Frequently Asked Questions

The first step is a free consultation, and honestly, it is one of our favorite parts of the process.

We will sit down together by phone, online, or in person at the studio — and talk through what you are looking for, what kind of session feels right, and what you want to walk away with.

There is no pressure and no commitment. It is just a real conversation so we can make sure we are a great fit and that everything is set up for success from day one.

You can grab a time here whenever you are ready.

Photography By Desirée is a full-service portrait studio in Fort Collins, Colorado, and we cover a lot of ground.

Our most popular sessions are:

• High school senior portraits
• Professional headshots
• Personal branding photography
• Family portraits

We also love doing:

• Dating profile sessions
• Couples portraits
• Classic studio portraits

If you are not quite sure which direction makes the most sense, bring that question to your consultation. We will figure it out together!

Our studio is in the Fossil Lake neighborhood of Fort Collins, Colorado.

Our address is 3195 Twin Heron Court, 80528.

We also shoot on location all over Northern Colorado and occasionally travel to Denver and Boulder for the right session. If you are coming from Loveland, Windsor, Timnath, Greeley, or anywhere along the Northern Colorado Front Range, you are well within our world. We would love to work with you.

Honestly, a few things. We are the only dedicated full-service portrait studio in Fort Collins, with over 30 years of experience and 300+ five-star reviews behind us. But more than any of that, it is the experience that makes people keep coming back and sending their friends. Every session is completely guided. You will never be left wondering where to stand, what to do with your hands, or how to hold your face. Desirée directs every single moment with care and intention so that what you walk away with feels genuinely like you — not stiff, not forced, just real and beautiful. The fact that most of our clients come through word-of-mouth says everything we could say. 

Great question, and we want to be upfront about how our pricing works so there are no surprises.

Every session at Photography By Desirée has two parts. The session fee covers everything leading up to and including your session day — your consultation, the shoot itself, and the editing and retouching of your images.

The minimum investment is the starting amount you will spend on the portraits you choose to take home.

$250 for senior and $300 family sessions, with a minimum investment starting at $895.

Great question, and we want to be upfront about how our pricing works so there are no surprises.

Every session at Photography By Desirée has two parts. The session fee covers everything leading up to and including your session day — your consultation, the shoot itself, and the editing and retouching of your images.

The minimum investment is the starting amount you will spend on the portraits you choose to take home.

Session fees start at $150 for headshots and $250 for senior and family sessions, with a minimum investment starting at $895.

View full pricing for each session type using the links below: 

• Senior Portraits
• Boudoir Photography
• Personal Branding Photography
• Business Headshots
• Family Photography
• Couples Photography
• Kids Photography
• Classic Portraits
• Dating Profile Photos

Think of the session fee as the cost of the experience itself.

It covers your

• Pre-session consultation
• The full photo session with Desirée
• Professional editing and retouching of your images
• Your in-person gallery viewing appointment (where you will see everything for the first time)

What it does not cover:

• The portraits themselves:
  • Prints
  • Albums, wall art
  • Digital files
• These come from your minimum investment, and you get to decide exactly how to spend it

The minimum investment is the starting amount you will spend on the portraits you select after your session.

This is the minimum amount you will spend, not a package price. You get to direct every dollar of it toward whatever matters most to you — a wall piece, an album, individual prints, digital files, or a collection that includes a little of everything.

Nothing is pre-selected, and nothing is pushed on you. The minimum investment simply allows us to dedicate the right amount of time, attention, and resources to every client we work with.

The session fee is paid in full when you book, and it is what officially reserves your date on the calendar.

Session fees are non-refundable, but good for one year at the studio. Please read the rescheduling question below if life throws you a curveball.

We want portrait photography to feel accessible, and we are always happy to have that conversation. Reach out directly and we will talk through what works.

Send us a message here.

We accept all major credit cards — Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express.

A consultation with us is a real conversation, not a sales pitch.

We genuinely want to get to know you, what you are hoping to create, what has felt off about photos in the past, what matters most to you, and what questions you are carrying around.

For senior and family sessions, we also use this time to talk through locations, style, outfits, and what session day actually looks like.

It is completely free, there is zero pressure, and most people tell us they leave feeling a lot more excited and a lot less stressed than when they arrived.

It depends on the session type, and we will always confirm the length when you book.

• Senior portrait sessions run one to three hours depending on the session you choose.
• Family sessions are typically one to two hours.
• Business headshot sessions are quick and efficient — Level 1 is 15 minutes and Level 2 is 30 minutes, which is genuinely all the time we need to get you something great.
• Personal branding sessions start at one hour and run up to three hours depending on how much variety and content you want to create.

We will discuss all the details of your specific photoshoot in your consultation.

