Ideas for what to wear for a photo shoot

You’ve got a photo shoot coming up and you are looking for inspiration and ideas for your photo shoot wardrobe? You’ve come to the right place. I’ve written a number of articles that give ideas for what to wear for a photo shoot in Portland. The articles are each focused on a certain type of photo shoot or a certain season. This page will serve as a resource for you and a convenient place to find all of the articles. I hope it helps!

What to wear for a photo shoot in Portland. This is an image of a client choosing a formal dress with Rayleigh Leavitt, the photographer for the Tualatin, OR photography studio, Photography by Rayleigh

A Fall Photo Shoot

Ahhh… the time of year I look forward to most! I know some of you ladies treasure your sunny days, but all summer long, I’m dreaming of the day when I can don my cozy Fall attire. Whether you are doing a family photo shoot or an individual beauty, boudoir, or maternity session, you may be wondering what to wear for a Fall photo shoot in Portland, OR . Here are some ideas to give you inspiration.

A Winter Photo Shoot

If you have a Winter photo shoot planned, you might be looking for some ideas for how to dress for the season. These ideas can give you inspiration for a family, boudoir, beauty, glamour, headshot, couples, maternity, or senior portrait session.

A Maternity Photo Shoot

If you are reading this, it’s likely that you are neck deep in planning and preparing for your sweet baby to arrive on the outside, all while having pregnancy brain. It’s a lot! I get it and I’m here to help. Here are some ideas to help you decide what to wear for a maternity photo shoot.

A Pin-Up 50’s style Photo Shoot

I’ve pulled together some images from a few of my past 50’s inspired photo shoots to give you a little inspiration for your own retro pin up session. It may seem daunting at first to come up with a few outfits, but it’s actually pretty easy to find some really cute pieces online. You may even find that you have some things in your own wardrobe that will work. Here are some ideas.

What to wear for your 50's retro shoot - Portland Pin Up Photographer. This woman is wearing a button up blouse with a cherry print and red nail polish.

Coming Soon

I’ll add more articles to this resource as I write them. I intend to add some articles soon about wardrobe for Spring and Summer sessions, a modest boudoir session, and a bridal photo shoot. Please sign up for my emails, if you haven’t already, to be sure to get that info when it comes out.

Let’s chat!

Is there anything else you want help with? Just let me know. If you are ready to book your photo shoot, I’d love to be your photographer. Please send me an email and we can chat!

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What to wear for a photo shoot in Portland, OR. This image is a from a boho (bohemian) inspired session.

Boho Inspired Boudoir

Free Guide to Preparing For Your Shoot

Why you shouldn’t do a photo shoot

June 8, 2021

Rayleigh

Beauty/Glamour Boudoir Session Tips No Comments

Trust me, I get it.

You’re considering a portrait session but there are so many reasons why you shouldn’t do a photo shoot. You are thinking one or more of the following thoughts…
– I need to lose 10 pounds first
– I’m nervous to be in front of the camera
– I can’t afford this
– I’m not photogenic
– I’ll never look as good as the ladies on your website

STOP.

Just reading the above thoughts is some tiring stuff.

I want you to repeat after me, “I’m perfectly imperfect.”

Why you shouldn’t do a photo shoot

It sounds like you have a lot of reasons NOT to do a photo shoot. But it’s time to start thinking positive thoughts and start living your life now. Don’t wait until you become the person you think you should be. These concerns are so common, though, so let’s take a minute to address those.

I need to lose 10 pounds first

Wow, I REALLY get this. I think this thought often (except it’s usually more than 10 pounds, let’s be honest). But I want you to know that you don’t have to have a “perfect” body to feel beautiful. You can enjoy a photo shoot and feel amazing right now. Besides, I can do more with posing and lighting than you can do in 6 months in the gym. So there is always that! Perfect posing is my strength and that means helping women of all shapes and sizes look their best. Accentuating the curves you love and downplaying the curves you don’t love.

I’m nervous to be in front of the camera

Pretty much every client that comes in to my studio is nervous at first. But try not to worry because my past clients will attest that the nervousness goes away so quickly. My hair and makeup artist will have you feeling confident and gorgeous. You’ll feel comfortable, you’ll have a blast, and you’ll leave wondering what there ever was to be nervous about. If you haven’t already had a chance to read my blog about what to expect when you do a photo shoot, you should definitely check that out.

