A black-and-white portrait experience— rooted in self-love, presence and authenticity.

You don’t need to change a thing to feel beautiful. You are already enough—right here, right now, just as you are.

This is a space to release expectations and reconnect with the truth of who you are.
To soften. To remember.
To be seen without judgment, and feel yourself come back home.

This isn’t about posing. It’s about presence.
And what unfolds when you feel safe, accepted, and fully at ease.

Joyful black-and-white portrait of a couple walking hand-in-hand on the back cover of the 2024 Just BE Portrait Series by Jill Doherty. Captured in Oceano, CA, this image represents connection, authenticity, and the heart of the Just BE experience.

Inside the Experience

Just BE is a candid-style, black-and-white, self-love experience where you are celebrated for who you are now—without having to change a thing. This isn’t about posing for the camera—it’s about letting go and allowing yourself to simply be.

I invite you to see yourself through an unfiltered lens—and love yourself in a brand new way. My intention is to hold space for you to feel safe and comfortable, allowing your authentic self to shine through.

Each session unfolds organically. I gently guide you through a playful, emotive, and uplifting experience—one where you can express yourself freely.

And while many come in alone, others choose to share the experience with someone special—a partner, best friend, sister, or loved one. Whether shared or solo, many people are often surprised at how deeply moving these sessions are. What unfolds can be laughter, emotion, connection, and a powerful sense of presence. It becomes a celebration of self—and of the bond you share.

Then comes what many say is the most powerful part: the same-day image reveal. Right after your session, you’ll sit with me and see every portrait—unedited and uncensored. This is when you see yourself reflected back with compassion, beauty, and truth.

The Just BE experience is often described as liberating and transformational—a beautiful mix of joy, release, and self-recognition. Moments that remind you how extraordinary it feels to simply be.

Over and over, I witness people leaving my studio feeling more empowered, confident, and truly amazed by what they just experienced.

WHAT MAKES IT DIFFERENT

  • All Black + White Portraits

  • No Professional Hair or Makeup

  • No Fancy Wardrobe Required

  • No Posing

  • No Photoshop
     

This isn’t about changing anything about yourself—it’s about honoring that you are enough, as you are.

More Than Portraits

The images you choose become more than just portraits. They are reminders of how it felt to let go, to be seen, and to embrace yourself fully. Many clients cherish them as touchstones in their self-love journey—artwork that reflects their true essence, to revisit for years to come and to share with generations that follow.

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Soulful black-and-white portrait of a woman crouched down, featured in a Just BE self-love session by Jill Doherty Portrait. Capturing authenticity, presence, and emotional connection near San Luis Obispo.

"It wasn’t a photoshoot, it was an experience I will remember forever—and I have the photos to prove it.

My experience with Jill Doherty Portrait was exceptional. I don’t even know where to begin—she made me feel at home, relaxed, and comfortable in my own skin.
Never once did I feel awkward or tired of smiling. She captured a beauty in me I didn’t even know I had.

Thank you, Jill."

~HEIDI

Read More Just BE testimonials

Come exactly as you are. I’ll take care of the rest.

You just need to say yes.

Once your session is booked, I’ll send over a thoughtful prep guide to help you feel completely at ease—from choosing what to wear, to what to expect when you walk in the door.

This is your time to feel seen, safe, and beautifully at home in your skin.
Let this be the moment you return to yourself.

I can’t wait to create something meaningful and beautiful with you!

Book Your Just BE Session
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