The Presence of Art
“Some artworks break the mold of the inanimate and act as persons in the world. Are artworks mere creations, or creatures too?” JF Martel & Phil Ford — Artworks Are People Too, Weird Studies, ep. 216.
Historically, portraits have been made for many reasons: memory, legacy, prestige, ritual and ceremony, worship. This is still the case today.
My experience has shown me that portraiture can also be a tool for exploring identity, a support for reflection and meditation, and an experience of being seen and reflected by another consciousness.
Being seen through the eyes of another human being is always deeply significant. It can provide an opportunity to dive into questions of identity — how we perceive ourselves and how we're perceived — and, more importantly, who we are and who we could be.
There are so many facets to us — some acknowledged and expressed, most unknown. Portraits are a way to explore them safely and beautifully.
This deep process continues over time, as we contemplate the images in our homes and relate to them differently each time we look at them.
Portraiture is a highly versatile genre, ranging from the deeply psychological or even spiritual, to the light, humorous, and celebratory.
Many Kinds of Portraits
Astrological — functioning as an astrological chart, rendered as a portrait
Memorial — commemorating a loved one, a pet or familiar, or an important moment in one's history
Divinatory — containing elements that invite the mind to search for meaning, find solutions, or discover answers
Aspirational — a powerful kind of portrait, depicting someone embodying a desired quality; having one in your home can subtly but powerfully shift how you see yourself
Worship-related — a portrait of a person alongside a deity, spirit, or power animal
Milestone — marking a chapter of your life: a birthday, a transition, a new identity you've stepped into
Just cool — nothing but the pleasure of having yourself or anyone you care about in your home, looking funky forever.
... There's no end to this, really. Tell me who you want to become, who you want to honor, who or what — you want to remember. Let's make it real.
What the Process Looks Like
I work with clients in person or long distance. Keep scrolling to see how each works.
In-Person Shooting
Free Design Consultation
I usually start with a 30-minute call or in-person session before anything else. This is your space to dream out loud: tell me the vision you're carrying, ask anything you're curious about, and get a sense of what it'd feel like to work with me.
This session is free and leaves you free to decide, no pressure — and I'm not just saying that.
This is also when we decide:
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Who to include in the image (friends, family, pets, Carl Jung, the Tarot's Magician…)
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What to include (accessories, clothes, objects, text…)
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Where to do the photoshoot (in-studio, at your home, etc.)
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Such as size, colors, technique, framed vs. unframed…
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Whether you agree to have your portrait shared publicly, or would prefer confidentiality.
Agreement
Once we agree on the details, I send an invoice with the terms of our work (including delivery date) along with an invitation to schedule the photoshoot. Read it over, send it back, and we're on :)
Photoshoot
On the day, we finalize wardrobe and accessories and, if needed, hair and makeup. Sessions typically run two hours to half a day and take place on weekdays.
I'd recommend keeping the rest of your day open. This isn't just a photo op — it's an immersive, often surprisingly emotional experience, and it deserves room to unfold fully.
Selection Process
You'll receive a curated selection of photographs to choose from — the raw material this whole thing is built on. I typically work from several of these as reference, but the final say on which ones is yours.
Mystery Time
I retire to my tower to perform the necessary alchemy.
This stage takes anywhere from two weeks to two months, depending on the size and complexity of your piece. If you'd like word from the tower, I can send you updates as the work evolves.
Delivery
Your portrait will be ready for pickup or shipment within the agreed timeframe.
Working Long Distance
Free Design Consultation
Same first step as above, wherever you are. We hop on a call — usually 30 minutes — to talk through your vision, answer your questions, and cover what to expect.
This session is free and leaves you free to decide, zero pressure.
This is also when we decide:
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To include in the image (friends, family, pets, Carl Jung, the Tarot's Magician…)
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To include (accessories, clothes, objects, text…)
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Such as size, colors, technique… Please note that, for safety reasons, the work will be sent unframed, unless I’m scheduled to travel to your region and can deliver the work then.
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Whether you agree to have your portrait shared publicly, or would prefer confidentiality.
Your Photographs
Before we agree on anything, I'll need to see your photographs — I can only commit to a piece once I know the source material is up to the task. Here's a short guide with everything you need to know about photographing yourself (or whoever's joining you in the portrait): lighting, angles, resolution, and a few tricks for getting the best possible shots.
Don't worry, it's simpler than it sounds — and I'm around if you have questions along the way.
Agreement
Once we agree on the details, I send an invoice with the terms of our work, including delivery date.
Selection Process
Once I receive your photographs, we go over them together and settle on which ones I'll work from.
Mystery Time
Here too, I retire to my tower to perform the necessary alchemy. Thunder, lightning, all the elements get involved… it’s a vibe.
This stage takes anywhere from two weeks to two months, depending on the size and complexity of your piece. You’ll receive update, if you ask nicely :)
Delivery
Your portrait is shipped to you within the agreed timeframe.
Thinking of Getting a Portrait?
Fill out the form below, and I'll be in touch by email to schedule a phone or Zoom conversation and see how I can best serve you.
Get in Touch
Whether you would like more information, or to book a call, feel free to reach out — I’m always happy to hear from you.