I can’t afford this

It’s true that I provide a luxury service and it may not be a priority over something like, say, paying the rent. But I do believe that every woman should experience what it’s like to look and feel beautiful. I offer easy payment plans for this reason. I read a great article about the importance of investing in yo urself that included marking things off your bucket list. So let’s chat about how we can make this happen. It’s worth the investment! I promise!

Why you shouldn't do a photo shoot. Addressing common concerns. A before and after collage of a woman doing a maternity portrait shoot. She is wearing a lace dress and holding her belly bump and looking down while standing against a white wall. These images are taken by Photography by Rayleigh. For more info, please visit byrayleigh.com — **Before After**

I’m not photogenic

“Not photogenic” women are some of my most favorite clients because I LOVE the reaction I get from them when I prove them wrong and they see their wonderful photos. If you think you aren’t photogenic, you probably just haven’t experienced a shoot with the right photographer, yet.

I’ll never look as good as the ladies on your website

The ladies on my website are not models. They are just regular women who treated themselves to a day of pampering. The thing I love about beauty and boudoir photography is that it levels the playing field between magazine models and regular women. You will still look like you in the photos. But a more famous version of you.

Why you shouldn't do a photo shoot. Addressing common concerns. A before and after collage of a woman doing a boudoir photo shoot. She's wearing black lingerie and red lipstick while while standing against a black wall. These images are taken by Photography by Rayleigh. For more info, please visit byrayleigh.com — **Before After**

Are you ready to do this?

What do you say? Are you ready to take the plunge and have the experience of a lifetime at my studio near Portland, OR? Or do you have any other concerns? I’m here for you and I’m happy to answer any questions you have. Let’s ch at a bo ut your shoot! I can’t wait to hear from you.

Let’s do this!

What to expect when you book a photo shoot

October 9, 2020

Rayleigh

Beauty/Glamour Boudoir Session Tips Studio Business No Comments

If you haven’t, yet, experienced a beauty shoot in my studio or if you’ve never done a shoot as glamorous as this before, you might be wondering how the process works. I’d love to share with you what to expect when you book a photo shoot with Photography by Rayleigh near Portland, OR.

First, I invite you to watch my video below (created by Ambient Sky) because it’s a really great way to get a feel for what the experience is like. Then we can go over the steps of the entire process.

Now let’s go over the details of the process from the time you book, to the time you hold your luxurious album or folio box in your hands.

BEFORE THE PHOTO SHOOT

Ultimate Guide to Preparing for your Photo Shoot

If you haven’t received my prep guide, you can click her e to get that sent to you. It’s loaded with info to help you…

Prepare for your session
Know what to expect when you book a shoot
Learn how to feel relaxed during your shoot
Put your outfits together
Know what NOT to do!

Session Consultation

In addition to the detailed prep guide, we can also have a phone, video, or in-person consultation to go over details and specifics for YOUR photo shoot and to go over any questions or concerns you might have. The more prepared you are, the less nervous you’ll feel.

YOUR SESSION DAY

Come as you are

All of my sessions include professional hair and makeup by my talented hair and makeup artists. This is done in my studio in Tualatin (near Portland, OR). All you have to do is show up with a clean face and hair. Then relax, sip on some wine, if you’d like, and listen to music while we all chat and have a great time. If you have ideas for how you want your hair or makeup, you are welcome to bring pictures to show her. Otherwise, you can just sit back and let her do her magic. Hair and makeup typically takes about 60-90 minutes. Although pin-up styles can take longer.

What to expect when you book a photo shoot. This is a behind the scenes photo of my makeup artist and my client. My client is sitting in the makeup chair, having her eye makeup done. The background is my pink wall. This is the studio of Photography by Rayleigh. For more info, please visit byrayleigh.com.

Your photo shoot

Don’t worry about knowing how to pose or how to look good in front of the camera. That’s my job! My strength is perfect posing to help every woman look their best. Accentuating the curves you love and downplaying the curves you don’t love. Just relax and trust me!

How many outfits?

I don’t have a specific limit to the number of outfits you can wear during your shoot, but we typically shoot for about an hour and in that time we can fit in about 3-5 outfits. I recommend bringing a variety of outfit styles (casual, dressy, formal, etc).

