The Main Character Effect: Why Women Thrive When They Take Up Space

The Conditioning to Stay Small

Have you ever been made to feel small? As women, this conditioning happens pretty early. We’re told to be quiet, meek, that not being noticed equals safety, to hide our bodies, to not show our anger, to not interrupt or yell and to make sure you’re not “taking up space.” And if you do any of those things, you’re labeled as selfish, crazy, angry, self centered, deserving of what you got, rude, and intimidating. While trying to meet all these rules and expectations put on us it suffocates our authenticity and keeps us from thriving.

What “Main Character Energy” Really Means

You may have seen the phrase “main character energy” around but what exactly does that mean? Well, let’s define a “Main Character.” A main character is the central figure in a story, acting as the primary focus, viewpoint, or emotional heart through which the audience experiences the narrative. They typically drive the plot, undergo significant development, and are central to the conflict and resolution.

So main character energy talks about someone who romanticizes their life, takes the lead role, sets boundaries, and who is confident and empowered.

Why Cinematic Portraits Feel So Transformative

Main character portrait sessions often include a cinematic feel. This can be incredibly transformative because it’s role play. It’s a way to see ourselves as the main character maybe even before we actually believe we are capable of it in our daily lives. It shows us the power of the emotions behind the images. It puts us front and center.

Main Character Shoots During Life Transitions

Main character energy isn’t all sunshine and rainbows though. Have you ever known a main character who didn’t go through some DARK SHIT? Hello, Frodo and Harry Potter just to name a few. So why would we expect ourselves as main characters to be nothing but positivity? Main characters have conflict, they have self doubt, they mess up and struggle…this is why we love them! Booking main character sessions during life transitions can help remind us how strong we are, that struggle is a part of our story but so is overcoming.

You’re Allowed to Be the Center of the Frame

You’re allowed to be the main character of your story and be proud of that. You’re allowed to share your story with future generations and to inspire others that they can do the same! You’re allowed to be the center of the frame.

Big Announcement: New Offering–The Magic Within Experience

What is the Magic Within Experience?

The Magic Within Experience is a mindset course combined with a customized creative portrait experience designed to make you feel celebrated and seen exactly where you are right now.

Why a mindset course?

I decided to pair a mindset course with portrait photography after years of experience where clients LOVED my photos but really struggled with themselves in them. While I know I am not a therapist and there is a lot that goes into body image, my wish is that by offering up some of the same tools that have helped me over the years to clients, we can offer up a healing experience.

How long is the course?

The mindset course is a self paced five module course. It includes a mix of videos, exercises and journaling. You could do it all in a one sitting or spread it out over several days. It’s totally up to you!

What kind of creative portraits?

Main character photos? Yep. Goddess Session? Absolutely. Witch Vibes? Yes, please. Sword Maiden? Hell yeah. Pretty much if you can dream it up and I can make it happen, let’s do it!

Who is this for?

I primarily work with women, trans folks and gender non-conforming humans. If you’ve been feeling stuck lately, this is for you. If you’ve been wanting to celebrate an era or milestone, this is for you. If you’ve been wanting to play dress up or get out of your comfort zone, this is for you.

Is it just for one person?

The Magic Within Experience can be done individually or with a group. If you’re hosting a retreat or event, this is a great empowering add on! There is nothing like doing photos with a hype squad. Please contact me for personalized group pricing.

What exactly is included?

I’m all about being transparent upfront with pricing and what an offer includes. After all you’re a busy human and I want to make this process as easy as possible for you. The Magic Within Experience includes:

• Deep Dive Questionnaire

• Mindset and Journaling Work

• Mood Board and Style Guide

• A one hour customized creative portrait session

• Online Gallery

• 20 of your best images via digital download

• Options to purchase all your digital files, an album, or both

Price: $750

Please note some additional costs may apply depending on venue, travel or permits.

Above all, I want this offering to be healing and fun. It’s got a lot of my heart in it and I hope it will be meaningful to you. If you’re ready to find out more, click the button below.

The Power of Archetypes in Portrait Photography

What Archetypes Are (Psychologically & Symbolically)

Archetypes, as defined by Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung, are “Universal, inborn models of personality, behavior, and thought that reside in the collective unconscious. They are not specific, inherited ideas, but rather "empty" templates or innate tendencies to form recurring images, symbols, and motifs that appear across cultures and time.” A great trio of example is the Maiden, Mother and Crone. When we talk about these figures, many of us automatically get visual ideas and symbols of what these archetypes represent.

Popular Archetypes in Empowerment Portraits

There are so many fabulous archetypes to choose from with portrait photography but a few that come to mind are the Goddess, Witch, Queen, Main Character, Warrior, and Siren.

Goddess: Goddess archetypes represent diverse, powerful, and often contradictory aspects of the feminine psyche, channeling themes of autonomy, creativity, nurturing, and transformation.

Witch: The witch archetype represents an untamable, independent, and powerful feminine force operating outside societal norms. Key themes include the reclaiming of personal power, deep connection to nature and intuition, and the shadow aspects of the psyche.

Queen: The Queen archetype represents the pinnacle of mature feminine power, centering on themes of sovereign leadership, unshakable confidence, and the responsible stewardship of one's "kingdom" (career, family, or community). She embodies grace, wisdom, and strategic vision, often acting as a protective, nurturing, yet authoritative force.

Main Character: Main character archetypes are recurring, universal story roles representing fundamental human experiences, primarily driven by themes of personal growth, transformation, and purpose. Key themes include the hero’s journey (quest and return), the orphan’s pursuit of belonging, the creator’s need for expression, and the seeker’s quest for truth.

Warrior: The Warrior archetype represents courage, discipline, and action, driven by a commitment to protect boundaries and pursue high-stakes goals with integrity. It embodies focused energy to face adversity—both internal and external—using strategy rather than raw aggression. Key themes include service to a cause, unwavering loyalty, resilience in conflict, and the pursuit of honor.

Siren: The Siren archetype embodies themes of dangerous enchantment, irresistible temptation, and profound, often destructive, allure. Rooted in myth, she represents the "dark feminine" power to lure others toward hidden, subconscious desires, acting as a catalyst for deep transformation, death, or, sometimes, resurrection.

There are so many more than just these examples! I’d love to hear which archetypes (mentioned above or not) that resonate with you.

Choosing an Archetype Based on Life Season

One of the things I love about archetypes is that they often change from season to season but can also give us a way of expressing a particular season in life. Overcoming adversity? Warrior babe. New to motherhood? The Mother. Perimenopause and taking back your life? Witch or Queen. Are you feeling the change of this life season? Maybe you’re hitting a milestone or just transitioning into a new phase. Whatever the reason is, an archetype is a great way to channel some of the emotions, feelings and stories that you’re experiencing in this season. Maybe it’s just putting a sword in your hand to bring the fierceness you’ve been feeling to the forefront, maybe it’s putting a tangible crown on instead of the invisible one you wear every damn day.

How Archetypes Free Self-Expression

The point is that archetypes allow YOU to let it all the fuck out. Let the power, the ferocity, the rage, the joy, the BECOMING out into the portraits. For some of us, that’s easier by playing a part. And archetypes are just the place to get some really damn good ideas!

Blending Multiple Archetypes in One Session

But maybe you’re like, “Beth, none of these speak to me.” That’s totally okay! Maybe there’s a different archetype that works for you right now or maybe you’re a blend of several. Honestly most days I’m a witch goddess warrior with a touch of Queen. The best thing about creative portraits is they are just that, creative!

If you’re lost or needing to talk though what archetype you want to channel in your session, that’s what I’m here for! I love to help clients step into their power and what works specifically for their season.