INQUIRE

HEIDI BORGIA

Photography

portraits experience

capture your moments in time

hold onto them forever

Family and personal portraits are an investment in your family’s legacy.

Life changes quickly — children grow, seasons shift, and moments pass. A portrait preserves this chapter exactly as it is, capturing connection, personality, and the love you share.

These are the images that live on your walls, are passed down through generations, and become more meaningful with time.

elevated portrait photography elevated pricing

not

award winning wedding and portrait photographer with 20 years of experience in carmel, big sur and monterey

Capturing Authentic & Genuine Memories with True-to-Life Color

No awkward posing, just real beautiful moments

ALL REAL SESSIONS AND NO STYLIZED OR EDITORIAL IMAGERY

portraits at $675 per hour

Our family hired Heidi after seeing her beautiful school photos and dance photos. Her attention to detail, knowledge of our area, and efficiency with children, has been outstanding over the years. We highly recommend Heidi.

notes

— monica's family

love

Photography sessions in California State Parks require permits. We are properly permitted at Garrapata Big Sur and Carmel River State Beach and handle all requirements for sessions at these locations. No fee to you for permits.

Post-gallery print and product savings within one month of gallery delivery of 50% off prints and 30% off albums.

High resolution, professionally hand edited digital images with personal photo release so you can print when you wish and where you wish. Gallery is shareable with friends and family.

Commonly a 2-3 week turn around for all imagery in private gallery.

Approximately 100-150 images per hour (commonly more). Fully hand edited images.

Guided posing with gentle direction

all portrait collections include

All images in color and Heidi will convert her favorites into black and white

Wardrobe assistance if needed

Portable on site changing tent

portraits

Family Session
Studio
Monterey

Click on Each Gallery to Explore

Family Session
Monastery Beach
Carmel

Classical Ballet Session
Studio
Monterey

explore senior sessions

Family Session
Garrapata
Big Sur

Personal Session
Carmel River State Beach
Carmel

Personal Pin Up Classic Session with
Classic Car (Surprise for husband!)
Pacific Grove

Family Session
City Hall
Monterey

Maternity Session
Carmel River State Beach
Carmel

Family Session
Garrapata
Big Sur

Personal Session
Carmel River State Beach
Carmel

Family Session
Private Hone
Pebble Beach

simplified
portrait experience

Take a look through my portfolio to see what you can expect from your portrait session - natural, beautifully lit images that feel relaxed and genuine.

Explore reviews from families, seniors, and couples who trusted me to capture proposals, engagements and life's most meaningful moments. Check out google reviews.

Start the conversation and see if we are the right fit for your session. Full galleries are shared with you so you can review the work before the next step.

one

two

explore the portfolio

three

reach out

We will discuss your session in greater details and determine the ideal amount of time needed which guides your session selection.

four

Secure your session date and relax knowing your experience will be thoughtfully cared for. A 50% retainer confirms your booking, and curated planned guides are provided.

five

confirm

read the reviews

connect

how I am unique and different from most other photographers

before

and

after

I often get asked why and how my images look like they do. Words like "clear", "no shadows"... and "these look like they should be on a cover of a magazine"...

in 20 years I'd like you to look at your walls and your album and not wonder what the day actually looked like around you. I shoot in a timeless style you’ll be proud to pass down for generations to come.

As I always say—photography is subjective. In the end, it’s all about what speaks to you.

no flash used
dark, hard to see faces
muddy

no flash used
dark, hard to see faces

before

after

Using an assistant with portable lighting allows me to give you the best possible lighting in any situation. Whether it’s full sun, partly cloudy, or completely overcast, I can create beautiful, flattering images. Even in dimly lit spaces—like indoor ceremony sites or dark reception rooms—my lighting setup ensures your photos still look crisp, vibrant, and professional.

This also helps me maintain my true-to-color editing style, so your images stay natural and timeless.

fill flash used
evenly balanced tones,
contrast in background,

no flash used
dark, hard to see faces
sky washed out and not blue

fill flash used
evenly balanced tones,
contrast in background,
blue sky

no flash used
dark, hard to see faces
sky washed out and not blue

before

after

Using an assistant with portable lighting allows me to give you the best possible lighting in any situation. Whether it’s full sun, partly cloudy, or completely overcast, I can create beautiful, flattering images. Even in dimly lit spaces—like indoor ceremony sites or dark reception rooms—my lighting setup ensures your photos still look crisp, vibrant, and professional.