What to expect when you book a photo shoot. This is a before and after portrait. This girl is in a sitting pose, wearing a casual sweatshirt and legging against a white background. She is smiling with her hand in her hair. Photo by Photography by Rayleigh. For more info, please visit byrayleigh.com.

CONFIDENT NEW YOU

the ordering session

The ordering session is where you get to view all of your gorgeous photos and choose your favorites. You’ll be shocked at how much you can LOVE a photo of yourself! I am sometimes available to do this immediately after your shoot! But if there isn’t time in the schedule for that, we can do the in-person ordering session within a few days of the shoot.

Images can be purchased individually, however, the best value is in my packages that include gorgeous presentation products that are truly the top of the line in the industry. I offer high quality wooden folio boxes and luxurious Queensberry albums. All images purchased come with the digital copy of the image, which gets sent to you shortly after your ordering session. The printed products take a few days to a few weeks to receive, depending on the product you choose.

What to expect when you book a photo shoot. this is a photo of the album I offer my clients after their photo shoot. The image in the album was taken by Photography by Rayleigh and is a picture of sisters wearing white t shirts and jeans in a sitting pose. For more info, visit byrayleigh.com

Wall art is another way to display your stunning images. I’ll be your personal designer, helping you to design a beautiful display of images for you walls.

What to expect when you book a photo shoot. The image in the frame was taken by Photography by Rayleigh and is a picture of an Indian woman in a pink formal dress sitting on the back of a white couch. The rest of the bedroom photo is a stock photo I purchased and have permission to use. For more info, visit byrayleigh.com

Now that you’ve learned what to expect when you book a photo shoot, I hope you can see that a photo shoot with me is more than having your photos taken. It’s an amazing experience that can help you change the way you see yourself. Do you have questions? I invite you to check out my blog that goes over some common concerns that my clients have before their shoot. Also, I’m happy to answer any questions that you have. Let’s chat about your shoot near Portland, OR!

Christmas Mini Sessions – 2023

August 22, 2023

Rayleigh

Family Themed Shoots No Comments

I’ve got two options this year for Christmas mini sessions near Portland. I invite you to click the images below for more info.

Baking Mini Sessions with Santa and Mrs. Clause

These Christmas mini sessions are a light and bright baking theme with Santa and Mrs. Clause. They will be held at my studio in Tualatin. Click here for more info.

Christmas mini sessions: Casual baking themed mini photo session with Santa and Mrs. Clause. A magical glow effect enhances the photo.

Book Here

Christmas Unicorn Mini Sessions

These magical shoots will feature Dewdrop, a therapy pony who loves kids. Click here for more info.

Christmas mini sessions: A dark and moody unicorn Christmas mini session in a barn. A glowing light effect enhances the lantern.

Book Here

Questions?

If you have questions about a portrait session near Portland, please send me an email and we can chat!

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Senior Portraits Gallery

Beauty Portraits Galleries

Unicorn Christmas Mini Sessions

August 22, 2023

Rayleigh

Family Themed Shoots No Comments

Unicorn Christmas mini sessions near Portland, OR. Stylized fine art portraits that are dark and moody with glowing light effects.

Unicorn Christmas Mini Portrait Sessions in Sherwood, OR

These shoots have been in the works for quite a while and I’m so excited to announce that I’m currently booking appointments for Unicorn Christmas Mini Sessions to take place on November 4, 2023. I’m collaborating with Todd Acres on these wintery mini sessions. Dewdrop, the miniature unicorn is so sweet and he creates such a magical experience for the kids.

Book Here

Unicorn Christmas mini sessions near Portland, OR. Stylized fine art portraits that are dark and moody with light effects. This girl is wearing a white winter cloak and holding a glowing lantern.

The Sessions

The unicorn Christmas mini sessions will take place at Todd Acres, a family owned and operated farm in Sherwood, Oregon. Each session will last approximately 20 minutes. If you have more than one child to be photographed, I highly recommend booking a slot for each child, back to back. We can use the combined time to photograph each child separately and also take some beautiful images of the children all together. If you have multiple kids, feel free to get in touch with me and we can talk about what would work best.

Unicorn Christmas mini sessions near Portland, OR. Stylized fine art portraits that are dark and moody with light effects. These sisters are wearing winter coats and holding a glowing lantern.

The wardrobe

After you book your session, I will reach out to you for a wardrobe consultation. I have some great pieces in my studio wardrobe that are available to use. I can help direct you to some online options, as well.

