Cinematic Portrait Photography in Sacramento
Cinematic portrait photography at The Unhidden Studio is designed for artists, musicians, performers, and individuals who want images that feel like a scene, not a pose.
Based in Sacramento, we create narrative-driven portraits using cinematic lighting, art direction, and intentional storytelling. These sessions are ideal for album artwork, personal branding, editorial features, or anyone who wants portraits that carry emotional weight.
Every session includes concept development, guided direction, and high-end retouching.
Cinematic Session
1.5 hours | 12 retouched digital images | 2-3 conceptual setups | Effects included
High-concept narrative with multiple variations. We create a visual story whether that's moody and introspective, dramatic and powerful, or ethereal and dreamlike. Theatrical effects, intentional lighting, and editorial-quality direction.
This is fine art portraiture for those who want images that feel cinematic.
Investment: $695
Narrative Duo
2.5 hours | 20 retouched digital images | 3-4 conceptual setups | Advanced effects & styling
For couples, artistic partnerships, creative collaborators, or dual-identity concepts. Connection captured as fine art, intimate, powerful, visual storytelling that explores relationship, contrast, or unity.
Not your typical couple's portraits. This is about the narrative between two people, two identities, two energies.
Investment: $895
Epic Vision
4 hours | 32 retouched digital images | Multiple concepts/locations | Pre-production consultation | Advanced post-production
A multi-concept gallery-worthy series that explores themes, emotions, or identities across different setups, lighting, and styling. This is a full creative collaboration, from concept development to final delivery.
For artists creating album artwork, personal branding campaigns, or those ready to invest in a complete visual narrative.
Investment $1,395
Every Session Includes
Before Your Session
Pre-session consultation (phone or video) to discuss your vision, wardrobe, and goals
Detailed prep guide with what to wear, how to prepare, and what to expect
Appointment confirmation and studio access instructions
During Your Session
Private studio session at 2701 Capitol Avenue, Midtown Sacramento (or on-location as booked)
Professional direction throughout, you're guided through every pose, expression, and movement
Access to studio lighting, backdrops, and standard props
Relaxed, judgment-free environment, no experience needed
After Your Session
Professional retouching on all delivered images (skin smoothing, color correction, artistic editing)
Private online gallery for viewing and download
High-resolution digital files (print-ready)
Full personal usage rights, post anywhere, print anything, no watermarks
2-3 week delivery (headshots: 3-5 business days)
The Unhidden Difference
Director-led sessions: 18 years of theater and film direction means you're coached through presence, not just photographed
No upselling: your package price is your final price, add-ons are optional, never pushed
LGBTQ+ friendly, all bodies welcome, complete privacy guaranteed
Add-on Sercives
Hair & Makeup $200
Body Paint/Glitter Application $125
Behind-the-Scenes Cinematic Video $175
Full Gallery (lightly edited) $395
Custom Set Build $200+ Consultation required
"Reveal Party" Experience $150
Frequently Asked Questions
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We start with a consultation about what are you creating? What do you want to feel? What's the concept, mood, or story? Then we design the session together: lighting approach, effects, wardrobe, styling. You're not just being photographed, you're collaborating on the art
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Rain effects (water droplets on glass or skin), smoke/fog, dramatic shadow play, colored lighting, mirror reflections, and more. If you have a specific vision, we'll make it happen. Advanced compositing (blending multiple images into one artwork) is available as an add-on.
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Depends entirely on the concept. Some sessions call for all black, others for bold color, others for textures and layers. We'll discuss wardrobe in your pre-session consultation and send a detailed style guide.
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Standard turnaround is 2-3 weeks. Rush delivery is available.
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Yes—if you're working with a stylist, makeup artist, or creative director, they're welcome. Let us know in advance so we can coordinate.
Why Cinematic Portraits?
Directed with a Filmmaker's Eye Cristian's background as a theater and film director means every frame is composed like a scene with intentional lighting, deliberate emotion, narrative weight. You're not posing. You're performing presence.
Editorial Quality, Personal Vision These images belong in magazines, on album covers, on gallery walls. But they're also deeply personal, created specifically for you, with you, about you.
Effects That Elevate Rain. Smoke. Shadows. Reflections. We don't just photograph you in a room, we create atmosphere, mood, and story through theatrical effects and intentional design.