Creative Studio Portraits in Reno
Portraits with Dramatic Light & Shadow
Sessions for actors, creatives, and people who want images with depth and character.
See more examples in the full portfolio.
What To Expect
Most portrait sessions are photographed in my south Reno studio, where I can control lighting and create setups without the distractions of on-location shoots. We’ll work slowly and methodically, ensuring light & shadow are used how we want them. Get some guidance on what to wear in this article.
If you have a specific mood or reference in mind, I’m more than happy to take a look. If you’re just exploring this style of photography, we can figure it out together. Sessions are collaborative and casual. Read more about what to expect from creative portrait sessions.
Session Types
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Creative Studio Portraits
$350
Studio session up to two hours. You’ll receive five professionally retouched images through a private online gallery. Additional images are available as an add-on.
Good for: styled personal branding, portfolio work for actors, models, or creatives, and anyone drawn to dramatic lighting and creative composition.
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Actor & Creative Headshots
$200
Studio session up to one hour focused on styled headshots. You’ll receive two professionally retouched images delivered through a private online gallery. Additional images are available extra.
Good for: actors building or updating their portfolio, creatives who need headshots with personality, and modeling agency submissions.
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Lifestyle Photography
Starting at $450
On-location sessions built around what you actually do. Session length and location are planned in advance so everything is ready to go when we meet.
Good for: personal branding, small businesses, documentary-style personal or professional work.
What Clients Say
Daniel V - Agency Portraits
“Highly skilled and professional! Not only we got a lot done in an hour, John went over the hour to make sure I got what I wanted. He is also highly attentive during and after the process. Communication with him is easy and comfortable. Overall, the best experience I have ever had with a photographer. Thank you.”
Olena N - Modeling Experience
“I’ve worked with John twice already, and both times were absolutely amazing experiences. He has a fantastic eye and pays attention to even the smallest details — things I wouldn’t have even noticed myself!
I highly recommend John to anyone who wants to feel like a real model. And let’s be honest — black and white photography is timeless. It’s pure, classic beauty.”
Marjorie F - Lifestyle Event
“Hire this guy! John came all the way down to NAS Fallon to capture some special moments for my husband’s FINI flight. We wanted to commemorate this special end of an era with his best squad mates and John was the right choice. The price was right and he worked quickly to process our photos just how we needed them.”
A Bit of Background
I’m a documentary photographer with over a decade of experience working with nonprofits and organizations worldwide. That background shapes how I approach portraits, where the goal is images that feel like you, not a stock photo. I love working with shadow, contrast, and directional light.
I’m based in Lake Tahoe and work regularly with clients in Reno, Truckee, and Carson City. I also teach photography and run an online course platform for photographers who want to improve their skills.
-John Peltier
FAQs
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Creative studio portraits with dramatic lighting and composition, conveying character and style. These include actor & model headshots, people wanting more creative portraits, and lifestyle sessions on location.
If you’re looking for corporate-style headshots, I don’t do that kind of work, but would be happy to recommend you to other photographers who specialize in that work. -
Studio sessions are in south Reno. Lifestyle sessions are on location, based on what we’re documenting. I work regularly with clients throughout Reno, Lake Tahoe, Truckee, and Carson City.
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I’ll send you a short guide covering wardrobe suggestions and what to expect before the session. If you have specific references or a mood board, feel free to send those. If you’re not sure yet, we can figure it out together. You can also read this article on what to wear for creative portraits.
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Not currently. I focus on individual creative portraits and lifestyle work. There are a lot of excellent photographers in the Reno/Tahoe area who specialize in those sessions, and I’m happy to point you in the right direction if needed.
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Use the availability links above to check open dates. If you have questions or something specific in mind, use the contact form below. Sessions are reserved with a deposit at booking, with the balance due at the end of the session.
Ready to Book?
mail@peltiermediallc.com
(530) 318-3302
770 Trademark Dr.
Suite 215
Reno, NV 89521
Serving Incline Village, Truckee, Reno, Carson City, and surrounding areas