The Images

About a week or two after the unicorn Christmas mini sessions, I’ll invite you to my studio in Tualatin for your ordering appointment. The session fee includes two stylized fine art portraits of your choice that are enhanced with glowing effects. They will come in digital format so that you can use them on your Christmas cards or share them with friends and family in other ways. Printed products and additional images will be available to purchase and are optional.

Book Here

Let’s chat about your unicorn Christmas mini session!

If you have any questions about your unicorn Christmas mini session, please send me an email or give me a call at 503.828.2973 and I’d be happy to discuss the session with you. If you are ready to book now, you can click this link to schedule your photo shoot.

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Mini studio Santa sessions in Portland. Baking with Santa and Mrs. Clause.

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A Pin-Up Photo Shoot Experience

August 10, 2023

Rayleigh

Boudoir Pin Up Themed Shoots No Comments

A Pin-Up Photo Shoot Experience in Portland

If you are looking for a modern beauty photo session with a retro twist, you’ve come to the right place. My “pin-up” sessions aren’t necessarily akin to what you’d see in a wall calendar hanging up in the garage of some greasy dude in the 1950’s. Rather they are beauty photos that burst with classic femininity, inspired by the golden age of Hollywood. I invite you to watch this video that Clay Drinwater created for my clients to get a taste of what a pin-up photo shoot experience is like in my studio near Portland.

I thoroughly enjoyed my pinup photo shoot session! Rayleigh had a ton of fun ideas and the pictures turned out AMAZING. I was relaxed and felt at ease in her beautiful studio. And it showed!
Miss S

Professional Hair and Makeup

I’m sure you all know how to do your hair and makeup with a 50’s inspired style, right? No? Yeah, either do I. I haven’t a clue. But my talented hair and makeup artists do and they do it so well! The lovely Crystal, pictured below, even stays during the shoot to give touchups. It’s so great having her there to make sure you keep looking stunning throughout the entire experience. If only I had someone like that to follow me around on a regular day. Ha!

A behind the scenes photo of a pin up photo shoot experience in Portland. The hair and makeup artist is doing makeup touch ups.

It’s always such a joy to see the transformation from “I woke up like this” to “Just call me Grace Kelly.” When my ladies step away from the makeup chair and head over to the mirror, their reaction makes my heart so happy.

A before and after comparison of a pin up photo shoot experience in Portland.

Wardrobe

A wardrobe consultation with me allows you to feel confident in what to wear for your pin-up photo shoot near Portland. I have a guide that you can check out here, which is super helpful. We can also personally discuss what would work best to create your dream pin-up session. I have a number of 50’s style wardrobe pieces in my studio that you are invited to borrow and I can help you find some great options online, as well.

A posed studio image from a pin up photo shoot experience in Portland.

Props

I have quite a few vintage props and accessories in the studio that we can use for your pin-up session. Vintage phones, suitcases, an iron an ironing board, purses, glasses, hats, gloves, kitchen things, and a gumball machine, to name a few. I’m continually on the look-out for more retro props to keep the variety fun.

Pin-Up Photo Shoot Experience in Portland

Do you have any questions about a pin-up session that I can answer for you?

Let’s chat!

If you are ready to book your shoot or if you have any questions, please send me an email and we can start creating your dream Pin-up photo session!

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A posed studio image from a pin up photo shoot experience in Portland. Wardrobe includes a red headband.

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A posed studio image from a pin up photo shoot experience in Portland. Props include a vintage telephone.

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A boudoir image in a studio in Portland. The woman is lying on her tummy on a bed.

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Santa Sessions in Portland, OR

August 2, 2023

Rayleigh

Family Themed Shoots 1 Comment

Santa Sessions in Portland 2023

I have exciting news! Not only is Santa coming to town, but he’s bringing the lovely Mrs. Clause! This year during my Santa sessions in Portland, the kids get to bake cookies with Santa and Mrs. Clause. Not only is the experience a blast, but the images turn out simply adorable.

Skip the mall photos and enjoy a unique and comfortable Santa experience in a private studio.

Santa Mini Sessions

The Santa mini sessions will be held at my studio in Tualatin on October 7, 2023. Spots are limited!

The session fee is only $195. This includes a baking photo shoot with Santa and Mrs. Clause and 2 digital images of your choice. Additional images will be available to purchase, optionally.

