The J. Mikael Experience
Where you become the star of your own story.
Magazine-worthy portraits that are authentically you, with guided posing, expert lighting and a live reveal on my 55-inch studio screen. Here’s exactly what to expect, from your first question to your finished portraits.
- 12+Years experience
- 1,200+Portrait sessions
- 55″Live image reveal
- 5.0On Google · 48 reviews
I believe every person deserves the opportunity to see themselves in a way they’ve never seen before.
So many of my clients tell me they were nervous before their shoot. That’s completely okay. You don’t need to know how to pose or exactly what you want. Bring inspiration photos or just a feeling, and I’ll guide you through every step.
Since 2014, I’ve photographed more than 1,200 portrait sessions throughout Indianapolis. My favorite moment still isn’t pressing the shutter. It’s watching someone see themselves in a whole new light.
JustinJ. Mikael Studios
More Than a Portrait
Five simple steps, and I’m with you through every one of them.
- STEP01Plan & Book
Choose your session and reserve your date
My online booking guide walks you through it: choose your session, your package and time, any add-ons, tell me about you, then pick your date and time.
- Studio Essentials from $200, Natural Finish and Signature Retouch packages from $300
- Sessions in my Indianapolis studio, or on location anywhere in Indianapolis as an add-on
- A non-refundable deposit reserves your time, and no one else can book it
- Your deposit varies by session and goes toward your total
Rescheduling or canceling forfeits your deposit, and a new date requires a new deposit. See my Studio Policies.
- STEP02Share Your Vision & Prepare
We get on the same page before you arrive
When you book, you share your looks, theme and inspiration photos with me. I study every one before we create together. Let me know:
- Which backdrop color(s) you’d like to shoot on
- The props you’re looking for, or if you’d like suggestions
- Any photo inspiration pictures
- Any specific type of lighting you’d like
What to bring: your outfits, any items you’d like photographed, your own props for a specific look, and a friend or two to cheer you on. Wear whatever fits your theme, whether that’s casual, dressed up or lingerie. Pets are welcome too.
Me kind of just giving you my ideas and what I thought I wanted and just making it happen.
Kamille · Kids Session - STEP03Shoot Day
Relax. I’ll coach every pose.
Arrive 15 minutes early to change into your outfit and touch up your makeup, hair and nails in the dressing room at the vanity. Once your session time begins, we hit the stage, run lighting tests and shoot.
- Guided posing and direction from start to finish
- Mirrors on set so you can see yourself as we shoot
- Your portraits appear live on my 55-inch studio screen as I take them
- Professional studio lighting and your choice of backdrop color
I love that you had the mirrors out for me so I could look at myself. I love being able to actually see my pictures as soon as you take them.
Amiya · Birthday SessionThe time you book is your time, so arriving late shortens your shoot. If I have extra time after your session, we can extend for $25 every 15 minutes. Parking: use the first 3 J. Mikael Studios spots on the side of the building, or park in the back.
- STEP04Same-Day Proof Gallery
Pick your favorites while it’s fresh
Your proof gallery arrives the same day, often within 30 minutes of your session.
- Browse every image in your private ShootProof proof gallery
- Favorite the photos you love to make your picks
- Your package includes a set number of retouched images
- Love more than your package includes? Additional retouched photos are $50 each
Your retouching time begins once you confirm your final selections by email and any added payments are in. Your remaining balance is due at the end of your session.
- STEP05Final Artwork
Retouched, delivered and ready to share
Your final images arrive in a secure online gallery, print-ready and web-ready, made for your walls and your feed.
- Natural Finish: delivered within 7 days
- Signature Retouch: delivered within 10 days
- Faster delivery is available for an added fee
- Your final gallery stays open for 30 days, so download every photo before it closes
It was a 10 out of 10. You came in clutch with the poses, the pictures, everything.
Amiya · Birthday Session
Nervous Going In. Confident Coming Out.
Hear from my clients in their own words, filmed right after their sessions. Tap any video to play, then tap for sound.
0:39He’s gonna remove all your nerves and butterflies and make you feel comfortable.
GeorgianaBirthday Session
0:32Before the shoot I was nervous, but after, I’m excited to see my pictures.
JadaMaternity Session
0:29I was extremely nervous. Now I feel confident they’re going to be literally amazing.
AmiyaBirthday Session
0:32You knew the poses and helped us out. It was really easy for somebody who’s never taken pictures before.
Arianna & AngelMaternity Session
0:25Super nervous, my first photo shoot ever. It just went through smoothly.
RodneyAuthor Branding Session
0:35It was amazing. He’s super friendly, and the communication was wonderful.
TierraBirthday Session
0:33I was a little nervous about how he would do. It went lots smoother than I anticipated.
Kamille & KyrieKids Session
★★★★★5.0 on Google · 48 reviews
Before You Book
Never done a shoot?
Many of my clients hadn’t either. Every session includes guided posing and direction from start to finish.
Your deposit
Your non-refundable deposit varies by session and goes toward your total.
Paying your balance
Due at the end of your session. I prefer cash, and also accept Cash App, Zelle, Venmo, Apple Pay, PayPal, and credit or debit cards.
Bring your people
Friends, family and pets are welcome. If you bring kids, please keep them supervised.
Every session is personal
I don’t offer mini-sessions. Every booking is your own full session, planned around your vision.
Gift cards
Gift cards are available online, perfect for a birthday, a new mom or anyone who deserves their moment.
The Next Chapter Starts Here.
Whether you’re ready to reserve your session or simply have a few questions, I’m here to help.
Where you become the star of your own story.
Call or text (317) 341-5006 · info@jmikaelstudios.com