This also helps me maintain my true-to-color editing style, so your images stay natural and timeless—just as the day truly looked and felt.

no flash used
hazy sunset in image, hard to see faces
lack of definition in foreground and background

fill flash used
evenly balanced tones, faces are clearly seen,
contrast in background,
sunset obvious

before

after

Using an assistant with portable lighting allows me to give you the best possible lighting in any situation. Whether it’s full sun, partly cloudy, or completely overcast, I can create beautiful, flattering images. Even in dimly lit spaces—like indoor ceremony sites or dark reception rooms—my lighting setup ensures your photos still look crisp, vibrant, and professional.

This also helps me maintain my true-to-color editing style, so your images stay natural and timeless—just as the day truly looked and felt.

no flash used
cannot see dress dimensions
no contrast
dull colors

fill flash used
evenly balanced tones,
dress dimensions seen
bolder real life colors

before

after

Using an assistant with portable lighting allows me to give you the best possible lighting in any situation. Whether it’s full sun, partly cloudy, or completely overcast, I can create beautiful, flattering images. Even in dimly lit spaces—like indoor ceremony sites or dark reception rooms—my lighting setup ensures your photos still look crisp, vibrant, and professional.

This also helps me maintain my true-to-color editing style, so your images stay natural and timeless—just as the day truly looked and felt.

no flash used
face coloring is flat
no contrast
dull colors

fill flash used
evenly balanced tones,
can easily view facial dimensions, bolder real
life colors

before

after

Using an assistant with portable lighting allows me to give you the best possible lighting in any situation. Whether it’s full sun, partly cloudy, or completely overcast, I can create beautiful, flattering images. Even in dimly lit spaces—like indoor ceremony sites or dark reception rooms—my lighting setup ensures your photos still look crisp, vibrant, and professional.

This also helps me maintain my true-to-color editing style, so your images stay natural and timeless—just as the day truly looked and felt.

no flash used
face coloring is flat
background washed out
no contrast
dull colors

fill flash used
evenly balanced tones,
can easily view facial dimensions, bolder real
life colors

before

after

Using an assistant with portable lighting allows me to give you the best possible lighting in any situation. Whether it’s full sun, partly cloudy, or completely overcast, I can create beautiful, flattering images. Even in dimly lit spaces—like indoor ceremony sites or dark reception rooms—my lighting setup ensures your photos still look crisp, vibrant, and professional.

This also helps me maintain my true-to-color editing style, so your images stay natural and timeless—just as the day truly looked and felt.

no flash used
face coloring is dark
dull colors

fill flash used
evenly balanced tones,
can easily view facial dimensions, bolder real
life colors

before

after

Using an assistant with portable lighting allows me to give you the best possible lighting in any situation. Whether it’s full sun, partly cloudy, or completely overcast, I can create beautiful, flattering images. Even in dimly lit spaces—like indoor ceremony sites or dark reception rooms—my lighting setup ensures your photos still look crisp, vibrant, and professional.

This also helps me maintain my true-to-color editing style, so your images stay natural and timeless—just as the day truly looked and felt.

no flash used
flat contrast
face coloring is dark
dull colors

fill flash used
evenly balanced tones,
can easily view facial dimensions, real
life colors
depth in image

before

after

Using an assistant with portable lighting allows me to give you the best possible lighting in any situation. Whether it’s full sun, partly cloudy, or completely overcast, I can create beautiful, flattering images. Even in dimly lit spaces—like indoor ceremony sites or dark reception rooms—my lighting setup ensures your photos still look crisp, vibrant, and professional.

This also helps me maintain my true-to-color editing style, so your images stay natural and timeless—just as the day truly looked and felt.

no flash used
skin tone washed out
flat contrast
washed out
dull colors

fill flash used
evenly balanced tones,
skin tones perfect
dimensional, depth in image
true to life colors

before

after

Using an assistant with portable lighting allows me to give you the best possible lighting in any situation. Whether it’s full sun, partly cloudy, or completely overcast, I can create beautiful, flattering images. Even in dimly lit spaces—like indoor ceremony sites or dark reception rooms—my lighting setup ensures your photos still look crisp, vibrant, and professional.

This also helps me maintain my true-to-color editing style, so your images stay natural and timeless—just as the day truly looked and felt.

fill flash used
evenly balanced tones,
can easily read sign, real
life colors

before

after

Using an assistant with portable lighting allows me to give you the best possible lighting in any situation. Whether it’s full sun, partly cloudy, or completely overcast, I can create beautiful, flattering images. Even in dimly lit spaces—like indoor ceremony sites or dark reception rooms—my lighting setup ensures your photos still look crisp, vibrant, and professional.

This also helps me maintain my true-to-color editing style, so your images stay natural and timeless—just as the day truly looked and felt.

no flash
no contrast or depth,
cannot easily read sign,
dull colors

no flash used
skin colors off
color of dress is gold and not purple hue shown

fill flash used
evenly balanced skin tones,
real color of dress

before

after

Using an assistant with portable lighting allows me to give you the best possible lighting in any situation. Whether it’s full sun, partly cloudy, or completely overcast, I can create beautiful, flattering images. Even in dimly lit spaces—like indoor ceremony sites or dark reception rooms—my lighting setup ensures your photos still look crisp, vibrant, and professional.

