Thank you so much for your interest in this ambitious and exciting project of photographing
40 women over the age of 40 by the end of 2023.
We’ll be hosting a gallery-style exhibit of the photographs at the end of the year AND feature you in our magazine, created just for this movement.
40 over 40 portrait experience—Frequently Asked Questions
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO PARTICIPATE IN THE 40 OVER 40 PORTRAIT EXPERIENCE??
The cost is $375 and includes a complete makeover with hair and makeup by my amazing artist, help with styling for your wardrobe, a professional photoshoot and your favorite image delivered as a beautifully matted fine art print (the value of the session, makeup, and matted fine art print is over $750!).
The 40 Over 40 Portrait Experience is so cool because are part of a MOVEMENT as we disrupt & transform the way we are viewed (or forgotten) by the media and society by putting out beautiful, authentic images, and real stories of ourselves. As part of this movement, you’ll receive a very special rate on your session and even receive a complimentary photographic print as well (which most of our clients convert to studio credit to apply to a purchase of more images they love).
WHAT DOES THE $375 INCLUDE?
As one of my ‘40 OVER 40’ women, you will receive:
• INITIAL CONSULTATION: Discuss how YOU want to be photographed, learn about our self-love journey & ask any questions you might have.
• WARDROBE STYLING CONSULTATION: Discuss how YOU want to be photographed and get help from our Babe Whisperer, Jax, who will help you plan wardrobe & styling that screams YOU.
• TRANSFORMATIONAL LUXURY BOUDOIR PHOTO SHOOT: Reclaim the REAL YOU in a life-changing boudoir session with Betsy. She’ll coach you for body language, facial expressions & even breathing. The result? Beautiful, meaningful & powerful images that showcase BOTH your inner AND outer beauty!
• IMAGE REVEAL SESSION: Experience your images at the studio (or online via Zoom) & select your gifted image and order your additional favorites around 14 days after your photo shoot.
• PORTRAIT OF YOUR CHOICE: You will receive one fine art matted print, a $250 value, which you may instead apply to your studio product purchase. Additional photographs and products are available for purchase. We accept all major credit cards and offer financing options & pre-payment plans.
• MEMBERSHIP TO THE PRIVATE LADIES’ ONLY VIP LOUNGE FACEBOOK GROUP: Connect with other women on their journey at this stage in life. Get the latest updates too!
• YOU'LL BE CELEBRATED IN MY UPCOMING EXHIBIT EVENT: Join our exclusive celebration at the studio when this portrait series is complete in 2023. You will be celebrated in an exhibition featuring a portrait of each of the fabulous 40 women over 40 that Betsy has photographed.
• VIP FACEBOOK GROUP: Be a part of a community of women participating in this project. Share your experience and cheer each other on!
• FEATURED ON OUR BLOG + SOCIAL MEDIA: Your images and story will be featured on our social media and blog as you inspire others to step into themselves with confidence too!
WHAT IF I WANT MORE THAN ONE PHOTOGRAPH?
Of course!! When you see the stunning images we’ve created together, you'll most likely want them all! You'll have the opportunity at the Reveal Session to purchase additional photographs and keepsakes. You can even trade-in your gift print for studio credit of $250 to apply to any of our Signature Collections. We offer a la carte items, but you save money by investing in our Collections which begin at $999. The more photographs you buy, the more you save AND you can get added bonuses with our Signature Collections if you decide you’d like to invest in one and you pre-pay before your session.
We offer beautiful products to preserve and display your new photographs, including matted prints, albums, folios, album boxes, ViewMasters, and wall art. Our most popular item is our 10x10 designer album, handcrafted in Portugal. Our clients love it
WHERE DOES THE SHOOT TAKE PLACE?
Our portrait studio is in located in our cozy Victorian, just outside Kalamazoo, Michigan.
WHAT DAYS DO YOU HAVE AVAILABLE FOR THIS SHOOT?
We are available for sessions Tuesday–Thursday, by appointment. Availability is first-come, first-served. On your phone chat with Jax, our studio manager, you will choose an available date that works for you, so please be prepared for that. We do NOT shoot on the weekend as most of our favorite makeup artists are booked up with weddings then.