Book Now

Wardrobe

If you want a “Christmas morning” feel, then I suggest dressing your kids in pajamas for the session. Alternatively you can go with something more dressy or day time casual. Once you book your session, we will have a wardrobe consultation to go over ideas. I do have some hats and aprons available to borrow.

What to expect

Sessions will be about 20 minutes long. The kids will have the opportunity to play with ingredients as they pretend to make cookies with Santa and Mrs. Clause. Then they will enjoy some pre-made cookies and milk together, as well. About a week or two after the session, you’ll get to come back to choose your favorite images to purchase.

What if we’re not really in to Santa?

I’ll be sure to capture some images without Santa and Mrs. Clause, as well. If you’re a family who’d rather skip the Santa part altogether, just let me know! I totally get it. We can easily schedule you for a time after Santa and Mrs. Clause head back to the North Pole. A baking Christmas mini session is just as fun, either way.

Let’s chat!

If you are ready to book your shoot, or if you have questions first, feel free to send me an email and we can plan your Santa Session in Portland! (well, actually it’s in Tualatin)

Book Now

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Santa Mini Sessions 2022

July 22, 2023

Rayleigh

Themed Shoots 2 Comments

I wanted to share some of the highlights from my Santa mini sessions in 2022. The images from this Santa experience turned out so beautiful and magical. These families will certainly enjoy these for many Christmases to come. If you’d like to find out more information on my next Christmas mini session experience, please contact me.

Santa portrait session in a studio in Portland, OR.

A Santa photo shoot in a studio in Portland, OR.

A Santa mini session in a studio in Portland, OR.

Only TWO more spots left before Christmas!

November 10, 2022

Rayleigh

Beauty/Glamour Boudoir Themed Shoots No Comments

It’s almost the end of the year and appointments are limited.

Does is seem to you like we went straight from Summer to Winter? Fall is my absolute favorite! So I’m a little sad it was so short this year.

That being said, when planning photo shoots for Christmas, you have to plan ahead in order to get your photos in time for gifting. So the Christmas set in my studio has been up since mid October!

Christmas boudoir sessions in Portland, OR.

This is a busy time of year and I only have 2 spots left to book photo shoots before Christmas.

Mother Daughter Christmas family photo shoot in Portland, OR

Christmas Beauty, Boudoir, or Mother-Daughter Sessions

Are you thinking about booking a Winter photo shoot? If so, reply to this email and let’s chat about your session!

Christmas boudoir pajama photo shoot in Portland, OR.

Send me a message!

If you are ready to book your shoot, please send me an email and we can chat!

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Session Tips

Breast Friends Fundraiser

October 3, 2022

Rayleigh

Bald Is Beautiful Beauty/Glamour Business Headshots Pageant Headshots Specials No Comments

October is breast cancer awareness month

I’m happy to be hosting my 2nd annual fundraiser for an organization in Tigard called, Breast Friends. Breast Friends is an amazing organization that helps women survive the trauma of cancer, one friend at a time. Breast Friends’ mission is to ensure that no woman goes through a diagnosis of cancer alone.

During the month of October, $50 from every session fee paid will be donated to Breast Friends. This applies to any kind of shoot, booked for any future date, as long as the session fee is paid in October.

I’ve had the pleasure of working with Breast Friends, providing portraits to women who have lost their hair due to chemo. I invite you to check out these “Bald Is Beautiful” portraits.

Bonus: special pricing for one day only!

Do you need headshots for your business, your dating profile, modeling, acting, pageantry, or just for fun? November 3rd is the day I’m hosting a mini session marathon at my photography studio in Tualatin, OR. Don’t miss out on this great opportunity. Even with the special pricing, $50 will still be donated to Breast Friends. This calls for a happy dance for us all!

Business headshots mini sessions are happening in my Tualatin, OR photography studio. This can be used for pageant, acting, or modeling headshots, as well.

In need of something more custom?

If you are looking for a longer and more custom session, like branding photos, a full length beauty or boudoir portrait session, or you just aren’t available on the date of the mini session marathon, just reply to this email and let me know what your needs are. We’ll go from there!

Let’s plan your photo shoot!

If you are ready to book your shoot, please send me an email and we can chat!

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Free Guide to Preparing For Your Shoot

Headshot Marathon

September 30, 2022

Rayleigh

Business Headshots Specials No Comments

Do you need professional business portraits?