Not even a little bit! Posing is entirely Desirée’s job, not yours.

From the moment you arrive, you will be guided through every part of the session – where to stand, how to hold your body, what to do with your hands, where to look, how to move. You will not have to think about any of it.

What we have found over 30 years is that when people stop trying to “do something” and just let themselves be directed, that is exactly when the real magic shows up in the images.

You just need to show up. We take care of the rest.

Outfit choices make a bigger difference than most people realize, which is why we never leave you to figure it out alone.

Every client receives a detailed clothing guide before their session that walks through colors, patterns, layering, what photographs beautifully, and what to avoid.

For senior sessions, we take it a step further with a full wardrobe review built into your pre-session planning.

If you want a deeper dive, we put together a complete guide right here:

• View our What to Wear Senior Girls Guide
• View our What to Wear Senior Guys Guide

Yes, and it makes such a difference!

We always recommend it — not because you need it, but because it genuinely elevates how you feel walking into the session, and that shows up in every single frame.

We work with Simply Pretty Artistry, our go-to professional artist, for all beauty services.

• Makeup-only is $145 per person
• Hair plus makeup together is $185 per person.

For Senior Sessions:

• Professional makeup is also included in our Style senior session package
• Hair and makeup are both included in the Luxe package.
• View Senior Sessions here

For All Other Sessions:

• Hair and makeup services are available as an add-on

Yes, please do!

We absolutely love when clients bring their animals, and we are great at working with them.

Pets are welcome at sessions – just be sure to give us a heads-up when you book. That way we can make sure the location and timing work well for everyone — two-legged and four-legged alike.

Absolutely, and we love it!

Senior portraits for guys are built around what feels natural and authentic to them. Sporting gear, a favorite hangout spot, an urban or industrial setting, a clean studio look. Whatever fits who they actually are.

Desirée has spent 30 years photographing men and guys, and as the mom of three boys herself, she genuinely gets it. She knows how to draw out real expressions, create variety in posing without it ever feeling forced or awkward, and make the whole experience feel easy and worth showing up for.

We know guys can sometimes be a little more resistant to the idea at first. And honestly, that is completely fair. But here is what we see every single time… They show up a little unsure, they get into it faster than they expected, and they leave with something that actually means something to them.

The confidence boost is real. This experience matters just as much for guys as it does for anyone else, and the ones who do it are always glad they did. There is no cookie-cutter approach here. Every session is shaped around the individual. Take a look through the senior gallery and you will see exactly what we mean. View the senior portrait gallery.

Of course! Parents are always welcome, and honestly, moms are there about 99% of the time.

Here is something Desirée does at every single senior session without exception. She photographs the parent who is there with their senior. Every time. No asking, no convincing. It just happens, because it should.

Moms especially are so often the ones behind the camera their whole lives, quietly missing from the photos that document their family. This is the moment to fix that. You showed up for your kid today, and you deserve to be in these images too. Whatever parent makes it to the session, we are going to make sure you walk away with something that means as much to you as it does to your senior.

Welcome to Colorado, right? We have been doing this a long time and weather is something we can’t plan.

We are always looking at the weather as we head into each week. If outdoor conditions are not going to work for your session, we will communicate with you ahead of time and figure out the best path forward, whether that is rescheduling, shifting to the studio, or adjusting the plan creatively.

We will never leave you scrambling. Just reach out as soon as you have concerns and we will sort it out together.

Life happens, and we completely understand that. If something comes up, please reach out as soon as possible — ideally at least 24 to 48 hours before your session.

Session fees are non-refundable, but we are happy to apply yours to a one-time rescheduled session as long as it is booked within one year of your original date.

Same-day cancellations may forfeit the session fee. When in doubt, just call us. We would rather work something out than have you stressed about it.

Your gallery viewing appointment is typically scheduled about two weeks after your session, and it is honestly one of the best parts of the whole process.

You will come into the studio, sit down with Desirée, and watch a beautifully edited slideshow of your favorite images from the shoot. From there, you will hand-select the portraits you love and design your collection together, with Desirée guiding you every step of the way, just like she did during the session.

Plan for about one to two hours, and please make sure everyone who will be part of the decision is there. If you have little ones under 12, arranging a sitter makes the whole experience a lot smoother and more enjoyable for you.

Your order is placed at your in-person gallery viewing appointment, and that timing is intentional.

There is something really special about seeing your images for the first time in a full slideshow presentation, with the space and time to actually feel them and make choices you are genuinely excited about.

Desirée walks you through everything. Orders are custom-made and non-refundable, and full payment is required before production begins.

Each session is allowed one viewing appointment only, so all decision-makers must be present at this appointment as the order will be placed at that time.

