WHAT IF A PORTRAIT MADE YOU

REMEMBER WHO YOU ARE?

a portrait is a love letter from you to you - let me help you write it.

Let me tell you about the people who book me for portraits.

My client knows great things happen when they step outside their comfort zone. They like to travel, enjoy good food, read interesting books, and are intentional in their daily life without taking things too seriously. They know themselves well enough to let their heart lead the way. If they do talk about other people, it's only to build them up or connect them to others.

My client wants to celebrate their truest self. They are a recovering perfectionist who is taking steps to believe in their own soul as much as they believe in everyone around them. They love to give and have big hearts, they're just taking more daily action to give big to themselves too.

My client chooses to work with me because they know that they are safe to be who they really are. They know I am sincere but irreverent, with an open mind and oversized heart. My client chooses me because they know they’re safe in front of my lens. They see something real in my work and want to embrace the real within themselves. My client knows that when they invest time money and energy into their own precious self, they are not only practicing what they preach, but embodying radical self acceptance.

My client knows that looking in the mirror can be challenging, but that they can trust me to look back through a lens of love.

FAQs

book here

ABOUT MITZI

I am a sincere, passionate, and irreverent creative. I love my family, dear friends, and fellow movie nerds. My perfect day includes: yoga, delicious food with a good friend, strong coffee, a trip to the cinema, and a clear cool night with a bright full moon.

I love to break rules (I ate sushi when I was pregnant). I love to challenge norms (I went flat after I had breast cancer). I know in my bones that every day is a gift and I never assume I'll have more than the one I'm living. I believe the greatest gifts come from the most brutal heartbreak and the very best moments are the ones you will miss if you aren't yearning for the present.

I think the best way to be is ALIVE.

-Mitzi

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU WORK WITH ME

Yes, you’ll be working directly with me throughout your entire experience. First, you'll choose your location: my Kansas City studio, Joplin, Missouri studio, or a destination. If you’re not sure when you inquire, just say so. Next, you'll select your package. While any will work for any type of shoot, one is ideal for professional branding, another for boudoir and the third for my signature Mitzi experience. (Yes, you can always upgrade or add items to your package when you view the photos.) We will split your package into payments and do have financing available.

Between your booking email and the shoot itself I will send you prep guides, answer your questions, and even give you a peptalk! During the shoot I will guide you every step of the way through wardrobe, posing, and expressions. I'll also help you choose your favorite images and how to display + cherish them. Seriously - all you have to do is show up with an open heart.

Ready to contact me? Click here.

HEADSHOTS / PROFESSIONAL BRANDING

I love to photograph people who LOVE what they do. It’s so much more than just a headshot!
AS I AM

My signature AS I AM raw portrait experience is simple and stripped down. No photoshop, No Pro hair/makeup, and no new clothes. What if you saw yourself as you normally are, but through a lens of love?
BOUDOIR / FINE ART NUDE

Photos that celebrate your body and the spirit inside. I customize every experience to empower and celebrate you. Available as full shoot or the last part of any other shoot.
(All genders welcome.)
COMMERCIAL

Mitzi has worked with brands as small as local mom and pop stores and as large as Primark. Reach out to see how she can create compelling imagery for you that truly connects with your customers.

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Testimonials

“I’ve had many shoots over the years, but this time it was not about photographing how small or how “on brand” I could be. This time, it was about capturing a coming home. What you see in my ‘AS I AM’ raw photos is a version of me that feels safe to open the doors, explore and take up space. This version of myself ate a three course meal and drank wine the night before this photo shoot, and she laughed… a lot. These photos, thanks to Mitzi’s calming energy and her radical welcoming of being your true self, make me say, “I made it to shore.” These photos are the first time I am seeing the real me through the lens of a professional camera.”

- Mica
“At first, I couldn't quite justify having photos of myself taken. It seemed too extravagant and something that "other" people did, but not me. I was encouraged, however, to celebrate the fact that I recently turned 50 and enjoy having the photos taken. I am so extremely glad that I listened to the family members and friends who encouraged me. The afternoon spent with Mitzi and her team was phenomenal and something I will never forget. I have never felt quite so confident in my skin. If you have the opportunity to do a photo shoot with Mitzi, don't hesitate!”

- Stephanie
"The thing with Mitzi is that you think you’re going in to have your picture taken. But then it ends up being so much more than that. She’s a talented photographer but she’s also a skilled guide, walking you through a process of exploration and reflection. She’s so good that she’s able to show you the parts of you that everyone in your life loves most. And by the end of your session, you love those parts too."

- Eric
"I’ve had the same picture smile since I was 5. Since then I’ve felt anytime I have a picture taken I have to become an actor showing the best side of myself. I challenged myself to do this photoshoot to have pictures of the real, raw me. I love my pictures and I’m so glad I did this. These photos have shown me the real me is the best side of myself."

