Why It Matters
Authentic, storytelling portraits — customized to you.
A great portrait is more than a good photo — it’s a true reflection of who you are. Whether you need a polished LinkedIn headshot, a creative personal portrait, a dating profile photo, or a full branding shoot, the right image opens doors, builds connection, and tells your story before you say a word.
Every session is a customized experience. I take the time to understand your goals, your personality, and how you want to be seen — then I create a session around that. The result is images that look like you, just at your absolute best.
Explore black & white portrait sessions, learn about brand photography, or browse the Rife Ponce blog for inspiration and tips on preparing for your session.
What’s Available
Portrait sessions for every need.
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Headshot Session
Perfect for LinkedIn, company websites, speaking bios, dating profiles, and professional directories. A focused 30-minute session designed to get you the clean, confident, current headshot you’ve been putting off.
Starting at $199 · 30-minute session
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Portrait Session
A fuller experience for anyone who wants more than just a headshot — multiple locations or looks, a relaxed pace, and a gallery of images that capture your personality. Ideal for actors, creatives, graduates, and anyone celebrating a milestone.
Inquire for pricing · 60–90 minutes
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Custom Branding Shoot
A comprehensive visual identity session for entrepreneurs, executives, and small business owners who need a full library of on-brand images. Multiple looks, locations, and styled setups — everything you need to show up consistently across your website and social media.
Starting at $1,200 · Custom scope
What to Expect
Every session, carefully crafted.
✓ Free Consultation Call
Before we shoot, we’ll schedule a quick call to talk through your goals, the intended use of the images, wardrobe ideas, and location options. The more I understand what you’re going for, the better the results.
✓ Wardrobe & Prep Guide
You’ll receive a full session prep guide before shoot day — what to wear, how to prepare your skin and hair, what to bring, and how to get into the right headspace so you feel relaxed and confident in front of the camera.
✓ Calm, Guided Direction
You don’t need to know how to pose. I’ll guide you through every frame — natural, relaxed, authentic direction that helps you look and feel like yourself. Clients consistently say the session was far more fun and comfortable than they expected.
✓ Online Proof Gallery
Your full gallery of processed proofs is delivered online within 72 hours of your session. You’ll browse and select your favorites, and I’ll retouch the finals with a light, natural touch.
✓ Retouched Final Images
Every final image is carefully retouched — skin smoothing, flyaway hair, blemish removal, and color correction — so you look polished and natural, not overdone. High-resolution files are delivered for web and print use.
Who This Is For
For anyone who wants to be seen at their best.
💼 Professionals & Executives
Whether you need a LinkedIn headshot, a speaker bio photo, or an updated company profile image, a current, polished portrait signals credibility and professionalism before you ever shake hands.
🚀 Entrepreneurs & Founders
Your face is your brand. A cohesive library of on-brand portraits gives you the content you need for your website, social media, press features, and pitch decks — all consistent, all professional.
🎭 Actors & Creatives
Your headshot is your first audition. Whether you need theatrical headshots, commercial looks, or press photos for your creative work, I’ll help you put your range and personality front and center.
🎓 Graduates & Milestones
Graduating, turning 30, launching a new chapter? Portrait sessions are a beautiful way to mark the moment — images that capture exactly who you are right now, to look back on for decades.
💑 Dating Profiles
Your profile photo is your first impression. A natural, confident, well-lit portrait gets significantly more right-swipes and messages than a selfie — and actually looks like you on a great day.
🎁 Gift Sessions
A portrait session is one of the most thoughtful gifts you can give. Gift certificates are available for any session type — perfect for birthdays, Mother’s Day, graduations, or any special occasion.
From the Portfolio
Every portrait, entirely you.
Client Stories
What Chicago clients are saying.
★★★★★
“Maggie is the best! She is so calm and patient and helped make this photo shoot my favorite ever. I finally have headshots I’m actually proud to share.”
— Portrait Client, Chicago, IL
★★★★★
“I was so nervous before my session but Maggie put me completely at ease. The photos look like the best version of me — natural, confident, and actually current. My LinkedIn profile has never looked better.”
— Marketing Professional, Evanston, IL
★★★★★
“I gifted Maggie’s branding shoot to myself as a business investment and it was one of the best decisions I’ve made. I have a full library of images that finally match the quality of my work. Worth every dollar.”
— Small Business Owner, Chicago, IL
FAQ
Common questions, answered.
Still have questions? Reach out directly — I’m happy to chat before you book.
How much does a portrait session cost?
Headshot sessions start at $199 for a 30-minute session. Longer portrait sessions and custom branding shoots are priced based on scope — branding sessions begin at $1,200. Contact me for a custom quote based on what you’re looking for.
What should I wear to my portrait session?
Solid colors and classic silhouettes photograph best — avoid busy patterns and logos. Bring 2–3 outfit options so we can find your most flattering look. I’ll send a detailed wardrobe and prep guide before your session with specific advice based on your goals and shoot location.
I’m not comfortable in front of a camera. Will that be a problem?
This is the most common thing I hear — and my most comfortable clients are usually the ones who said this before their session. I’m calm, patient, and very good at helping people relax. I’ll guide you through every pose and expression, and we won’t stop until you have images you love.
Where do you shoot portrait sessions?
On location anywhere in Chicago or the suburbs — parks, neighborhoods, rooftops, your office, your home, or a Chicago location that fits your brand. I can also bring a seamless backdrop and studio lighting for a clean, classic look wherever you are. Studio sessions can be arranged upon request.
How quickly will I get my photos?
Your full proof gallery is delivered within 72 hours. After you select your favorites, retouched final images follow within 1–2 weeks. Rush delivery is available if you’re on a tight timeline — just let me know when you book.
What’s the difference between a headshot session and a branding shoot?
A headshot session is focused and efficient — one or two looks, one location, optimized for LinkedIn and professional directories. A branding shoot is a comprehensive content creation day: multiple outfits, locations, and styled setups designed to give you a full library of images for your website, social media, and marketing materials. Not sure which is right for you? Let’s talk it through.
Ready for photos you’re actually proud to share?
Book a session or schedule a free consultation call. Let’s figure out what’s right for you and create something you’ll love.
Explore More
Other ways I can help you.
Black & White Portraits
Timeless, fine art black and white portrait sessions for individuals, couples, and creatives.
Maternity Photography
Warm, natural maternity portraits in Chicago and the North Shore suburbs.