This also helps me maintain my true-to-color editing style, so your images stay natural and timeless—just as the day truly looked and felt.

no flash used
skin colors off
clothing colors off
muddy looking
no contrast

fill flash used
evenly balanced skin tones,
fills shadows
balanced background
perfectly contrasted

before

after

Using an assistant with portable lighting allows me to give you the best possible lighting in any situation. Whether it’s full sun, partly cloudy, or completely overcast, I can create beautiful, flattering images. Even in dimly lit spaces—like indoor ceremony sites or dark reception rooms—my lighting setup ensures your photos still look crisp, vibrant, and professional.

This also helps me maintain my true-to-color editing style, so your images stay natural and timeless—just as the day truly looked and felt.

no flash used
skin tones off
clothing colors off
background sky blown out
no contrast

fill flash used
evenly balanced skin tones,
fills shadows
balanced background
perfectly contrasted

before

after

Using an assistant with portable lighting allows me to give you the best possible lighting in any situation. Whether it’s full sun, partly cloudy, or completely overcast, I can create beautiful, flattering images. Even in dimly lit spaces—like indoor ceremony sites or dark reception rooms—my lighting setup ensures your photos still look crisp, vibrant, and professional.

This also helps me maintain my true-to-color editing style, so your images stay natural and timeless—just as the day truly looked and felt.

no flash used
skin tones off
clothing colors off
background sky blown out
no contrast
bland colors

fill flash used
evenly balanced skin tones,
fills shadows
balanced background
perfectly contrasted
sky not blown out

before

after

Using an assistant with portable lighting allows me to give you the best possible lighting in any situation. Whether it’s full sun, partly cloudy, or completely overcast, I can create beautiful, flattering images. Even in dimly lit spaces—like indoor ceremony sites or dark reception rooms—my lighting setup ensures your photos still look crisp, vibrant, and professional.

This also helps me maintain my true-to-color editing style, so your images stay natural and timeless—just as the day truly looked and felt.

no flash used
skin tones off
clothing colors off
background blown out
no contrast
bland colors/muddy

fill flash used
evenly balanced skin tones,
fills shadows
balanced background
perfectly contrasted
background not blown out

before

after

Using an assistant with portable lighting allows me to give you the best possible lighting in any situation. Whether it’s full sun, partly cloudy, or completely overcast, I can create beautiful, flattering images. Even in dimly lit spaces—like indoor ceremony sites or dark reception rooms—my lighting setup ensures your photos still look crisp, vibrant, and professional.

This also helps me maintain my true-to-color editing style, so your images stay natural and timeless—just as the day truly looked and felt.

no flash used
skin tones off
sky washed out
no contrast
bland colors/muddy

fill flash used
evenly balanced skin tones,
fills shadows
sky as it was on the day
perfectly contrasted

before

after

Using an assistant with portable lighting allows me to give you the best possible lighting in any situation. Whether it’s full sun, partly cloudy, or completely overcast, I can create beautiful, flattering images. Even in dimly lit spaces—like indoor ceremony sites or dark reception rooms—my lighting setup ensures your photos still look crisp, vibrant, and professional.

This also helps me maintain my true-to-color editing style, so your images stay natural and timeless—just as the day truly looked and felt.

fill flash used
evenly balanced skin tones,
fills shadows
balanced background
perfectly contrasted
sky not blown out

portable lighting

Using an assistant with portable lighting allows me to give you the best possible lighting in any situation. Whether it’s full sun, partly cloudy, or completely overcast, I can create beautiful, flattering images. Even in dimly lit spaces—like indoor ceremony sites or dark reception rooms—my lighting setup ensures your photos still look crisp, vibrant, and professional. If I did not have an assistant and shot in this manner, the amount of time it would take me to document your session would be much more substantial.

This also helps me maintain my true-to-color editing style, so your images stay natural and timeless—just as the day truly looked and felt.

taken with assistant and portable strobe

Using an assistant with portable lighting allows me to give you the best possible lighting in any situation. Whether it’s full sun, partly cloudy, or completely overcast, I can create beautiful, flattering images. Even in dimly lit spaces—like indoor ceremony sites or dark reception rooms—my lighting setup ensures your photos still look crisp, vibrant, and professional.

