Why I'm Focusing on Creative Portrait Photography This Year

Over the past few months, I’ve felt a natural shift in my business. While Airbnb photography will always be part of what I do, I’ve been leaning more into lifestyle and creative portrait photography.

At first, I pushed myself into it for personal growth. I always joked that I loved Airbnb photography because pillows and blankets didn't talk back or have a good side! And I always felt like people photography wasn’t my strongest area.

So I challenged myself: more couple and family sessions, more creatively styled shoots, and more immersion.

And what I found was that I absolutely love it.

I love being creative. I love helping people hold onto meaningful moments. And I’m feeling really good and truly proud of the work I’m creating.

I’m really excited about this shift in my business, and thank you for your support as I grow as a photographer and business owner.

What Is Creative Portrait Photography?

Creative portraits focus on capturing people as they are. We don’t focus on perfection or posing, but capturing you in your natural state—baking with your partner, a cozy movie night at home, or playing at the park with your kids.

I focus on storytelling, mood, and emotion in my creative portrait photography. When you receive your photos, I want you to feel like they encompass you as an individual—your natural smile, doing something you love, with the people you love most.

Creative portraits feel more personal and intentional. We aren’t repeating the same formulas, prompts, poses, or setups like you would in traditional portrait photography. We’re capturing how you feel, not just how you look.

That’s the part of creative portrait photography I fell in love with—collaborating closely with my clients to capture images that reflect who they are at their core.

Why This Shift Matters for My Clients

I’m not only serving Airbnb hosts anymore—creative portrait photography is for individuals, couples, and families. I want to tell your story, whether you’re looking for new headshots, newly engaged, or taking holiday family photos.

Your story is worth telling. I want you to feel seen during our session and in your final images, not posed and stiff.

These photography sessions are also super fun! We laugh, we play, and we enjoy the time, rather than counting down the minutes until you’re done. Your cheeks will hurt from genuine laughs and smiles, rather than a plastered, forced grimace.

What This Means for My Photography Business This Year

I’m not leaving the Airbnb space, but I’m choosing to be more intentional with it. I still love helping Airbnb hosts showcase the best of their properties through lifestyle shoots.

In 2026, I’ll only offer 1–2 Airbnb sessions per quarter and focus the rest of my energy on local, creative sessions where I feel most inspired.

Maybe someday I’ll fully transition to creative portrait photography, but for now, I’ll continue offering both.

View my creative photography packages here.

View my Airbnb photography packages here.

Choosing Alignment Over Expectation

The focus on creative portrait photography, along with the vision I have for my business, and what my clients need from me. Thank you so much for allowing me to be creative and shift to photography styles that inspire and excite me.

I encourage you to honor your own creative shifts. Try something new. Push yourself to be better. Move outside of your comfort zone. The risk might just pay off.

If you want to book a creative portrait session with me, you can explore the packages right here and book a consultation call. I look forward to bringing your story to life.

FAQs About Creative Portrait Photography

Can creative portraits be used professionally?

Absolutely! Creative portraits work beautifully for personal branding, websites, social media, artists, creatives, and entrepreneurs, especially if you want photos that feel intentional, elevated, and emotionally connected rather than corporate or generic.

Do I need a specific vision before booking?

No, you don’t need a fully formed vision before booking. Many clients come in with only a feeling or intention, not a detailed plan. You might know you want your portraits to feel calm, powerful, soft, or reflective—and that’s more than enough to start. Part of the creative portrait experience is collaborating to shape the vision.

What should I wear to a creative portrait session?

You’ll receive guidance before your session to help you choose outfits that feel like you. Neutral tones, texture, and movement-friendly pieces tend to photograph beautifully, but the most important thing is that you feel comfortable and confident.

Where do creative portrait sessions take place?

Sessions can happen outdoors, in natural light, at meaningful locations, in your home, or in decorated indoor spaces. The area is chosen intentionally to support the mood and story we’re creating together.

Is creative portrait photography edited differently?

Editing is intentional and refined, focused on enhancing mood, tone, and emotion rather than heavy retouching. The goal is to keep your images natural and timeless while honoring the artistic style of the work.

What do clients usually say after their session?

Most clients share that the experience felt surprisingly comfortable, affirming, and empowering, and that they see themselves differently (in the best way) when they receive their images.

How do I know if creative portrait photography is right for me?

If you’re drawn to imagery that feels emotional, intentional, and true to who you are—and you want a photography experience that feels calm and supportive—creative portraits are likely a great fit.