Every so often, a portrait session feels more like stepping into a mood—an atmosphere that’s rich with personality, style, and ease. That’s exactly what happened when I photographed Laura, a wildly talented interior designer whose aesthetic is equal parts lived-in, luxe, and Victorian.

From the moment she arrived at the studio, Laura brought an effortless energy with her—graceful but grounded, polished but deeply personal. Her look was layered and intentional. Think effortless, chic, luxe, and versitile. Photographing her was like capturing a page from a beautifully designed home—where every detail has a soul, and every shadow feels deliberate.

We kept the session relaxed and organic, letting her presence lead the mood as well as giving her prompts that would bring out genuine emotion and her personality. I leaned into natural light and soft shadows, creating portraits that reflect her love for timeless design and quiet luxury. Nothing felt overly posed or forced. Instead, we focused on movement, subtle expressions, and those in-between moments where her elegance really shines through.

Laura’s creative vision is such a rare blend of vintage and modern, of patina and polish. You can feel it in the way she carries herself and in the way she curates her world. I’m so excited to share a few of our favorite images from this session—a visual reflection of someone whose style speaks softly, but leaves a lasting impression.

Xo,

Emily McPartland

@emilymcpphotography