top of page
DSC_5574A-Merge-New3_extended.jpg

WHEREVER YOU ARE
IN YOUR JOURNEY

LET'S REVEAL THE REAL,
REMARKABLE YOU

with the best photograph
you've ever seen of yourself

A Luxury Portrait Experience
Designed just for You by Award-winning headshot & portrait by photographer serving Santa Cruz, the Bay Area and Northern California.

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCES

Three portrait experiences. One luxurious, fully guided process.

Wherever you are in your journey — career, creativity, or confidence — I create portraits that are designed to make you feel confident, seen and truly yourself.

_DSC1923-A-LowRes-web-2.jpg

Headshots
for Professionals
& Creatives

Modern, confident, brand-elevating portraits for your website, LinkedIn, speaking gigs, or creative career.
 

Fully guided posing and artistic direction so you look polished, approachable, and unmistakably you.

hope_DSC4333-PP-Color-FINAL.jpg

PORTRAITS
FASHION-INSPIRED portraits for everyone

A magazine-style portrait experience designed for anyone who’s ever wanted to feel like the star of their own editorial spread.
Wardrobe styling, creative direction, and beautifully lit portraits that feel elevated, artistic, and timeless.

DSC_8988A-Hi-Res-purple.jpg

OVER 40 EMPOWERMENT
EXPERIENCE

An intimate, transformative portrait session created exclusively for women 40+ who are ready to celebrate their beauty, power, and story. With professional hair & makeup, full guidance, and a supportive environment, you’ll walk away feeling confident and radiant.

DSC_0839-3web.jpg

THE EXPERIENCE

I understand it can be scary in front of the camera — I get it. That’s why every portrait session is fully guided, supportive, and crafted to help you feel confident and comfortable from the moment you walk in.

  • Pre-Shoot Design Consultation

  • Optional Camera-Ready Makeup

  • Up to 3 Wardrobe Changes

  • Fully Guided 2-Hour Photo Session

  • Professional Retouching

  • Portrait Reveal & Ordering Session

  • Museum Qualty Products from Italy

  • Sessons from $495

HOW IT WORKS
IN 4 EASY STEPS:

Sessions-header-N1.jpg
wardrobe.jpg

PLANNING & DESIGNING YOUR SESSION

The first step in planning your portrait session is a design consultation to discuss how you want to be photographed. Together we will plan your photo shoot from wardrobe to location, and everything you need to prepare for your exciting day.

 

This is a time for me to learn more about you and your imagery goals, so I capture exactly what you are looking for – and for you to ask questions. We will also review the pricing and product menu.

Sessions-header-N2.jpg
makeover2.jpg

PRO HAIR & MAKEUP ADD-ON

You have the option to be pampered with professional camera-ready makeup services and light hairstyling fat the studio. A little glam can go a long way in helping you feel camera-ready, relaxed, and radiant. $250 add-on to your session fee..

 

We’ll guide and curate looks from your own pieces or from my studio wardrobe collection, ensuring you feel stylish, polished, and uniquely yourself. You may want to plan a night out after your session, because you're going to look gorgeous!

Sessions-header-N3.jpg
shoot-pinkdress.jpg

THE PHOTO SESSION

Once styling is complete you will be ready to rock your photo shoot!  You never have to “know what to do.” I’ll direct you through poses, expressions, and angles that flatter your features and reveal your authentic presence.

 

All you need to do is enjoy your day and feel your confidence blossom. Plan for a 4-hour day, which includes 1.5 hours for makeup, if you add that service.

Sessions-header-N4.jpg
Tracy-revealbox.jpg

REVEAL OF YOUR IMAGES

You only buy what you love!

A few days after the session, we will meet via video call, for your reveal appointment. You will view the best images from our session and have an opportunity to order all the images you love, as well as a variety of museum-quailty handmade products from Italy to store your images, including wall art, albums, magazines and handmade folio boxes.

PHOTOGRAPHER JANA MARCUS

Welcome!  I'm Jana, and I want to take the most beautiful portrait you've ever seen of yourself.

I've been a portrait photographer for over 30 years, and I understand how powerful photography can be - it can empower you, change your perception of yourself, and contribute to your legacy.

My goal is simple: to have you feel seen, supported, and beautifully photographed.

I create thoughtful, unhurried sessions designed to celebrate who you are.

 

I see beauty in everyone I meet.  I love finding that "ah ha" moment with every client, and can't wait to find it with you!

_DSC0868-PP-crop-web.jpg
allie_DSC5239-A2.jpg

Allie B.

"A month ago I did a photoshoot with the amazingly talented Jana Marcus. When we first discussed the shoot she told me that she would take the most beautiful pictures of me I had ever had in my life. And she was right! From the moment I stepped into her studio she made me feel like a beautiful princess inside and out! Thank you Jana for capturing me and helping me to love the way that I look!"
DSC_9907-lo-Res.jpg

Rachel C. Y.

"There are photographers, and then there's Jana! She's in a league of her own. This was more than just a photo session, it was a memorable experience that made me feel like a badass beautiful bitch!"
matt.jpg

Matt D.

"I will travel to the ends of the earth for Jana

when I'm in need of another "real" headshot!

As someone who has always dreaded headshots, not because of the camera, but because of my own self doubt and self inflicted need to be perfect in "this" photo – I can tell you first hand, Jana will make you feel at ease and she has a superhuman ability to find your 'this.'"

tiffany.jpg

Tiffany C.

"I cried joyful tears when i saw my photos! I was dreading looking at them because I hate looking at my image, I'm so critical. But dayam! You made me actually love my image! Thank you soooooo much! 
Jana is an amazing photographer and I really did have so much fun!!!!! Thank you, thank you!"

Ready to be photographed in a way that feels empowering, relaxing, and truly you?
Let’s create portraits you'll cherish — and that others will instantly notice.

BEGIN YOUR PORTRAIT EXPERIENCE

bottom of page