Cursive writing that says "Come as You Are" with plain text underneath that reads "Original. Authentic. Genuinely You."
Text graphic with the words 'carmen r' in large, stylized black font and 'Photographer' in smaller black font below.

A portrait experience that feels like you.

Are you a dynamic individual that’s looking for a comfortable and welcoming self-love portrait experience that feels authentic to the everyday you?

Maybe full glam never felt quite right, or maybe that’s just part of your identity. You want the experience, but you also want to feel like yourself - comfortable in your own skin, deserving of recognition even without feeling you have to play a role or alter yourself.

That’s exactly what Come As You Are sessions are about.

Show up in the way that feels most authentic to you. Embrace the way your hair falls and the comfort you feel in that slouchy sweater. Come As You Are sessions are about honoring the real, multi-dimensional woman you already are - confident, compassionate, and beautifully yourself.

Here’s the truth: allowing yourself to be seen as you are has a way of shifting how you see yourself. The result isn’t just beautiful images (though you’ll have those too). It’s a renewed sense of self-value, a reminder of your strength, and the feeling of what it’s like to shine in your true form.

Don’t worry. We’ve got you covered:
✔️ A relaxed, authentic experience that feels natural
✔️ Portraits that reflect who you are today
✔️ Images you and your loved ones will treasure for decades

You’ve always been behind the camera. Now it’s your turn to be in the frame.

This special offer is limited to 5 people only. Those that are chosen will receive a gift certificate for $500.00 that covers the session fee, and the balance can be used towards purchasing albums and artwork so you can keep this experience in your heart forever.

Check out the gallery

  • young woman stands facing camera in black and white wearing a black turtleneck with a soft expression, pale skin and a dark lipstick, taken in Red Deer photo studio
  • Close-up black and white portrait of a smiling woman with short dark hair and a polka dot shirt, partially obscured by a hat.
  • Black and white portrait of a woman with tattoos on her arm, wearing a polka dot top and a hat, looking directly at the camera with her hand resting on her temple.
  • A woman smiling and pointing with both hands, standing in a black and white photo against a dark background, wearing a polka dot long-sleeve top and wide-leg jeans.
  • A woman sitting on a wooden stool, holding a sunflower, smiling, in a black and white photograph by Red Deer photographer Carmen MacDonald
  • Black and white portrait of a woman with long hair, wearing a sleeveless button-up top, holding a sunflower, looking at the camera against a dark background.
  • Black and white portrait of a woman with long hair looking upward, wearing a sleeveless button-up shirt, earrings, and holding a sunflower, sitting on a stool against a plain dark background.
  • A woman with long hair smiling and holding a sunflower, standing against a dark background.
  • Black and white photo of a young woman with curly hair sitting on the floor, wearing a black T-shirt and ripped jeans, looking contemplative in a Red Deer photo studio.
  • A woman with curly hair sitting cross-legged on the floor with her eyes closed, wearing a black t-shirt and jeans, in a peaceful pose against a dark background.
  • A woman with curly hair wearing a black t-shirt and jeans, posing against a dark background, looking downward with one hand raised.
  • Black and white portrait of a woman with short wavy hair, tattoos on her arm and shoulder, wearing a black lace bra, layered necklaces, and ripped jeans, standing against a plain background, taken in a Red Deer photo studio.
  • A woman with curly hair smiling with closed eyes, seated on a wooden chair, with her arms crossed and resting on the back of the chair, wearing a white shirt and tattoos on her arms, in a black-and-white photo.
  • Black and white portrait of a smiling woman with curly hair, tattoos on her arms, and a nose ring, leaning on a wooden chair with her arms resting on the backrest.
  • A woman with curly hair, wearing a white shirt, sitting on a wooden chair. She has tattoos on her left arm and is looking away from the camera with a serious expression.
  • Black and white portrait of a woman smiling, sitting cross-legged with long wavy hair and tattoos on her arms, against a dark background by Red Deer photographer Carmen MacDonald
  • A black and white portrait of a woman sitting on a wooden floor with a dark background. She has long hair, tattoos on her arm, and is wearing a black t-shirt and pants.
  • Black and white photo of a woman sitting cross-legged on a wooden floor, smiling and making a playful gesture with her hands, against a dark background.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • These special offer sessions will be scheduled between now (September 4) and November 14, 2025. Sessions take place on Tuesdays and Fridays.

  • The nature of these “come as you are” sessions is such that professional hair and makeup application isn’t necessary or suggested - this is about letting yourself show up just as you do on a regular day. Whether you choose to go bare-faced or do your makeup as you usually would is up to you. If you would like to incorporate this concept as part of a greater whole, let’s talk about booking you for a custom session where we can get hair and makeup in and highlight both the day to day and the done up parts of you.

  • I want you to feel good about your images. In general, I will always edit out what’s temporary and unwanted like zits and blemishes. The scope of my editing is wide ranging though, and this will be up to your preference, in part. As these sessions are “come as you are,” this means you’ll either have done your own makeup or decided to not wear makeup at all. That doesn’t mean that we can’t soften your wrinkles though. On the gamut of retouching from all natural to fully glam, these sessions will be closer to natural, and I won’t use Photoshop to change the shape of your body or face.

  • Photo sessions at our studio are more than just photo sessions. They’re experiences, created for you and with you, and intended to be joyful and transformative. Often, people choose to participate in these photo sessions as a method of self-care, self-discovery, or self-recognition. The process we engage in fulfills all your goals by encouraging collaboration and providing you with an opportunity to explore and express yourself just how you want to. We really see you, and we really help you to see yourself.

    We’ll start by getting to know each other, which will get you more comfortable opening up to me. During our consultation call, we’ll talk about everything from your motivations to the way you would like to see yourself in your photos and the clothes you’d like to wear.

    During the session, we’ll play your favorite music and chat about things that matter to you, and things that don’t matter much at all. I’ll let you move and flow as you normally do, but I’ll also direct you when you need it so you don’t feel like you’re left hanging.

    Once the session is complete, we’ll look over your images together and you’ll decide which ones make your heart sing. Then, you’ll choose something to go up on your wall to remind you of your magical experience, and/or a bunch to go inside your treasured album.

    You purchase only what you love. And you walk away like you’re floating on a cloud.

  • Yes, you’ll get a digital copy of every image you decide to purchase. If you’re chosen to participate, you’ll receive a $500 gift voucher which will cover your session and the cost of an image. You can also apply the amount to the album or wall art you decide to purchase.