Who’s got time and money to waste on, yet, another headshot session that ends up in photos that you don’t like? With Photography by Rayleigh in the Portland area, you’ll be amazed at how much you can love a photo of yourself. With an expert guided process from start to finish, you’ll look and feel your best every time.

Book a Headshot Mini Session and get ready for your best headshot ever.

October is breast cancer awareness month

In support of breast cancer awareness month, I will be donating $50 from each session that is booked in October (for a shoot scheduled on any future date) to Breast Friends. This includes headshot mini sessions during the marathon day or any custom session booked on a different day.

Breast Friends is an amazing organization that helps women survive the trauma of cancer, one friend at a time. Breast Friends’ mission is to ensure that no woman goes through a diagnosis of cancer alone. I’ve had the pleasure of working with Breast Friends, providing portraits to women who have lost their hair due to chemo. I invite you to check out these “Bald Is Beautiful” portraits.

When I ran this same fundraiser last year for Breast Cancer Awareness month, I had the pleasure of photographing Michelle, who works with Breast Friends. She was able to take advantage of the special headshot marathon pricing while also helping to raise money for her organization.

Office and group photos

Does your business have multiple employees all needing business headshot portraits? If so, we can talk about setting up a shoot just for your crew. If you need some group shots, I can help with that, as well!

Looking for something more custom for your personal or business portraits?

There are more options for you to consider. If this date doesn’t work for you, or you are looking for a longer, more customized session, including branding photos (such as the photo below), that is an option I’d love to discuss with you.

Whether you are interested in the mini session marathon or any custom session, let’s chat!

A Fall Beauty Photo Shoot in Portland

September 28, 2022

Rayleigh

Beauty/Glamour Boudoir Business Headshots No Comments

Fall is here!

I’m sorry for all you sun seekers, but Fall is here and I am so happy. I’ve busted out my sweaters, even though it’s actually still too warm to wear them. But they are ready as soon as that temperature drops a bit. My house has been decorated for Fall for a couple of weeks as I, admittedly, jumped the gun on that one. But I’m not even sad about it. So when my beautiful client, Teresa, brought in an Autumn wardrobe for her beauty session, I was over the moon. It made my little photographer heart so happy. Fall is my jam! I’d love to share with you this Fall beauty photo shoot that was recently done in my studio near Portland.

A Fall beauty photo shoot in Portland, Oregon by beauty and boudoir photographer, Photography by Rayleigh. This is a backlit portrait of a woman wearing a hat and Fall wardrobe in front of a window in a photography studio. She is posed sitting on a chase lounge.

Hair and makeup

Teresa is a hair and makeup artist at Strut Salon in downtown Portland. She arrived with her hair and makeup camera ready. She looked amazing, as you can see. This is her third photo shoot with me and I was thrilled to have her back in the studio! As Teresa can attest, these shoots are such a great confidence booster and can become a bit addicting, in a good way!

By the way, Teresa gave me a hair cut recently and she also taught me how to tame my unruly natural curls. Oh my goodness, you guys. I never knew my curls could look so good! If you need some help with your curls, Teresa is your girl.

A Fall beauty photo shoot in Portland, Oregon by beauty and boudoir photographer, Photography by Rayleigh. This is a modest boudoir image of a women lying on a bed, wearing a white sweater and Fall wardrobe.

A Fall beauty photo shoot in Portland, Oregon by beauty and boudoir photographer, Photography by Rayleigh. This is an image of a women sitting on a bed, wearing a brown sweater and Fall wardrobe.

Your most beautiful self

Teresa was kind enough to share some sweet words about her experience in a Google review. She said, “Rayleigh made me feel so comfortable from beginning to end! She photographs you in way that is so natural and so perfect. You’ll leave feeling like your most beautiful self!” This is exactly the experience I aim for all of my beautiful clients to have.

Business headshots

The photo below makes for the cutest business headshot for Teresa’s salon. Although my clients always have such a great time with beauty sessions, I’m also a Portland business headshot photographer. A need for business headshots gives a lot of my ladies an “excuse” to come in to my Tualatin studio. Of course, my favorite reason for you to come in is to treat yourself and to allow yourself to feel like the amazing person that you are.

