I equate having a headshot taken with going to the dentist (well, not entirely true because I love Katrina Wall), but let’s just say it’s not something I look forward to. It’s been way too long, and I’ve been eyeing Kelley Norcia’s work for a while now, from her “transformation” portraits to family and boudoir (!!!) shots. Before I changed my mind, I rang her up and made an appointment.

Kelley sent over a list of instructions and what to expect (so organized!). I picked out four outfits and headed over sans makeup. The happy banter between Kelley and her fun and lively stylist, Traci Bellinger, put me immediately at ease. She handed me a card of various intensities of makeup to choose from, and she found it quite hilarious when I pointed to the woman with none. Traci got the message and applied a natural “no makeup, makeup” look.

My hair was somewhat styled, but Traci added some needed volume and fluff. What I loved so much about the experience is that, unlike other photographers, Kelley tells you precisely what to do, mirroring the pose, which made the process so much easier. Lean forward, push out your chin, squeeze your arm next to your body, hand in pocket, and put your foot there. Who knew that I love being told what to do??!!

Kelley is all about helping women feel good about themselves. It crushes her that every potential client complains that they are not photogenic. The relaxed atmosphere, happy vibe, great lighting, and Kelley’s cues guarantee authentic smiles and a great result.

After the shoot, Kelley displayed the photos on her big screen in the studio, and I chose (with Kelley’s expert opinion) which one I liked best by outfit. The final images look like ME, but better. The whole process, including hair and makeup, took 2 hours (exactly what she said), and in a few days, I had a bunch of fresh new headshots that I’m thrilled with!

Kelley is all about helping women feel good about themselves. It crushes her that every potential client complains that they are not photogenic. The relaxed atmosphere, happy vibe, great lighting, and Kelley’s cues guarantee authentic smiles and a great result.

Good to know:
Check out Kelley’s website to see a gallery of images, including her “transformations, family, and boudoir shoots (that’s a fun Valentine’s idea!). She also provides personal branding for websites and social media content.

Stylist Traci Bellinger is the owner of Tres Bien in New Haven, Trés Bien Salon 908 Whalley Ave in New Haven, CT 203-606-4417

Pricing:
Headshots: $290 session fee (without hair and makeup). Includes up to 45 min shoot and several outfits, same day selection of images. Expression and posing coaching to keep you professional and with personality. $490 session fee would include hair and makeup. Images sold separately $295/image.

kelleynorcia.com/headshot-photography

Custom Photoshoots: (Boudoir, Beauty, Personal Branding, Family)
$490 session fee includes hair and makeup for 1 woman, photoshoot with several outfits, same day image selection of the ones you love. Images sold separately $295/image. Fully customizable albums, folio boxes for matted prints, & wall art available.

kelleynorcia.com

Special campaign: Empowered Women 40+: Shine Your Light
This campaign benefits Infinite Strength, a local non-profit that provides services to underrepresented single mothers with metastatic breast cancer.

www.infinitestrength.org/

For any woman in their 40’s, 50’s 60’s+
$100 of the session fee is donated to Infinite Strength. Infinite Strength benefits single mothers with Metastatic Breast Cancer. $490 session fee includes hair and makeup for 1 woman, photoshoot with several outfits, same day image selection of the ones you love. Images sold separately $295/image.  Participants are interviewed to learn their story of strength, perseverance, and how they have overcome challenges in their life. Kelley Norcia will produce an in-house magazine showcasing one portrait of each woman and their story. Each participant gets a copy and others will be on sale to benefit Infinite Strength. They also get 2 tickets to a celebration gathering in 2025 for participants to meet each other and present Infinite Strength with a check.

kelleynorcia.com/shineyourlight