EDITORIAL PORTRAITS THAT EMBODY PRESENCE AND SOUL
Whether you’re stepping into a new chapter, celebrating your story or craving a creative reset, these sessions help you break free of expectations.
You have the option to shoot in two locations – a beautiful studio and a cinematic outdoor setting -- so you don't have to choose. Step into an experience that feels more like a creative retreat than a photoshoot.
Come with your nerves. Leave feeling seen, celebrated and a little bit obsessed with yourself, like you just walked out of your own magazine spread.
What people are saying about their portrait sessions
“These are my favourite pictures ever that have been taken of me! I'm still so grateful and they bring me so much joy! I can’t say enough about Laura. From start to finish my session, flowed easily. She made it so easy to get out of my comfort zone and relax for the pictures. The results are incredible. Her work is absolutely beautiful and I highly recommend booking with her. You won’t be disappointed!”
“For those who don’t always like seeing themselves in photos, it’s often because they’ve never been captured in their true light. That’s the magic Laura brings; the ability to feel completely free, to be wholly yourself.”
“AHH they look so good!! SO hard to choose! Nobody photographs me the way you do!”
“I booked the Empowerment Session to both celebrate myself in a way that wasn't tied to any kind of business branding purpose. I loved the session! What's cool about it is that anything goes. wear what makes you feel fabulous, be serious, be silly, be whoever you want! It's an opportunity to play creatively in front of the camera in a space that feels safe, supportive and kind. laura has this energy about her that made it easy for me to settle into the shoot!”
“They are PEFECCCCCCCT!!!!!!!”
“The photos Laura took are out of this world! They are perfectly me... and we'd only just met! I'd highly recommend an Empowerment Session with Laura. It's hard to describe what it is and how it works, but trust me, you'll love the experience and the result!”
“Some photographers take pictures; Laura captures your soul! Her work goes beyond the lends; she has this rare gift of seeing you, the essence of who you are, and reflecting it back in the most radiant way. With her utmost professionalism and the warmest direction, she creates an environment where every mask falls away. What shines through is your unique beauty, your confidence, your soul emanating freely.”
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING YOUR PORTRAIT SESSION
A pre-shoot
consultation
Feeling unsure or camera-shy? That's okay! We’ll connect beforehand so I can support you in exploring how you want to express yourself on camera. I’ll guide you through wardrobe choices (including access to the studio collection) and send over prep tips so I can shape a session that is true to you.
In-studio + outdoors
in one session
Every portrait session is designed to help you feel confident, creative and fully alive in the moment. You have the option to explore two distinct locations; a refined in-studio shoot with elevated, editorial energy and an outdoor setting that captures your cinematic, unfiltered presence. No need to choose!
An experience that recharges you
Your session is designed to feel like the creative retreat you need; calming, energizing and deeply self-affirming. You’ll be guided by gentle direction that feels natural. With music, laughter and a warm, supportive energy throughout, you'll leave feeling relaxed and recharged.
Hi there, I'm Laura
THE GAL BEHIND GOOSEBERRY STUDIOS
In my studio, having your photo taken is about getting wrapped up in the moment of who you are. Not who you used to be or who you hope to one day be – and certainly not who others think you should be. Gooseberry portrait sessions are about reflecting the current pulse and presence of your life – your thoughts, your dreams, your feelings and your perspectives, whatever those may be.
It’s about surpassing the expectations that are planted in us by the steady rush of impossible images from mainstream media and (not always, but often) influencer culture. It’s about usurping damaging beliefs that hold us back and allowing ourselves to clearly and confidently step into leadership identities.
Whether you're looking for press-worthy images to promote yourself as a business owner or intimate photos to celebrate a personal milestone privately, my portrait sessions are designed to celebrate the true you.
MOMENTS WORTH REMEMBERING
Milestones. Reinventions. Quiet victories. Big birthdays. Just because.
Whatever the reason, this is your moment.
INVESTMENT
It's so annoying when pricing is hidden, so here are the studio's full rates for consideration.
{please note that travel & hair/makeup fees may apply}
Toronto Portrait Photoshoot
INCLUDES
- a pre-shoot consultation
- a "What to Wear" Guide + styling support
- up to 2 hours of shoot time (in studio or on location)
- 30 final hi-res retouched photos
$650 + HST
Port Hope Portrait Photoshoot
INCLUDES
- a pre-shoot consultation
- a "What to Wear" Guide + styling support
- up to 2 hours of shoot time (in studio or on location)
- 30 final hi-res retouched photos
$400 + HST
Please note that Editorial Portrait sessions are shot in the photographer's signature artistic style. If you're looking for images to suit your brand (ie brand colours, settings etc), you need to book Gooseberry's Branding Shoot instead.
FAQ
CAN YOU KEEP MY PHOTOS OFFLINE?
Yes, absolutely! I understand completely how important privacy is. If requested, your face will not be shown publicly online by Gooseberry. Just let us know your preferences via email during the booking process.
I WANT PHOTOS, BUT FEEL SO AWKWARD AND UNPHOTOGENIC ALL THE TIME...
That's totally okay! I would say in my 12+ years of working as a professional photographer, about 95% of people who come through my studio doors feel the exact same way! During your session I help you find your camera confidence and offer gentle direction. Everybody can come away with editorial portraits that help them see themselves in a whole new empowered light.
How far in advance should I book?
It's never too early!
How should I prepare for my session?
Once your booking is confirmed, I'll send you a digital guide to help you prepare. It contains everything from what to wear suggestions to what to expect.
Can I use these portraits for my branding?
Yes. However, please note that these portrait sessions are VERY different from Goosberry's Personal Branding Photoshoots.
The portrait sessions will NOT ask about your branding in the preparation process. Nor will the portrait sessions adapt to suit your brand -- they are intended to help you see your soul, connect with your creative self expression and feel alive in the moment. In other words, during a portrait session your business does not exist to me, the photographer. I am focused on you as a person, not a brand.
Gooseberry's Personal Branding Photoshoots include strategic brand positioning, custom art direction and a marketing design component.
However, if you love the results from your portrait session and wish to use them in your business, you're more than welcome to, providing the work is accredited properly to Gooseberry Studios.
ARE GIFT CARDS AVAILABLE FOR PORTRAIT SESSIONS?
Yes! Please email me at lauralbenn@gmail.com and I can help you coordinate a gifted session for a loved one or friend.