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

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Empowering black and white Just BE portrait of a joyful woman in glasses, photographed by Jill Doherty in San Luis Obispo
Black and white self-love portrait of a tattooed woman with arms raised, captured in a Just BE Experience session in San Luis Obispo County.
Joyful black and white portrait of a woman dancing freely during her Just BE Experience photo session near Shell Beach, CA.
Authentic self-expression captured in a black and white portrait of a laughing woman in a hat during a Just BE self-love session near Pismo Beach.
Black and white portrait of a same-sex couple sharing a tender embrace during a Just BE Experience in San Luis Obispo—an intimate, soulful celebration of love and connection. Our studio proudly welcomes and celebrates the LGBTQ+ community.
Candid black and white portrait of a woman in a self-love session wearing a shirt that reads “Love Warrior, Tender Spirit,” photographed during her Just BE Experience near Arroyo Grande, CA.
Joyful and spontaneous black and white couple’s portrait captured during a Just BE Experience near Shell Beach—celebrating love, laughter, and true connection.
Black and white portrait of a strong, courageous woman revealing her post-cancer scars during a Just BE Experience in San Luis Obispo. A raw and empowering moment of self-love, resilience, and pride—celebrating beauty in healing and survival.
Black and white portrait of a tattooed woman resting on her arms and smiling—part of the Just BE Experience by Jill Doherty Portrait in San Luis Obispo
Candid black and white self-love portrait of a woman sitting cross-legged —Just BE session in San Luis Obispo, CA
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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 can shine through.

Each session is unique and organic. I gently guide you through a playful, emotive, and liberating experience—one where you can express yourself freely and simply Just BE.

Most people are surprised by what unfolds: tears of joy, laughter, movement, emotional release, a powerful recognition of inner and outer beauty. It’s a process that’s as transformative as it is empowering.

Then comes what most describe as 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 the time you see yourself reflected back with compassion, beauty, and truth.

Most people leave 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 or 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.

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

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!