Beauty, business, and boudoir

Photo shoots in my studio often end up a mix of beauty, business, and boudoir photos. When you make the time to come in and have a session, you may as well capture all the facets of your personality. While shooting photos for different purposes, you get the most mileage out of your makeover and your time in the studio. That’s a win, for sure!

A Fall Beauty Photo Shoot in Portland

If you love Fall as much as I do, I’d love to schedule a photo shoot for you in October or November. Just send me an email and we can chat!

You may also be interested in these topics

What to Wear for a Fall Photo Shoot

What to wear for a fall beauty photo shoot in Portland. This modest boudoir image is of a women posed lying on a bed with a sweater and tutu skirt.

Beauty Portraits Gallery

4 tips for choosing a Portland Senior Photographer

September 20, 2022

Rayleigh

High School Seniors Session Tips No Comments

Choosing a Portland Senior Photographer

“They are just pictures,” she said. “Just go to JC Penney” she said. Sorry, Mom. You got that one wrong. My experience was sorely lacking. 26 years later, I still feel disappointed that I didn’t have a senior portrait experience that made me feel special and beautiful. Instead, when I look at my senior photos, I feel embarrassed to show my kids because they might realize their Mom was totally unfashionable and clueless about hair or makeup back then. They bring up bad memories of being one of the uncool kids. So now I’m on a mission to share my best tips for choosing a Portland Senior Photographer. I hope for other high school girls to have an amazing senior portrait experience where they feel like the special ladies that they are. Here are 4 questions to ask a photographer to see if they are a good fit for you.

Is professional hair and makeup provided?

Whether you wear makeup in every day life, or not, professional hair and makeup makes a huge difference in the final photos. Even if the makeup look you choose is a very natural look, you’ll find that a bit of makeup makes your features pop. Features look more subdued in photographs. Facial features can blend in to the skin. Hair can look flat. A professional hair and makeup artist with experience in working with photographers will know how to apply the makeup in a way that will photograph beautifully.

How to choose a Portland senior photographer. This image is a of a teenage girl sitting on a blue sofa in a photography studio.

It’s also true that the time spent being pampered in the makeup chair is an amazing part of the experience. My ladies start their shoot off feeling beautiful and confident. Those feelings show up in the senior photos.

Does the photographer offer studio or outdoor senior sessions?

One of the most important questions when choosing the right senior photographer for you is whether they offer studio sessions or outdoor sessions. Which do you want for your shoot? While some photographers give the option of either one, some photographers don’t have a studio and are unable to shoot indoors. It’s also sometimes the case that studio photographers don’t offer outdoor sessions.

4 tips for choosing a Portland Senior photographer. This image is of a high school senior girl sitting in a window.

4 tips for choosing a Portland Senior photographer. This image is of a high school senior girl sitting on a rock at a Brown's Ferry park in Tualatin.

Studio photo sessions are my favorite because I can provide perfectly beautiful lighting. Also, the photo shoot isn’t dependent on unpredictable Portland weather. That being said, I do offer outdoor senior sessions for those who have their heart set on that.

Do you like the photographer’s shooting and editing style?

Every photographer has their own look and it’s simple enough to advise you to find a style that you like. In addition to that, though, please make sure you get a good look at the photographer’s portfolio on their website. Is their look consistent? Can you tell exactly what to expect for your own photos? I urge you not to just go off of a small handful of photos that you see on Instagram. If the photographer has inconsistency in their work, you may not end up getting photos that are what you are expecting.

How to choose a Portland senior photographer. This image is of a teenage girl posed in a sitting pose in front of a white wall in a studio.

Is quantity the priority or is quality most important?

Of course, price is an important part of your decision when choosing a photographer, but along with that, you might consider quantity vs quality. Speaking for myself, I’d much rather have 20-30 amazing photos that I absolutely love than 100 photos that are just good (or not so good). That’s what my clients want and that’s what works great in a stunning album layout for the final keepsake product.

How to choose a Portland senior photographer. This image is of a teenage girl lying on her tummy, backlit with window light in a studio.

Choosing a Portland senior photographer

The last year of high school is full of traditions and social rights of passage. At the end of the school year is prom and graduation, of course. But long before that, the year starts off with the tradition of senior photos. Start the year off right with an unforgettable senior portrait experience. I hope these tips help you to choose the best senior photographer for you.

Let’s chat!

If you feel like I might be the Portland senior photographer that you are looking for, please send me an email and we can chat! I can’t wait to get to know you.