pen to paper and name the truth you want to remember or grow toward. Writing helps anchor intention in the mind and organize the stories we carry. Not a writer? That’s okay. We can talk through the prompts together instead and come up with a word or sentences you can write down. It does not have to be long to be powerful.

    We sit down together, either in person or over Zoom, for your Consultation and talk about how you want your day to unfold and how specifically you want to be photographed. Before our time together, you will receive gentle journaling prompts to explore intention and clarity, these are curated just for you based on our curiosity call.

    These prompts help you:

    • Ground into what you want to see, feel, or reclaim

    • Arrive more present and embodied

    • Shape a session that reflects your authentic self

    Not a writer? No worries. We can talk them out in our session instead. 

    This is a curated, collaborative space shaped by your energy and story.

    Together, we listen for what wants to be seen and co-create the vision for your images.

    We plan out what to wear, date, location, mood and everything in between. Here we also address any insecurities you might have about your portrait session. 

    The version of yourself you imagine affects the life you move toward.- Kate’s take on '“Possible selves function as incentives for future behavior.”- Markus and Nurius

  • (As long as you need-usually 1-3 hours)

    On the day of your session, we gather all the threads of our preparations together. 

    I do not limit the amount of time we spend on the day of your session. There’s time to talk, move, pause, and breathe. It’s not about posing or perfection, but about presence and connection.

    You embody the story.

    Through guided grounding, posture, movement, and playful exploration, your body experiences the story physically. As trauma researcher Bessel van der Kolk reminds us, the body keeps the score. “Trauma robs you of the feeling that you are in charge of yourself… The challenge of recovery is to reestablish ownership of your body and your mind.”

  • Photo Reveal 

    (60-90min)

    We have captured your story. and now you only choose the images you love.

    Photography allows you to see yourself inside the narrative you chose, as art, as possibility, and as a memory you can return to again and again.

    You'll see your portraits for the first time at your Reveal and Ordering Appointment, either in person or over video.

    You’ll choose which ones you wish to keep. This is also where you decide whether you want to upgrade to a printed collection. 

    I then hand-edit the images you select, carefully finishing each one to reflect the mood and depth of what we created together.

  • You share your story.

    When you carry that image back into your life , on your wall, your phone, or in conversation with others, the story begins to move with you in the world. And become real for not only you, but those you influence, those you look up to, those you love.

    Once your final portraits have been paid, I start editing. This can take up to 3 weeks depending on time of year, workload and other factors.
    I’ll send them over through an email with a private link and if you’ve decided that you want prints, you give the final approval for me to order your products.

    You’re ready to share!

These Aren’t Just Portraits. They’re Portals
Your stories are ancient, rooted in your bones, calling you to remember

Session Fee: $650 USD

What’s Included:

  • 30-60 minute consultation

  • Portrait session (no time limit, usually 1-3 hours)

  • Potential Hair or Makeup if needed to enhance the magic of the look, most of my Narrative Grounding clients choose no makeup. 

  • Curated Journaling prompts

  • Grounding at the start of both the consultation and portrait experience

  • Guided Reveal and Ordering Appointment

  • Professional Retouching and editing

Please note: There are no photos originally included in the package. I believe you shouldn’t have to decide how many photos you want until you see them.

Your session fee is applied one hundred percent toward your final selection, and you only purchase what you truly love.

See below for package options

Pricing Package Options

  • Complete

    • 20 digital portraits

    • $3,500 USD ($175 per image)

  • Signature 

    • 10 digital portraits

    • $ 2,500 USD ($250 per image)

  • Essential

    • 5 digital portraits

    • $1,500 USD ($300 per image)

  • Add On Options:

    All add ons are optional and guided by what feels supportive and aligned for you. We will talk through possibilities during your consultation and shape the experience together. 

    Hair and makeup
    Professional hair and makeup are available by request for those who desire it, or want fantasy additions. Most of my Narrative Grounding clients choose no makeup.

    Specialty effects and fantasy elements
    For clients imagining something more elaborate, sessions may include options such as smoke bombs, extensive makeup or prosthetics, and custom fantasy costumes created in collaboration with trusted artists. Depending on the depth of your session, the number of costumes, or the complexity of the set/ costume design these elements may be included or applied toward your overall purchase.

    Please note: Full body prosthetics are an additional add on and can sometimes take up to 6 hours to put on. In our curiosity call we check in on what you desire to create and I provide a quote.

    Videography and drone footage
    Available for premium sessions and retreats. Starting at $1000 and going up depending on the scope of what you desire to cover. 

    Grief and ritual support
    Offered in partnership with death doula and rite of passage guide Lana Smithner. This option is designed to gently honor grief, transition, and remembrance and may include custom tea blends with kid friendly options, a post session picnic, a private consultation with Lana and me, ritual support or guided passage meditation, and one printed image. Starting at an additional $1500

    More People?
    Up to two people may participate in a session. After that I provide a quote based on the number of folks and couplings you desire. For poly couples, and families who desire just group shots I do make exceptions depending on the design. 

    Prints: 

    Customized and hand crafted photobooks, prints, and artwork are available for purchase, you can look at my gallery and pricing during your photo viewing. 

    Location: 

    I travel in Chicago Illinois for free and include one location in the session fee.

    You are welcome to add additional spots in one session for two looks or further locations as I love to travel, reach out to me with your desires for a quote.