TELL ME ABOUT THE PORTRAIT EXHIBITION + CELEBRATION?
One of the most exciting parts of this project is to celebrate all 40 of our participants and share your images and stories with the community. There will also be a final celebration featuring all 40 women's portraits on display once this project is complete. Our venue will be announced as we get closer.
WHY ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT THIS PROJECT?
This is the most powerful portrait series that I have worked on with clients to date and I can't wait to meet you!
I just turned 50 and I am so excited to share this experience with women in their 40s, 50s, 60s and beyond because I know how powerful it is to see our beauty, sensuality, and essence of our being reflected back to us in photographs. It instills so much confidence and sense of self! As we begin to age, there are a lot of feelings surrounding the changes we are experiencing and showing beauty as we age is grossly underrepresented in the media. We are here to change that!
There's no expiration date on being a fabulous, happy, fulfilled, and vibrant woman. You inspire me. Your story inspires me. You will show the truth—that a woman just gets better with time, like a fine wine! I am a huge believer in women's empowerment. There just aren't enough platforms for women over 50 to share their story and their beauty
I'M NOT PHOTOGENIC, THOUGH! IS THAT OK?
“Photogenic” is not something you are—or not! It's my job as the photographer to make you look and feel amazing. And lucky for you, I am a trained master at making women of all ages, shapes, and sizes look amazing in photographs. Also, we really focus on bringing your inner beauty outward so that you can see all the amazing things you are that others see all the time.
WHAT WILL I WEAR?
Clients typically wear 2–3 different outfits in their photoshoot (if you’re doing the sheets or your birthday suit, that counts as an outfit!). You can go glam with a fabulous cocktail dress, sassy in lingerie, or casual in jeans and a cozy sweater. You can even wear your birthday suit! There are no rules. This is up to you! I want to photograph you based on your UNIQUE PERSONALITY & VISION. You’ll also have a planning call to sort out wardrobe before your session. Just remember that clothing plays a supporting role—you’re the star of the show!
CAN I REFER A FRIEND OVER TO ALSO BE A PART OF THIS PROJECT?
Yes! I would absolutely love to also have your friends be a part of this project. Please spread the word with ladies 39+ who you think this would speak to!
WHAT IF I BOOKED MY DATE AND PAID $375 BUT THEN HAVE TO RESCHEDULE?
I totally understand that life happens, however, we do book the hair & makeup artist at time of booking your session. We do charge a $200 rescheduling fee for this reason.
HOW ARE YOU CHOOSING WHO PARTICIPATES?
We aren't "choosing" anyone. Every woman's story is inspiring. Every woman is beautiful. So we aren't going to exclude anyone who wants to be involved. Basically, this project is first-come, first-served. If you are willing to connect with us for a “get to know you” call, pay your $375 retainer fee, book your session date, are over 40 (or turning 40 this year), you can be a part of the shoot! YAY! The other limit is that we only have 40 spots available. Once we hit 40 women, we will create a waitlist of interested women.
WHAT IF I WANT TO TRAVEL FROM ANOTHER STATE TO PARTICIPATE?
We are located 3 miles outside of Kalamazoo in a big yellow Victorian. We have great A/C and heating, FYI! Some people worry about that in old houses, but we are A-Okay, so don’t stress about that! There is a small airport in Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids is an hour north of us, and Lansing 1.5 hours northeast of us (flights typically connect through Chicago for all of these destinations). Detroit and Chicago are the best bets for direct nonstop flights and better prices. I love flying Delta in and out of Detroit since they have their own terminal and I can usually get pretty good deals there. FYI, Detroit and Chicago are the same distance to us, but there is far less traffic to Detroit (Detroit trip is typically 2 hours each way and low-stress. Chicago can take 2–4 hours).
No matter where you fly into, we suggest staying in Kalamazoo the night before & after. Here are a few suggestions for your stay in Kzoo. I typically seek out a quaint and cozy stay…The Kalamazoo House, Stuart Ave Inn B&B, The Oaklands B&B are all highly-rated and within 15 minutes of the studio. If you prefer a chain experience, check out the Radisson, Home 2 Suites Hilton, or Hilton Garden Inn.