Julian Ribinik
April 28, 2025
Carolina Guerreiro Photography
The Muse Portrait Experience: A Portrait Practice Rooted in Intention
As a verb, to muse is to consider something thoughtfully. As a noun, it means a person, especially a woman, who is a source of artistic inspiration.
In mythology, the Muses were nine goddesses who symbolized the arts and sciences.
Throughout history, artists have sought out muses to inspire their work. Claude Monet had Camille Doncieux, Rembrandt had Saskia, and Michaelangelo had Vittoria Colonna.
As photographers, we’re not just image-makers—we’re witnesses, storytellers, and interpreters of the human experience. And sometimes, a single session can change the way we see everything.
the moment my clients discover their true potential—that's what drives me
Isabelle, a past bride and dear friend, reached out for updated headshots. She needed something professional for LinkedIn and upcoming job opportunities. It could’ve been a standard shoot. But something in me wanted to go deeper.
I’ve photographed for corporate clients before. But this time, I asked: What would it look like to not just deliver photos—but to offer space for someone to feel seen in their fullness?
So instead of rushing into poses and lighting setups, I slowed down. I asked Isabelle how she was really feeling. What was on her mind. What kind of energy she wanted to carry into this next chapter. And from there, the images came—not just polished portraits, but reflections of who she is at her most free and grounded.
That one session became the foundation of the Muse Portrait Experience—a process that merges intentional portraiture with emotional clarity and deep listening.
The Muse Portrait Experience began not as a brand, but as a moment—one that started with a simple request.
“Thank you for coming! Always love spending time with you and thank you for such beautiful pictures and making me feel confident and pretty in my skin. I've been struggling with that recently 🩷🙏” -Isabelle L.