• PORTFOLIO
  • THE EXPERIENCE
  • BLOG
  • ABOUT
  • SPECIAL OFFER
  • SERVICES
  • EN

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR PHOTOSHOOT

Learn more about Mara’s custom portrait sessions and shooting process here. When you’re ready, contact us to book your own luxury portrait session!

► WHY SHOULD I DO THIS?

You should do this for you. Because you are beautiful. You are worthy. You are seen!Too many women avoid being in front of the camera because they’re used to being disappointed. I understand this, I’ve been there. But what would it be like to look at your images and feel pride, love, joy? I challenge you to let me take the most incredible image you’ve ever seen of yourself. I am a full time photographer. I spend my days creating beauty. I know how to bring it forward and I specialize in creating topmodel style images for every woman who stands in front of my camera. Allow me to create something incredible with you, it will change the way you see yourself.

 

► WHY IS THIS DIFFERENT THAN OTHER PORTRAIT SESSIONS?

My studio offers an incredible, full-service photoshoot like you’ve never experienced. I’ll capture you in authentic portraits that you’ll love. I’ll help you with posing to achieve natural looks and expressions (no fake smiles or awkward poses). You’ll have amazing makeup artists & hair stylists at your side throughout the entire shoot to help you look your best, and you’ll even have access to my extensive studio wardrobe to complete your looks. It’s a day of pampering and celebrating YOU.

So how do we get started? First you fill out my CONTACT FORM. Then we'll schedule a phone consultation to chat about your shoot. I love learning about you and listening to what your dream shoot looks like. Let me know your likes and dislikes, your favourite styles and colors so I can create the perfect session for you. When you’re happy with everything, and I have the all the details, we’re ready to book. Curious what this experience is really like? A few kind words from my former clients are available here.

 

► WHAT IS INCLUDED IN MY PORTRAIT SESSION?

Your session includes:
  • One on One consultation to design your DREAM shoot
  • Prosecco, drinks and small treats
  • Professional Hair and Makeup Styling
  • Multiple sets and outfits
  • Access to Mara’s extensive studio wardrobe
  • Directed posing
  • A premier sales and ordering session

 

► WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?

Every woman is unique and so is every session. I listen carefully to what excites you and then together we will design a beautiful shoot concept that will be flattering to you. We will discuss what to bring in advance, but in addition to what you’ll bring, I have an extensive collection of gowns, dresses, bodysuits and accessories I’ve carefully curated over the years and they are all available to you during your session. We will have a consultation prior to the shoot where we discuss specifically what wardrobe you should bring in and how to find it.

 

► What’s the difference between personal branding and a corporate headshot?

A corporate headshot is usually a photo of your face that doesn’t show or reveal anything specific about you. Personal branding is one-to-several photos (not limited to your face) that show your personality, what you stand for and how you do it. Think of the 5 W’s: who, what, when, where and why. Your personal branding photos will answer the questions your potential clients are wondering.

 

► CAN YOU TELL ME MORE ABOUT MATERNITY SESSIONS?

Pregnancy is the most precious and unique time in your life and my desire is to capture your strength and beauty in artistic and timeless portraits. I recommend booking your maternity session at around 30 weeks. Feel free to contact me as soon as possible to book your luxury maternity session.

► I'M SELF-CONSCIOUS ABOUT MY BODY, SHOULD I STILL BOOK A SHOOT?

As women we're our own worst critics, but you are beautiful right now, just as you are. I’ve heard every excuse out there as to why now isn’t the right time to be photographed (“I need to lose weight”, “I’m not photogenic”, “I don’t like my smile”) - I promise you not a single one of my clients walked into the studio saying, “Now that I’m perfect it’s time for a shoot.” Of course not! The women on my website are real women - moms, sisters, daughters, grandmothers. And they are extraordinarily beautiful. Trust me, you’re in good hands. You will love your portraits.If you're nervous, don't be. I will strategically pose and light you in ways that will be flattering to you. To help you visualize the process, here are some of my before and after same day transformation images and here are some nice words from past clients.

