Unlock your potential for beautiful portraits with this detailed guide from Erin Valkner, highlighting techniques, locations, and what to expect during your photo session.
If you've ever been disappointed by a photo session or hesitated to have your picture taken, you’re not alone. Many share this experience, but there’s a solution—this guide aims to reshape your perspective on portrait photography.
I’m Erin Valkner, a dedicated portrait photographer located in New Braunfels, Texas, specializing in creating empowering images for women across the Hill Country, extending to San Antonio and Austin. I focus on helping those ready to capture their true selves, despite the fears or reservations that might hold them back.
The Truth About Professional Photos
Many individuals avoid getting their photos taken due to prior negative experiences with the camera. This generally stems from regrets over unflattering photos, leading to a belief that it’s better to stay out of the frame altogether. Here’s what I’ve learned from years of working with women who enter my studio feeling self-conscious: It's not about you; it's about the experience.
The key issues typically lie in the session's execution—poor direction, insufficient time to become comfortable, or an environment that feels unnatural. When those elements align positively, the photographs reflect that transformation, effectively dispelling the myth that some people aren’t photogenic.
My Approach to Photography
I identify as a direction-first photographer, prioritizing the creation of genuine moments over simply capturing posed images. Before snapping a picture, I consider how to foster an atmosphere where authenticity can thrive, relieving you of logistical concerns like hair or clothing mishaps.
Throughout the session, I provide ongoing direction regarding poses and positioning. This approach is crucial; for many clients, it makes a substantial difference in achieving photographs they cherish rather than stashing away. I specialize in working with individuals who may feel uneasy about being photographed, essentially my core audience.
What a Session Entails
Your portrait session is intentionally curated to encapsulate your essence—displaying how you carry yourself, what ignites your passions, and the version of yourself recognized by those who love you, even if you haven't seen it yet. Sessions can be conducted at my studio in New Braunfels or on location throughout the Hill Country, depending on your needs and preferences.
What to expect:
- If you feel anxious before or during the early part of the session, know that it’s completely normal. This feeling quickly subsides.
- Your task is to show up; I will guide you through the rest without needing you to figure out how to look natural.
- If something feels amiss, don’t hesitate to express it—I welcome feedback and am committed to making the adjustments necessary for your comfort.
Who Should Consider a Portrait Session?
The short answer? Anyone! However, my services particularly resonate with women in New Braunfels, San Antonio, and the surrounding Hill Country who identify with any of the following:
- The business owner: You need professional photos that authentically represent you—images that build trust with potential clients.
- The milestone celebrator: Whether marking a birthday, a divorce, a career transition, or achieving personal goals, if it's significant to you, it's worth capturing.
- The memory-making mom: If you have countless images of your kids but find yourself absent from your family story, now is the time to change that.
- The hesitant dreamer: If you keep delaying your session “until someday,” remember that those who push through these reservations often wish they'd started sooner.
- The first-timer: If you’ve never had professional photos taken and feel unsure, that’s the perfect starting point. Your comfort will grow during the session.
Debunking the "Not Photogenic" Myth
This phrase often echoes through conversations with clients. Let’s be clear: “not photogenic” usually indicates that you haven’t yet encountered the right photographer. Photogenic qualities are not innate—they depend on effective direction, the environment, timing, and fostering trust.
When someone expresses dissatisfaction with their previous photos, I interpret it as a sign that the right circumstances for capturing them haven’t been met. While I can't guarantee you'll adore every shot, your genuine desire to make the session meaningful is a vital first step.
Choosing the Right Location
Living in Texas Hill Country presents countless picturesque locations for photographs. I frequently utilize the breathtaking landscapes of Gruene, New Braunfels, and other local gems.
If you’re traveling from San Antonio, a variety of stunning sites are within a short drive, allowing for quick escapes into nature’s beauty. Alternatively, my studio in New Braunfels provides a controlled atmosphere less affected by weather changes, featuring air conditioning for those sweltering summer days.
