Demitra didn’t just want new photos—she needed a transformation.
Here’s the story from the beginning. Demitra came to me with a dream: leave behind her 9–5 desk job and finally pursue a career in acting and modeling. But to do that, she needed one thing—a standout commercial portfolio that could get her signed.
As an actor and aspiring model in Portland, she had her sights set on getting signed to a local talent agency and finally leaving behind her desk job. The only thing standing in her way? A professional commercial portfolio that could actually get her booked.
Demitra had already tried—twice.
First, she submitted selfies. The agency responded: we like you, but your photos aren’t up to our standard, citing the lack of professional quality. Then she hired a photographer she met through improv class and tried again. Still no. Same story: your images don’t feel commercial-ready.
Enter Mewphotovideo.
🔥 Choosing to Try Again—This Time, With Intention
Demitra reached out to book a professional photoshoot and shared about what she had been through. How she was having such a tough time landing this agency and pursuing her passions. She had found me through a vendor referral, but wanted to be sure this time that she got what she needed from a photographer.
I was so happy she found me because I knew right away how aligned we were to work together. My immediate response was, “Absolutely I can do that for you, no problem.” 📸 👍
She didn’t just want pretty pictures—she wanted a session that felt personal, expressive, and intentional.
Here’s what she had to say about working together:
“I met with Morgan a few times to discuss ideas, ground my visual concepts into tangible outcomes, and capture the various sides of myself I still struggle to feel comfortable in. I felt like my vision found its home.” -Demitra
Together, we built a custom Speak Your Language session—5 hours of photo capture and lots of styling, planning, creating, and transforming. Demitra opted for not just commercial headshots in the studio, but an editorial glam moment to celebrate this transformative step she was taking. So we hired incredible makeup artist Bekah Joy Parker to help bring the vision to life.
Ready to dive into session totally tailored to you?
👉❤️🔥📸 Book Your Speak Your Language Session →
✨ Planning the Shoot: Commercial Headshots
We booked our shoot for February 17th, with planning starting in early January. From the jump, Demitra was enthusiastic and open to collaboration. She wanted commercial headshots that felt fresh, smiling, and colorful—with a distinct Northwest vibe.
So we started with a three-hour block indoors: one hour for hair and makeup by the incredibly talented Bekah Joy Parker, followed by 1.5 hours of capturing high-end commercial headshots. I set up professional strobe lighting and tethered shooting so Demitra could view the results live as we worked—perfect for real-time feedback and quick posing adjustments.
We shot seven different studio looks, changing out both wardrobe and backdrop to give her a dynamic, versatile portfolio. Think bright colors, clean lines, and the kind of energy that says book me now.
Looking for creative headshots in the studio?
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🎨 Planning the Shoot: Creative Concepts Outdoors
Once we wrapped in the studio, we layered on the fun. Bring in the Editorial Glam 💃😍❤️🔥
Part two was our play time outside the studio, where we could explore other looks and locations, and end it on a high note with our finale concept. So we built a five-hour session that balanced professionalism for the commercial headshots she needed to submit, and creativity for the editorial captures to explore femininity, manifestation, and self love.
Our first stop outside was the iconic “Portland is What You Make It” cat mural, where Demitra’s two-piece look matched the background flawlessly. Then we pivoted to City Liquidators for an urban, industrial vibe on the the Central Eastside—and in true Portland fashion, we even snuck in a few spontaneous shots inside the furniture store.
But the finale? That was the ✨🦋 Dreamy Pastel Butterfly Concept 🦋✨—an ethereal, feminine fantasy brought to life with monochromatic pastels, butterfly props, and custom styling. It was pure creative magic, and honestly one of my favorite concepts I’ve ever shot.
Get creative and see your own transformation come to life ✨
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📅 Call Sheet & Coordination
To keep everything smooth and organized, I prepared a custom Call Sheet a few days ahead of the shoot with a full shoot timeline, prop list, location logistics, and wardrobe notes. Everyone knew where to be, when, and what to bring, which helped us stay relaxed, playful, and in the zone.
