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More Than a Headshot: What Is a BARE Unfiltered Photo Session? Here’s Exactly What to Expect.

July 27, 2026

Come as you are. Leave seen.

“I’m not photogenic.” “I have no idea how to pose.” “Maybe after I lose 20 pounds.”

If you’ve ever thought any of those things, you’re exactly the kind of person BARE Unfiltered was created for.

One of the biggest misconceptions about a BARE Unfiltered session is that it’s about looking perfect. It’s understandable that people have that thought, because historically, we’ve equated photos to looking flawless. This is not that. It’s about showing up exactly as you are and discovering that who you are right now is already enough.

Whether you’re celebrating a new chapter, healing from an old one, building confidence, documenting your story, or simply wanting photos that actually feel like you, here’s exactly what happens during a BARE Unfiltered session.

First… What Is BARE Unfiltered?

BARE Unfiltered is an experience unlike traditional portraits or headshots. It’s part portrait session, part storytelling, and—many clients will tell you—part therapy.

Instead of focusing on perfect poses and forced smiles, we focus on movement, emotion, connection, and authenticity. There are no fake laughs, no awkward “chin down, shoulder back” for an hour, and no pretending to be someone you’re not.

The goal isn’t to create the most polished version of you. It’s to capture the truest version.

Before Your Session

Every session begins long before the camera comes out. We’ll talk about why you’re doing this, what season of life you’re in, what you hope to remember years from now, and how you want these images to feel. Some women come after a divorce, illness, weight loss, becoming a mom, becoming an empty nester, starting a business, or reaching a milestone birthday. Others don’t have one defining reason—they’re simply tired of waiting until they feel “ready.” That reason is enough.

You’ll also receive guidance on what to wear, how to prepare, and what to expect, so you never have to wonder if you’re doing it “right.” But trust me – it’s way easier than the prep for most sessions! In fact, you’re ordered to not go shopping!

Yes… You’ll Probably Be Nervous

Let me tell you something that almost every client is surprised to hear. Every single person who has walked through my studio door has been at least a little nervous. Every one. It’s hard to believe, because the photos don’t portray that.

Some are simply quiet and unsure of what to expect. Others openly admit they’re terrified. Many tell me they almost canceled because they were convinced they weren’t photogenic, didn’t know how to pose, or didn’t feel confident enough to be in front of the camera. And yet, every single one of them took a deep breath and walked through the door anyway.

Within a few minutes, something begins to change. We start talking. We laugh. We move. The focus shifts away from “How do I look?” and toward simply being present.

By the end of the session, that nervous energy has almost always turned into relief—and often excitement. Not because you suddenly become someone different, but because you realize you never had to perform in the first place.

You Don’t Need to Know How to Pose

This might be the biggest relief of all. You do not need modeling experience. In fact, I’d rather you didn’t have it.

Instead of placing you in stiff poses, I’ll guide you through natural prompts that encourage genuine movement. You might walk through the studio, stretch, dance a little, close your eyes, breathe deeply, wrap yourself in a cozy blanket, or simply sit on the floor while we talk.

Movement creates emotion. Emotion creates connection. Connection creates photographs that actually feel alive.

The best images almost always happen in the moments between the poses—the little laughs, the deep breaths, the genuine smiles you didn’t even realize happened.

We’ll Talk … A Lot

Most people expect a photoshoot to be quiet. A BARE Unfiltered session is anything but.

We’ll spend the session talking about your family, your dreams, what you’ve overcome, what you’re proud of, and what you’re still figuring out. Sometimes we laugh until we cry. Sometimes we actually cry. Those conversations aren’t distractions They’re part of the experience.

When you’re engaged in a real conversation, you stop thinking about the camera. That’s when your guard comes down, and that’s when the photographs become something much deeper than portraits.

There’s No Pressure to Be “Confident”

One of the biggest myths about BARE Unfiltered is that you have to arrive feeling confident. You don’t. Confidence isn’t the starting point. It’s often the result.

Many women show up feeling awkward, self-conscious, or convinced they’ll hate every photograph. They apologize before we’ve even started. They tell me they’re uncomfortable in front of the camera. None of that disqualifies you.

You don’t need to become more confident before booking a session. You simply need to show up. Somewhere along the way, you’ll stop worrying about whether you’re standing correctly or smiling enough. You’ll start laughing more naturally, moving more freely, and forgetting that a camera is even in the room.

What Should You Wear?

There isn’t one perfect outfit for a BARE Unfiltered session. Some women wear jeans and a sweater. Others choose a favorite dress, a blazer, athletic wear, or something that’s been hanging in the closet waiting for the right occasion. The best wardrobe is simply one that feels like you. Some opt for a t-shirt and undies.

Neutrals, textures, and timeless pieces photograph beautifully, but authenticity will always matter more than trends. Years from now, I don’t want you to remember what was fashionable, I want you to recognize yourself.

Can I Include My Business Brand?

Absolutely! BARE Unfiltered works great for brands because they’re looking for branding images that feel like themselves instead of corporate headshots. And let’s be honest. These stand out and grab your attention way better than a standard headshot.

Rather than standing against a white backdrop with your arms crossed, we’ll create photographs that communicate your personality, your passion, and the story behind your business. These images are perfect for your website, social media, podcasts, speaking engagements, magazines, and marketing materials because people connect with people, not perfection.

What If I Cry?

Then we let it happen. And then I’ll probably cry.

Some sessions are joyful. Some are reflective. Some include tears. Every emotion belongs here.

You don’t have to keep it together or pretend everything is fine. Sometimes the strongest portrait happens moments after someone stops trying to hide what they’re feeling. Those are often the photographs clients treasure the most.

What Happens After the Session?

After your session, I’ll carefully curate and very lightly edit your images while preserving what makes you you. There will be no heavy Photoshop edits.

When your gallery is ready, you’ll be able to choose your favorite images or upgrade to a larger collection. Many clients also choose Storybooks because these photographs deserve to live somewhere beyond a phone screen.

The Most Common Thing I Hear

Almost every client says the same thing when they see their gallery. “I can’t believe that’s me.”

Not because they suddenly look different. Because, often for the first time in a long time, they see themselves the way the people who love them already do.

Strong. Beautiful. Real. Enough.

Is BARE Unfiltered Right for You?

A BARE Unfiltered session might be exactly what you’re looking for if you’re celebrating a milestone, navigating a life transition, building confidence, growing a business, documenting your story, or simply tired of hiding from the camera.

You don’t need to lose weight first. You don’t need to become more confident first. You don’t need a special occasion. You just need to show up.

Your Story Is Worth Remembering

There will always be a reason to wait. A few more pounds. A busier season. A little more confidence. A better time. But the version of you sitting here today deserves to be remembered, too.

Years from now, these photographs won’t remind you what size jeans you wore. They’ll remind you how you laughed, how you felt, and who you were becoming. Trust me. You’ll look back and want to revisit!

That’s the story I want to help you tell.

If you’re ready to experience a session that feels more like an afternoon of conversation than a photoshoot, I’d love to create something meaningful with you!! See more info here and read some testimonials and then learn more about pricing and model calls HERE.

Woman sitting on the floor and touching her hair in a t-shirt.
Man in black shirt looking off to the side laughing while walking.
Woman laughing during an authentic women's portrait session
Man in denim shirt and jeans and hat with feathers sitting on stool looking off to side with dramatic lighting.
Woman laying down with her eyes closed in a black and white image.

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© PIPER + CLAIRE 2026
Photos by GINA SHUPPERT
All rights reserved.

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Piper + Claire Photography
Indianapolis, Indiana

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