Many clients opt for a hybrid approach, beginning indoors before transitioning to outdoor shots to gain diverse backgrounds.
Preparing for Your Portrait Session
Planning
Start by contemplating the mood you want to convey. Do you crave something bold and editorial, or warm and heartfelt? Delve into inspiration by examining images that resonate with you, even if they differ from your envisioned style. I guide clients through these preparatory phases to ensure clarity in direction.
Wardrobe Choices
It’s critical to wear pieces that you feel confident in. If opting for new attire, ensure you try it on beforehand. Generally, solid colors and subtle patterns outperform busy prints in photographs. For branding sessions, wear clothing that suits your everyday professional meetings rather than a costume.
It helps to bring multiple outfit options; we can explore and select what fits best before the session begins.
The Day Of
Start your day with a proper meal and allow sufficient time to arrive without the stress of rushing. If you do find yourself in a frantic state prior to the session, we can take a few minutes to settle down—there's no need to worry about it! Arrive as your authentic self, whether you prefer minimal makeup or a full glam look. Should you choose to have stylist services at the studio, I’ll provide guidelines ahead of time.
Addressing Common Questions
Session Costs
Details regarding session pricing and packages can be found on the booking page. If you're uncertain about which option aligns with your budget or objectives, please reach out; that’s what the consultation call is for!
Photo Quantity
You’ll receive a curated gallery that effectively tells your story—this curation process is a key aspect of the service, allowing you to bypass sifting through countless similar images.
Session Duration
Typically, a portrait session lasts around an hour, while branding sessions may require more time depending on the number of looks and locations involved.
Retouching Policies
Professionally retouched images are included; I refine extraneous elements like blemishes and stray hairs while preserving your authentic self, creating a polished appearance without drastically altering who you are.
Hair and Makeup Needs
Professional styling is not mandatory. While some clients enjoy the pre-session ritual of professional makeup, others come simply as themselves. I offer this service as an additional option, but the choice is ultimately yours.
Inclusivity in Portraits
I work with individuals across the gender spectrum. It might surprise you to learn that men experience similar anxieties about being photographed. My goal is to create a comfortable environment for anyone not at ease with the camera.
Service Areas
Based in New Braunfels, I frequently operate in the Hill Country, including Wimberley, Boerne, Gruene, and Seguin, extending into the greater San Antonio area. Feel free to inquire if you’re outside these regions—let’s see if we can arrange something.
Determining Fit
Not every collaboration works for every individual, and clarity on this upfront is important.
If your aim is to capture photos that truly resonate, conveying genuine emotion and meaning, then we’re likely a great match. You should want images reflecting your authentic self, not just typical, lifeless representations.
If you’re simply looking for something generic or in line with typical trends, it may be wiser to explore other photographers.
Client Testimonials
“Erin truly sees you. She transformed what could've been a standard headshot into an empowering experience. She is detail-oriented and made the session enjoyable. The final photos are stunning and precisely what I needed.”
-Whitney H.
“As someone who felt 'not photogenic,' my experience with Erin was exceptional. She explained the process clearly, leading to photos I was genuinely happy with. Highly recommended!”
-Gil O.
“Although I was nervous about my boudoir shoot, Erin made me feel beautiful and comfortable. The final images exceeded my expectations, capturing me in a stunning and authentic way!”
-Alison E.
Ready to Begin?
If you find yourself pondering a session after reading this guide, my advice is simple: don’t wait for a moment of readiness.
Readiness is often a feeling you experience after stepping outside your comfort zone. So, take that leap, book your session, and allow me to manage the details from there. I invite you to reach out via the contact page to discuss your ideas—I’m here to help, no matter where you're starting from.
Contact Me | BookingErin Valkner Photography specializes in portrait, branding, and boudoir photography from her studio in New Braunfels, Texas, serving women throughout the Hill Country and San Antonio region. To learn more, visit erinvalknerphotography.com.