🎬 The Final Session Flow
📍 Start Time: 9:30 AM at New Wave Studio, Portland
💄 1 Hour: Hair + makeup + creative direction setup
📸 1.5 Hours: Studio headshots with 7 unique looks, tethered preview, wardrobe and backdrop changes
🐎 Break + carpool to next location
🎨 2 Hours: Outdoor creative editorial (Cat mural, City Liquidators, spontaneous in-store shoot, Eastside industrial)
🦋 Final Concept: Dreamy Pastel Butterfly—complete with props, pastels, pearls, and “ethereal main character energy”
🚀 End Time: 2:30 PM Now that’s a wrap!
Common interests, values, or goals shared between Demitra, Morgan and Bekah 💕👉
“Getting the shots we wanted. Using different environments to make moments pop and being supportive of the artistry we all brought to the shoot.” -D
✨ A Visual Portfolio Built to Get Her Booked
The final gallery was a mix of fresh, smiling commercial headshots, colorful editorial flair, and high-concept outdoor visuals. Every shot spoke to a different facet of her creative identity.
“Morgan made my vision more tangible… she had more experience with editorial and commercial work as well as splashes of color… My experience felt like a real collaboration because we grounded my vision with her expertise.” -D
Demitra walked away with the type of images that stop a casting director mid-scroll—authentic, versatile, and captivating. The real transformation, though, was internal.
Demitra started this journey disheartened—rejected twice and unsure if this path was really meant for her. But she pushed forward, invested in herself, and trusted the process.
👉❤️🔥📸 Book Your Speak Your Language Session →
💫 The Transformation: She Got Signed!
After receiving her final gallery, Demitra submitted her portfolio one more time—and this time, the agency said yes 👏
“I landed my first agent with her help and for that I’m always grateful.” -D
She’s now actively booking paid work, building her creative career, and doing what she loves. And I’m so proud of her for choosing not to give up on herself.
“I am an actor who depends on photography to book a role and branding to build a foundation for myself as a creative. These things help aid in my journey to getting work—and hopefully living off of it.”
💬 FAQ
Q: How long should I book for a session like this?
A: Demitra’s was five hours long to allow time for glam, multiple looks, and different locations. Most clients who book Speak Your Language go for 3–6 hours depending on their creativity, budget and goals.
Q: Will you help with planning outfits or creative direction?
Absolutely! Planning a photoshoot is one of my favorite parts of working with clients. Every session includes a session prep guide, mood boards, and creative meetings to tailor your visuals to your vision.
Q: Can I do headshots and editorial in one session?
Yes! That’s the magic of Speak Your Language. You get professional polish and creative storytelling in one seamless experience if that is what you wish — every session looks different because it is customized to your needs and goals.
Q: Can I hire a makeup + hair artist?
Yes! If you want to be glammed up for your session (highly recommend), I work with some very talented makeup + hair artists that would love to pamper you for your photoshoot.
This add on starts at $350 and covers the cost of the MUAH + the extra hour for getting ready. Please inquire for more details.
Q: Do I need to bring my own props?
Sometimes! But we also provide a curated list from our prop closet based on your shoot goals. For Demitra, we used flowers, butterflies, sunglasses, and more!
Q: I’ve been burned by photographers before—what makes you different?
Demitra said it best:
“Morgan listens to the needs of the project as well as the person. She’s creative and puts you at ease.”
Q: I’m not based in Portland—do you shoot elsewhere?
Yes! I also serve creatives in Austin, Texas, and I love working with clients who travel in from out of town too. Want to fly me to your city? ✈️ Reach out and we can chat more about what travel looks like 🙂
❤️🔥 Ready for Your Own Transformation?
This isn’t just a photo session. It’s the visual foundation for your dream career. If you’ve been told “not yet” or “not quite right,” let’s make this your third time’s the charm.
📍 Portland & Austin bookings available now.
🎯 Book your Speak Your Language session
📩 Reach out to Morgan
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