What Happens During a Venus Rising Portrait Session?
For many women, the idea of booking a portrait session is exciting — but also a little unknown.
You may have seen the finished portraits. You may have read the client stories. You may have imagined what it would feel like to be photographed in a beautiful studio, with professional hair and makeup, lighting, styling and guidance.
But what actually happens on the day?
Here is a look behind the scenes at a Venus Rising portrait session at Dezine by Mauro.
Arriving at the studio
When you arrive at our Abbotsford studio, the first step is simply to settle in.
You will be welcomed into the space and offered your choice of espresso, champagne or whatever you would prefer. This is not about rushing you straight in front of the camera. It is your time to arrive, relax and begin feeling comfortable in the studio.
For many clients, that first part of the session matters. It gives you a moment to breathe, meet the team and start shifting out of everyday mode.
Styling and wardrobe planning
Before your photoshoot begins, you will sit down with your photographer to go through the clothing you have brought with you.
Some clients arrive with dresses, jackets, lingerie, sentimental pieces, bold colours or favourite outfits. Others bring a range of options and want help deciding what will photograph best.
You can also explore the studio wardrobe, accessories and styling pieces to help build your looks.
The aim is not to force you into one style. It is to create portraits that feel connected to you — your personality, your story, your background, your hopes and the way you want to be seen.
Some women want something fantasy-inspired or dramatic. Others prefer something relaxed, simple and natural. Many choose a variety of looks so they can create a fuller portrait collection.
Hair and makeup
Next, you will spend time with our experienced hair and makeup artist.
She has worked with television personalities and on awards shows, and her job is to help you feel polished, confident and camera-ready while still looking like yourself.
You can choose a softer, natural look or something more glamorous. The final direction depends on your style, your comfort level and the portraits you want to create.
Planning the shoot around your story
Once styling is complete, your photographer will plan the shoot around you.
At Dezine by Mauro, every portrait is designed with intention. The studio includes multiple backgrounds, lighting setups, props, furniture and portrait areas, which means your session can move through a range of moods and styles.
You may create something soft and elegant.
Something bold and dramatic.
Something relaxed and expressive.
Something cinematic, playful or deeply personal.
The studio is designed to give you choice, but you do not need to know exactly what to do. The team will guide you.
Being guided through the photoshoot
One of the biggest concerns many women have before a portrait session is posing.
Most people are not used to being photographed professionally. They worry they will feel awkward, not know where to look, or not know what to do with their hands.
During your Venus Rising session, you are guided every step of the way.
Your photographer will help with posing, expression, body position and small adjustments so you feel supported throughout the shoot. The lighting will also be shaped around the mood of each portrait — from soft and demure to more dramatic and powerful.
You do not need to arrive feeling confident in front of the camera. You only need to arrive willing to be guided.
Choosing your favourite portraits
After your photoshoot, you will view your portraits and select your favourites.
This is where you begin to see what has been created — the different looks, expressions, moods and sides of yourself that came through during the session.
The team will help you choose the images you love most and guide you through the different ways they can be presented.
Some clients choose wall art for their home.
Some choose albums.
Some choose box sets.
Some create custom artwork or a larger collection.
Others simply choose a few portraits they love.
What you purchase is up to you.
Creating finished artwork
A Venus Rising session is not just about having digital images taken.
The purpose is to create finished portraits you can keep, display and return to over time.
Your portraits may become artwork for your bedroom, hallway, living room, private space or family home. They may become a personal collection just for you. They may become something your partner, children or grandchildren value in years to come.
From the moment you arrive to your final artwork selection, the process is designed to help you feel supported, celebrated and guided.
Want to talk through your own Venus Rising session?
Every woman comes in with a different story, different ideas and a different level of comfort in front of the camera.
An intro call is the easiest way to ask questions, talk through what you have in mind and find out whether Venus Rising is right for you.