This also helps me maintain my true-to-color editing style, so your images stay natural and timeless—just as the day truly looked and felt.

portable lighting

taken with assistant and soft box

signature edit (always included in pricing ) by editing out in post processing

INVESTMENT
portraits

Portrait photography has risen over the years for many of the same reasons everything else has—rising business costs, professional equipment, insurance and permits, and the significant time spent planning, editing, and perfecting your images behind the scenes. It’s about far more than simply showing up with a camera; it’s experience, preparation, lighting expertise, and the care required to create portraits you’ll treasure for years.

I still remember my very first professional photo session—I charged $150 for an hour. Today, with over two decades of experience as a full-time portrait photographer, along with continued investment in education, advanced lighting, professional equipment, and delivering a refined client experience, my pricing has naturally evolved to reflect that growth and expertise.

At the same time, I believe in balance. My pricing reflects the quality, attention, and professionalism I bring to every session, while remaining thoughtful and fair. My goal is to provide meaningful, beautifully crafted portraits at a value that honors both your investment and the memories we’re preserving.

family, maternity, dance and proposal sessions

All One hour sessions to include:

- Location scouting, planning and suggestions
- Full galleries for you to review and find your perfect spot
- Permit fees (which your photographer will need)
- Heidi's signature capture and edit (timeless and natural)
- Heidi's advanced retouching applied to a few images
- Photography assistant with Heidi to help her with gear/lighting/efficiency
- Timeline guidance if needed
- Up 10 100/120 images per hour and frequently more - sometimes as many as 200
- Private online photo gallery (you can share if you wish)
- High-resolution edited imagery. Included personal-use print release which allows you to print when/where you wish.
- 50% off all prints, wall art and 30% off albums for up to one month after gallery delivery
- Full gallery delivery within 2-3 weeks

$675 - one hour

$1,012.50 - one hour and 30 minutes

$1,350 - two hours

Includes up to five people; additional
participants beyond five are $25 per person.

senior sessions

$650 - one hour outdoor

$975 - one hour and 30 minutes

$1,300 - two hours

$875 - one hour session in studio

outdoor sessions (up to 5 people)

indoor sessions in studio

senior portrait
details here

Frequently asked questions
portrait sessions

will you help us choose the perfect location?

Yes! We will talk through what you are envisioning for your session and collectively find the perfect spot.

do you have the permits we will need to shoot within a california state park? like the beach or big sur?

Yes I do. If your session is taking place within the California State Park system, photographers are required to carry a valid permit and may be asked to present it by a state ranger. I have personally seen sessions stopped or canceled due to lack of proper documentation, which is why I always ensure I have the necessary permits in place for approved locations. There is no charge to you for the permit.

what makes you unique as a portrait photographer?

I’ve photographed hundreds of portrait sessions throughout the Monterey Peninsula. I always work with an assistant, which allows me to stay efficient and intentional with my lighting setup. Using professional portable strobes, I’m able to create beautiful, flattering images in full sun, heavy fog, or anything in between. Be sure to view the Before & After section to see exactly what I mean.

we have a large multi generational family, can you take our portraits?

Absolutely. I regularly photograph large, multi-generational families and truly enjoy capturing those legacy images. I’ll guide you through groupings efficiently so we get the classic full-family portrait, individual family units, grandparents with grandchildren, sibling groupings, and candid in-between moments — all while keeping things organized and relaxed.

Sessions with larger families are planned thoughtfully so everyone feels included and we make the most of our time together.

how quickly will we receive our images?

Your images will be delivered within 2–3 weeks. The individual who signed the contract will receive a private online gallery where they can download the high-resolution images, along with a personal print release to print wherever and whenever they wish. The gallery can also be easily shared with friends and family.

do you offer printing discounts?

Yes, you will receive a discount of 50% off of all items for up to one month, that can be purchased directly from your online gallery to include: prints, wall art, thank you card, ornaments and more. You will also receive 30% off all albums.

how many pictures will we receive?

Up to 100-/120 images per hour of shooting, sometimes many more.

We have young children, do you work with families with young children?

Of course. I myself have twins and am very familiar with working with children. If for some reason they are not 'cooperating', that is not a problem at all. That’s completely normal. I work in a relaxed, natural way and allow space for real moments — some of the best images come from in-between moments.

can we bring our dog?

Depends upon the location you choose but generally the answer is yes, if on a lead.

What happens if the weather doesn’t cooperate?

Coastal sessions can sometimes be unpredictable due to last-minute weather changes. That said, I’ve very rarely had to postpone a session because of rain. Fog and overcast conditions are absolutely workable — and often beautiful for portraits. If rain is in the forecast, we typically make the final decision just a few hours beforehand by closely watching the radar, and we can reschedule if needed.

can we hire you for just an hour?

Please see the minimum requirements below. The amount of time needed is predicated by how many guests you will have at your wedding.

we are both awkward in front of a camera, will you help pose us?