Most orders are ready for pickup about six to eight weeks after your ordering appointment.

Every product we offer is custom-made, and that care and craftsmanship takes a little time. We think you will agree it is worth the wait.

We offer a beautiful range of luxury portrait products:

• Custom wall art collages
• Fine art prints on metal
• Canvas and acrylics
• Custom framing
• Modern heirloom albums & style books
• Announcements
• Digital files

But here is the part that actually makes the difference. Every single order is placed at an in-person appointment, not through an online gallery you scroll through alone at 11pm and never come back to. That is intentional, and it matters more than most people realize.

Research shows that only about 2% of digital photos ever make it off a phone and onto a wall. Two percent. The other 98% sit in a folder, on a hard drive, or buried in a camera roll that no one has opened in three years. We have seen it happen too many times, and we refuse to let that be the outcome for the work we create together.

At your gallery viewing appointment, you will sit down with Desirée and watch a beautifully edited slideshow of your images in a space designed to let you actually feel them.

Then you will choose what you want, design your collection together, and walk away with a plan for portraits that will actually live in your home. Our design software even shows you what your wall art will look like at scale on your actual walls before you commit to anything.

You will not be guessing. You will know.

And, if digital files are part of what you want, absolutely. We just want to make sure they are paired with something tangible that you will genuinely enjoy every single day. That is actually why even our most popular digital collection includes a beautiful album. Not as an upsell. Not as an add-on. Just built right in, because Desirée believes strongly in having something you can hold in your hands, flip through on a Sunday morning, and leave out where people can actually see it. The images you invested in deserve more than a folder on your desktop.

Yes. Digital files are available as part of select collections or as individual à la carte items.

One thing worth knowing: unless you purchase the full-resolution digital file, all images remain the property of Photography By Desirée and are protected under federal copyright law.

That means scanning, reprinting, or posting images you have not purchased the rights to is not something we are able to allow. If you want the freedom to print and share wherever you like, purchasing your digital files is the way to go.

All ordered and paid images are archived for up to one year after your session.

Images that are not ordered at your gallery viewing appointment are not saved or archived.

If you think you might want to come back for more later, we strongly recommend either ordering the digital collection or a complete package at your initial appointment, it is the best way to protect your investment and make sure nothing slips away.

Earlier than you think!

Senior session season at Photography By Desirée runs June through October, and the summer months are when things really fill up. Dates go fast, and so does availability with our makeup artist.

We recommend booking in the spring so you have your pick of the best dates, locations, and times. Yearbook deadlines vary by school too, but typically it is the end of October.

Grab a consultation here and let us get your date reserved before the good ones are gone.

We offer three sessions designed to fit different goals, timelines, and budgets.

See the full breakdown of what is included in each session here.

Professional makeup is included in the Style session, and full hair and makeup are included in the Luxe session.

If you are booking the Essentials session and want the full beauty experience, makeup can be added for $145 or hair and makeup together for $185.

We work exclusively with Simply Pretty Artistry, and she is genuinely wonderful to work with. The makeup is beautiful every time. Most seniors tell us it was one of their favorite parts of the day.

See the full breakdown of what is included in each session here.

Yes, and we love when families do this!

A family add-on is available for senior sessions so you can include parents, siblings, or the whole crew for part of the time. It is a beautiful way to capture this season of life together without needing to book a separate session.

Just mention it when you reach out and we will build it into the plan.

Outfit choices make a bigger difference than most people realize, which is why we never leave you to figure it out alone.

Every client receives a detailed clothing guide before their session that walks through colors, patterns, layering, what photographs beautifully, and what to avoid.

For senior sessions, we take it a step further with a full wardrobe review built into your pre-session planning.

If you want a deeper dive, we put together a complete guide right here:

• View our What to Wear Senior Girls Guide
• View our What to Wear Senior Guys Guide

Business headshot sessions at Photography By Desirée are designed to be efficient, painless, and genuinely great.

• The Quick and Painless Level 1 session is $150 and runs about 15 minutes — one look, one beautifully retouched file.
• The Confident and Polished Level 2 session is $300 and runs about 30 minutes — two looks and three retouched files.
• Professional makeup is available as an add-on for $145, and additional people are $150 per person.
• View full headshot details here

A business headshot is one great image — usually for LinkedIn, a company bio, or a team page.

Personal branding photography is a whole different thing. It is a full visual strategy session built for entrepreneurs, business owners, and professionals who need an entire library of images that represent who they are and what they do. We are talking website imagery, social content, marketing visuals, and everything in between.

Personal branding sessions at Photography By Desirée start at $1,200, run between one and three hours depending on the package, and are built entirely around your brand story, your audience, and what you want people to feel when they find you online. Learn more about personal branding photography here.