- Deanna
“I chose Mitzi for her "AS I AM" session, and the experience was exceptional. Mitzi's ability to keep the energy high while continually reassuring me helped me relax and truly be myself - silly, powerful, and vulnerable. The resulting photos are beautiful, capturing my authentic self in ways that are both touching and fun. Her process, which involves no retouching and focuses on embracing oneself exactly as is, taught me valuable lessons... It was empowering to feel good about myself without the crutch of fancy clothes, makeup, or photo editing. This approach not only produced genuine results but also reinforced the importance of self-acceptance in portraiture. I wholeheartedly recommend Mitzi to anyone looking for a photographer who can bring out your true essence in a comfortable, enjoyable session that celebrates you exactly as you are.”

-Jo
"I never had a professional photo shoot before and thought I would be awkward not know how to pose. All you have to do is show up and Mitzi and her team will take care of you. My experience with Mitzi not only set the bar so high but is a new standard for any business I work with. The execution and immense attention to detail throughout made me feel like a queen (no lie). I left the shoot having discovered a woman that was hiding within and a sense of self love I did not imagine possible. The woman captured in the portraits is beautiful, seen and loved. I highly recommend Mitzi Starkweather and if you’ve made it this far reading my review, please go ahead and book an appointment. This is the sign you’ve been waiting for - life is too short to not be seen through Mitzi’s lens."

-Sylvia
"My session with Mitzi was so incredibly freeing! Mitzi's ability to make you feel comfortable, the moment you enter her door, is a gift."

- Zach
"The ultra-talented Mitzi Starkweather cultivated such an amazing experience to get some "grown-up" pictures for all things in my adulting. This picture makes me feel strong. I think little girl Leslie would be really proud of 38 year old Leslie."

-Leslie
"Mitzi is, without question, the best photographer in this region. She has created a studio in which her clients leave feeling pampered, celebrated, and empowered. All bodies are BEAUTIFUL and she will make you feel at home in yours! Mitzi captured what I am calling my “reclamation photo series.” After years of stress took its toll on me, I wanted to learn to love my body again. From the moment I walked into the studio, she spoke with me like a friend she had known for years and made me feel good about the skin that I am in. Tamara Ranae from the Brush and Blade was absolutely wonderful, too. She did my hair and makeup and helped bring out my natural beauty. Mitzi provided the wardrobe and the safe environment I needed to come out of my shell in front of the camera. The end result was a stunning set of portraits that I will always be proud to show off. Thank you for the experience of a lifetime. I will forever be in awe of Mitzi and her team, her unique talents, and love she has for the work she is doing."

-Mel
"Just spent my day getting absolutely pampered by Mitzi and Tamara and let me tell you, immediately afterwards I had a moment in my car where I thought I might cry because I’ve never felt so...seen. As a person who usually prefers to be behind the scenes, I was worried that I’d be awkward and uncomfortable. But Mitzi made it fun, like hanging out with friends. The genuine love and support these two women showed me made all the difference in the world. Everyone deserves to feel the way they made me feel. Beautiful and special, just the way you are. It was an extremely empowering experience. I cannot recommend it enough."

-Kearstin
“Stepping in front of the camera exactly as I am was truly a transformative experience. I went into the session a ball of nerves, but Mitzi put me at ease and we had a lot of fun! As a photographer that focuses of helping women celebrate their strength and unique beauty, I shared some of the same fears my clients have. I was worried about all the things I'm self conscious about resulting in images i wouldn't feel beautiful in. Instead I was surprised how much I loved how my natural hair, curves, and expressions translated in the photos. Seeing the beauty in myself without needing to "fix" anything with makeup or special clothing was liberating! I know these portraits will continue to inspire me in my journey to feel comfortable in my own skin, and in turn help other women do the same.”

- Kristen
“I decided to do the Raw Portraits with Mitzi because this past year I have gone through a lot of changes and have been focusing on everyone & everything around me, completely disregarding myself. It was time for me to take a step towards embracing the me that I was becoming. My AS I AM session was hanging out with a close, trusted friend and Mitzi allowed me to be me, all of me, even embracing my goofy side. The reveal is the best, because I got to see so many sides of me that everyone else gets to see and I don’t. I had no clue how much of my personality would get captured in the pictures. It was time for me to love me and this confidence boost really helped to make that start to happen.”

- Jennifer
“I was raised either being in front or behind the camera. I was raised to have the perfect hands, make sure my hair is perfect… then there was retouching, took it to a whole other level of trying to make us look perfect. When Mitzi challenged me to do an As I Am session, I was terrified. Especially when you're 47 and you feel the need to fight aging. I was so scared. I even tried to cancel it, I didn't think I was worthy enough to be photographed that way. But my sweet friend Mitzi knew I needed this. She was right. It's hard to see yourself raw and a truly see yourself, but it's also extremely liberating.”

- Stephanie