VISION Statement
The vision of the Honest Portrait is to create a welcoming and safe space for you to show up for yourself and have your portrait taken.
Call it slow photography, but I aim to create an intentional environment in which to pause, have some fun and laughter, reflect, and celebrate oneself. The process of taking the photo is just as important as the finished result.
Originally started on International Women’s Day in March 2018 and on a Pay-What-You-Can basis, I’ve photographed nearly 100 individuals with different backgrounds and stories. Most of them are within the same 10x10 foot studio space with a pared-down backdrop, and no session is alike. I like to run a yearly offering of The Honest Portrait, often in the spring. Keep tabs here for the information!
A very sincere thanks to my ongoing brave participants and willing subjects. You all are great. As some participants expressed:
“I felt so comfortable with you; you create such an inviting space.”
"I was pretty anxious that I would get the photos and just pick myself apart, but that didn’t happen. I love them and love that I have them to commemorate the place I’m at in my life. I’ve been doing a lot more for myself these days and it feels right and everyone still gets taken care of and loved without limits...including me. How great is that! Thanks, Steph, you are doing so much more than just taking photos, I hope you know that".”
“Thank you for helping me see myself in a different light.”
“Can’t remember when I last had a picture of myself. Felt really good to shed my work self, my “how I want to look on social media” self and just be me for a moment. Thanks, Steph.”
Some blog posts from the very first few The Honest Portrait shoots are found here:
There’s something pretty amazing about doing the project shoot on a specific day with all the other participants, but I also do offer these photo shoots on a per-booked basis at any time throughout the year. A portrait shoot booking rate is applied. Feel free to email me for more information. Thanks! Steph