 

► WHAT KIND OF PRODUCTS DOES THE STUDIO OFFER?

Printed products are a true luxury in this digital age and they’re of the utmost importance to my clients. Your portraits deserve to live in the real world, not to get lost on a hard drive. With that in mind, I’m so proud to offer a stunning collection of products for you to choose from. From beautiful printed Albums that can decorate a coffee table or be gifted, to Folio Collection Boxes that hold matted prints to Framed or Metal artwork - I will bring your stunning portraits to life in the way that best compliments your home and lifestyle! Are you ready to get started?

**REFUND POLICY:

**Once you receive digital images that you purchase, please know there is a no exchange and no refund policy.

 

► WHAT IF I ONLY WANT DIGITAL IMAGES?

While I don’t offer any digital only packages (except personal branding), I do understand the importance of owning your digital files. Every portrait you purchase (whether in an album, folio collection or wall art) includes its digital negative.

 

► WILL YOU PHOTOSHOP OR AngelRETOUCH MY IMAGES?

Yes, each of your final portraits will be given my Signature Retouch. This retouching goes far beyond removing blemishes or whitening teeth. It is a luxury art form that adds the same professional polish to your portraits that you’d see on the pages of fashion magazines. This editing is to enhance your images in subtle and beautiful ways, not to drastically alter them.  We retouch conservatively for a natural look but will edit your images to your liking. Signature Retouching is complimentary on all portraits. At your request, the retouching out of minor tattoos or scars is complimentary, however, the removal of large tattoos, which are highly time intensive, are subject to an additional fee.When you come back for your Reveal session, you’ll see a handful of retouched images (so that you can see exactly what the edited version will look like) in addition to many unretouched options so that you can choose from a wide variety of poses and crops and expressions. Together we will select your final images and print products, then I will retouch the rest of the images you have chosen. I do not release unretouched images and I would never lessen your images by presenting something that didn’t live up to my own standards. This  is YOUR cover girl moment!

 

► What is the cost of a shoot?

Curious to know more? Let's chat about it! Fill out my contact form and we’ll set up a call to chat about everything what I can create for you! The final choice in collections is yours. My packages have been crafted based on my clients’ most frequent purchases, but there is no sales pressure in my studio. Come in and let me wow you with your own beauty. Do this for you. You will never look at yourself the same way again.
My Portrait sessions begin at USD/CHF 450 and include a styling consultation + access to our couture studio wardrobe, professional hair and make up, multiple outfit changes, and photography by Mara.At your image reveal + order session, you will have the option to add on more images or upgrade to luxury packages inclusive of traditional albums and wall enlargements. Let’s set up a complimentary consultation so that I can hear about your dream portrait experience and products and get you a custom quote.

 

► HOW DO I BOOK MY PORTRAIT SESSION?

I’d love to hear all about your dream session! To book your shoot, a non-refundable retainer will be required to reserve your date. I accept a limited number of commissions per month, so please reach out as early as possible to reserve your date!

► Where are you based?

Our comfortable studio is based in Gretzenbach, less than one hour drive from Zurich, Basel, Berne and Lucerne.

 

► Do you travel?

I love to travel! If you’d like a portrait shoot in a different location, please get in touch and we will discuss how to make it happen and what travel fees would apply.

 

► Do you offer Gift Cards?

Yes. Our gift card is the perfect surprise for every person who is special for you.

 

► Do you shoot weddings?

No. But I love to create a timelessly beautiful Bridal Boudoir session or a unique Pre- or After-Wedding Portraiture session for you.

AND FINALLY…
Why should I book a shoot now?
BECAUSE WE ARE NOT PROMISED TOMORROW AND WE DO NOT KNOW WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS. EVERY DAY YOU PUT OFF DOING THIS SHOOT FOR YOURSELF YOU RUN THE RISK OF IT NEVER HAPPENING. AND TRUTHFULLY WHY SHOULD YOU WAIT WHEN I PROMISE I CAN MAKE YOU LOOK GORGEOUS JUST AS YOU ARE RIGHT NOW?!

 

READY TO BOOK?