You have a vision.
Let's build it.
CREATIVE CONCEPT PHOTOGRAPHY — LAKE TAHOE & BEYOND
This isn't a standard portrait session. It's a full creative production — your idea, your aesthetic, your story, brought to life in a set of images that look like they were pulled straight from a film.
You've been sitting on an idea. Maybe it's a specific mood — warm & golden & slow, like a lazy summer afternoon in a coming-of-age film. Maybe it's a color, a location, a feeling you've been chasing. Maybe you have a full Pinterest board, a notes app full of references, & a very specific vision for a big poofy dress & your ball python & you just need someone who will absolutely say yes to that.
Creative concept sessions are built for exactly this. We design the whole thing together — the set, the styling, the story — & shoot it with intention from start to finish. The end result looks like editorial. It feels like art. & it is entirely, completely yours.
Most of these are solo shoots but couples & small groups are always welcome. If you can dream it up, we can make it real.
who this is for...
the process
It starts with your idea — however formed or half-formed it is. We'll dig into moodboards, reference films, color stories, & whatever else captures the feeling you're going for. I love this part. The more specific & weird & specific-weird your references are, the better. Bring the peach scene from the show you've been obsessed with. Bring the obscure film from 1974. Bring all of it.
THE VISION
Once we've landed on the concept, I'll send a questionnaire to lock in the details — styling, location, props, timing, & anything else that needs sorting before shoot day. I'll also send a full guide so you know exactly what to expect & how to prep. This is a collaborative process the whole way through & I want you to feel completely confident going in.
THE BUILD
This is where it all comes together. I'll direct the creative side while keeping the energy light & genuinely fun — think collaborative, not clinical. I'll give you prompts, adjust on the fly, & make sure every frame is working toward the story we planned. You'll leave feeling like you just made something really special. Because you did.
ON SHOOT DAY
Your gallery arrives edited to match the mood we built — every image intentional, every one beautiful. Sneak peeks come fast because I know the wait is hard when you've put this much into something.
AFTER
INVESTMENT
30 minute session
$500
1 outfit or setup. Great for a single strong concept with a tight focus.
$600
2 outfits or setups & the breathing room to really execute the vision. Most creative concepts need the full hour to do the idea justice — the second setup is almost always the one that ends up as your favorite.
RECOMMENDED
Extended sessions & fully custom productions available. Have something bigger in mind? Reach out & let's talk it through.
experience
enhance your
Video
Planning Services
Studio Rental
Priority Editing
Not sure what your concept needs? Tell me the idea & I'll help you figure out what's actually worth adding to make it happen.
kind words
"She took my vision & idea & brought it to life! Such a fun & comfortable experience. Never liked pictures of me but now I have pictures I can't stop looking at!"
- Miranda
"Alley's energy was contagious! She was so friendly, positive, & kind & instantly put us at ease. We loved it... & the pics turned out amazing!"
- Janna
"It has been a while since I have been in front of a camera, but the process was easy breezy & I felt really confident with Alley's guidance. She brought such a great energy to the shoot & was wonderful to collaborate with on shots. I am so happy with how my pictures turned out."
- Kristi
Yes — creative concept sessions work beautifully as solo shoots but couples & small groups are absolutely welcome. Just mention it when you reach out & we'll factor it into the planning.
Can I bring a friend or partner?
Please do. A horse, a snake, a stack of your favorite books, your grandmother's china — if it's part of your world & part of the concept, it belongs in the shoot. The more personal & specific, the better the photos.
Can I bring props, animals, or something unexpected?
Completely. A vague feeling, a film scene, a single color — that's enough to start. Part of what I do is help you figure out what you actually want & build it into something cohesive. You don't need to have it all figured out before you reach out.
My idea is only half formed. Is that okay?
Frequently asked questions
Where do these sessions take place?
Anywhere that serves the concept — studio, outdoors, a specific location, in water, in a field. The setting is part of the story & we'll choose it intentionally. If you're not sure, I'll help narrow it down based on the vibe you're going for.
How is this different from a regular portrait session?
A portrait session captures you as you are. A creative concept session builds a world around you. It's more intentional, more collaborative, & more production-heavy — every element is chosen on purpose to serve a specific visual story.
Do I need to source my own props & styling?
You're welcome to bring whatever feels right for your concept. If you want help pulling it together, set design & styling support are available as add-ons. Either way we'll talk through what the shoot needs during planning.
Have a story to tell? I’d love to hear it. Let’s begin with a simple note.
And everywhere in between
the waves to the mountains