Sessions range from one hour for The Essentials, up to three hours for The Brand Experience.

More time means we can capture more of your story. With longer sessions, you’ll have multiple outfit changes, multiple locations, and the ability to show different facets of what you do.

Think of it this way. An hour is focused and efficient. Two hours gives you range. Three hours lets us build a comprehensive library that covers everything from portraits to lifestyle to action shots of you working.

That depends on which package you choose. The Essentials keeps it streamlined.

The Personal Branding Experience gives you up to two locations for variety.

The Brand Experience is unlimited. You pick the locations that matter to your brand. That might be your studio, your office, outdoors, your home, or anywhere else that tells your story.

Each tier has a different number. The more comprehensive the package, the more images you’ll walk away with.

All images are professionally retouched, high-resolution, and ready to use everywhere from your website to LinkedIn to print materials.

With The Essentials, styling is your call. You can choose to add on professional hair and makeup if you want.

With The Personal Branding Experience, we include complimentary professional hair and makeup. With The Brand Experience, it’s the same. Professional hair and makeup are included so you show up looking polished and camera-ready without the stress.

Yes. Multiple outfit changes are part of the experience. How many depends on your package and how long your session is. You can see details here.

More time means more looks. More looks means people see different facets of who you are. You might show up in business formal, then pivot to smart casual, then something that shows your personality outside of work.
Every outfit tells a different part of your brand story.

A headshot is a close-up of your face.

Personal branding is you in context. You at your desk. You with your product. You speaking or teaching. You with your team. You in your element, doing what you do best.
Headshots are useful.

Personal branding photos are powerful. They show people the full picture of who you are and what working with you actually looks like.

We sit down and really dig in.

We talk about your business, your goals, who you’re trying to reach, and how you want to be perceived. We talk about your brand story and the feeling you want your images to communicate. Then we design a session that brings all of that to life.

By the end of the consultation, you’ll have a clear picture of exactly what your session will look like. No surprises. No guessing. Just intention.

A dating profile session is built around one goal: making you look like someone worth swiping right on. It’s not about creating formal portraits or professional headshots. Instead, we focus on lifestyle and authenticity.

You’ll have photos of you doing things you actually enjoy, photos that show your personality and energy, and yes, if you have a dog, a dog photo. Because people who love pets want to date people who love pets.

We’re creating a visual story that makes a match feel like they already know you a little bit before you ever say hello.

Lifestyle photos show you in your element. Not posed stiffly at a backdrop, but actually living.

That might be you at your favorite coffee shop, reading a book you love, at the gym, with your dog, playing an instrument, cooking, laughing with friends, or doing whatever makes you feel like yourself.

The goal is for someone to look at your photos and think, “I could actually see myself on a date with this person.”

Lifestyle photos tell the truth in a way that formal portraits can’t. They show people who you are when you’re comfortable, confident, and just being you.

We’ll figure this out together. When you book, we’ll talk about your style and what kinds of people you want to attract. Then we’ll pull together outfits that feel authentic to you but also intentional.

You’re not trying to be someone else. You’re trying to be the best version of yourself.

Most of the time, that means clothes you’d actually wear on a first date or when you’re out doing something you love. Fitted pieces that show your shape. Colors that make you feel confident. If you’re not sure, bring options and we’ll pick what feels right in the moment.

That depends on which package you choose. Each tier is designed for a different situation. Some guys need one killer first impression photo. Others want a full profile refresh with range and variety. We’ll help you figure out which one makes sense for where you are right now.

Sessions range from 30 minutes if you just need a quick fix, all the way up to three hours if you’re building your entire dating presence from scratch.

The longer you have, the more variety we can create. More time means more locations, more outfit changes, and more of your story captured. The largest package includes helping you edit and select your current dating profiles.

Yes! Please do. A good pet photo is gold for dating profiles.

People connect over animals. If your dog or cat is part of your life, they should be part of your photos.

We include a style consultation with every dating package. That means we’ll talk through your wardrobe, what pieces work best on camera, and what kinds of outfits will help you attract the right match.

We’ll help you put together looks that feel natural but intentional. It’s collaborative. We’re not dressing you up as someone you’re not. We’re helping you show up as your best self.

The studio is open Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm.

Saturday and Sunday sessions are available by appointment. If you are not sure whether we can make a specific time work, just reach out and we will do our best.

We would love to hear from you!

The easiest way is to book a free consultation directly online here it takes about two minutes and gets us on a call right away.

You can also call us at 970.282.1821

Or, send us a message through the our contact form here.

We always respond promptly and we are genuinely excited to talk with you.