AS I AM

A RAW PORTRAIT EXPERIENCE BY MITZI STARKWEATHER

If you believe you’re too *insert insecurity here* to be photographed, that limitation is probably (read: definitely) affecting other areas of your life.

What if you saw yourself through a lens of love?

hold & behold your one magnificent self

what if the way you show up in front of the camera is the way you show up in your life?

NO PHOTOSHOP

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NO NEW CLOTHES

Make It
NO PRO HAIR/MAKEUP

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NO "FLATTERING" POSES

Make It
NO "FOR HIS EYES ONLY"

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NO RULES

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NO GENDER NORMS

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NO AGE LIMIT

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NO MORE HIDING

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NO TIME LIKE THE PRESENT

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NO PERFECTION

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“LIFE WITHOUT A FILTER IS LIBERATING.”

— HEATHER

(she’s done two AS I AM raw portrait shoots and is planning her third)

hey! I’m Mitzi Starkweather

After facing breast cancer in 2022 and enduring significant changes in my life and body, I felt lost, disconnected, and unlovable. I’d spent years as a glamour & boudoir photographer but suddenly I no longer cared about the illusion or performance of beauty… I stopped caring about what my life “looked like” to others and focused on how it felt to ME. I decided the raw reality was what really mattered.

big if true

Let me help you shine a light on your shame.

Shining a light on the things we are ashamed of helps us accept them. We realize that we are whole — not despite what we lack but because of it. How you show up in front of the camera is how you show up in your life. Once I could show up without the crushing expectation of perfection I became a lot less miserable and a lot more joyful. I began to love myself, too. You know, the real kind — the kind without conditions.

Terrified of shifting my entire business and message, I began my “AS I AM” raw portraits project in early 2023 because, frankly, it got me out of bed in the morning. I invited my clients to show up unfiltered and they inspired me to do the same. For nearly three years I’ve met humans of all ages, genders, and glorious imperfections in this powerful portrait space. It’s fun, it’s silly, and most of all: it’s EASY.

I could use some unconditional love right about now

FAQs

What makes the portraits “raw?”"

No pro hair/makeup
No new clothes
No photoshop
prompts instead of “flattering poses”

It’s like sashimi. Not fish you forgot to cook.

Do I have to let you share my photos online?

No, you do not have to give me permission to share any images you’d prefer to keep private.

You’ll be the first one to see your photos (usually immediately after we shoot!) and if you want to keep it that way, I respect your decision.

This is for YOU, and your comfort is my number one priority (well, once you step out of your comfort zone to work with me!)

Do I have to do naked photos?

No, but most of my clients end up stripping down during their shoot and that’s because the removal of clothing mirrors vulnerability. If you want to tap into your spicy side we certainly can, but many of my clients simply love the freedom and being photographed in their birthday suit. It’s not so much about the absence of clothing but the fullness of your self!

What do people do with their raw portraits?

They keep an album or book by their bed to remind them how precious they are. They put a stunning portrait on their wall so they can walk past it every day and remember how amazing they felt when they chose to embrace their imperfections. They update their social and business profiles with connected, authentic imagery that’s the opposite of AI in the best possible way. They give them as a gift to someone they love — usually, their own magnificent self.

What’s your boudoir/fine art nude philosophy?

Glad you asked! I wrote an article on this very subject for the world’s largest Photography magazine and would love for you to read it here. If I had an academic thesis for my life’s work, this would be it.

What is required to book?

The session fee of $650 is required to secure your date on my online booking calendar and this does NOT include any portraits (print or digital). You’ll choose and order your portraits immediately after we shoot. Wall Art starts at $995 / Portrait Collections start at $1800. I take pre-payments and offer financing so you can get everything you love.