Personality Portraiture
Portraits of your authentic self for graduation, maternity, dating profiles, self-esteem, or just for something fun to do after work! Classic Sessions starting at $350. Express Sessions from $175.
A few words about William
I’m William, the photographer behind Petruzzo Photography. Since 2008, I’ve been capturing portrait sessions that feel natural and intentional, fun, and most importantly, genuinely reflect the people in them. Regardless of who is in front of my camera, my goal is the same: help you look like yourself on your best day. Ideally without making it weird.
I live in Bowie with my partner and our dog Bailey. When I’m not behind the camera, I’m usually nerding out on impractical coding projects, playing with creative tools, 3D printing, refining a new workflow, or finding excuses to go outside and exercise.
Ready to talk?
Feel free to fill out the form below and I’ll respond via email, phone or text as soon as I can. Usually within 24 hours. Don’t worry, I will not share your contact information with anyone else.
Personality Portraiture FAQ's
Are there any other fees I should expect?
Individual & Personality Portraits sessions are all-inclusive and you generally won’t be required to spend anything additional after the session. However, if you wish to schedule a session outside of my normal service area you will be required to pay for travel. If applicable, you’ll also pay for parking and event or location admissions during the session, any prints that you choose to buy from me, as well as any advanced retouching you might request.
Can I bring my dog or cat?
Absolutely. But, be aware that they don’t always want to play along and can eat up a lot of time that we might otherwise use to create images. I recommend bringing a dedicated helper with you so that we can capture a few images with the animal, and then focus on other images. If you’re primarily interested in images of your pet, you might want to consider my Pet Portraiture services instead because the rhythm of those sessions is built around the animal.
Can I change outfits during a session?
You can, but it isn’t recommended in most cases, since it will take time we could be using to capture photos. I am also unable to guarantee there will be a suitably private place to change clothes. That said, if you’d like to introduce more variety, I would recommend swapping accessories and outerwear, rather than a full outfit.
Can I use Personality Portraits as professional headshots?
Individual & Personality Portraits are licensed differently from headshots. The process for creating headshots also involves a slower and more methodical approach, and they will ultimately undergo a different proofing and editing process compared to Individual & Personality Portraits. So I wouldn’t recommend using Individual & Personality Portraits for headshots. If you need headshots, head over to the For Professionals section of my website — there’s a good chance you’ll find something better for what you need over there.
How far will you travel?
Individual & Personality Portraits sessions include travel to locations within 35 miles of the 21054 zip code. Travel beyond that will cost a little extra. Express Sessions are limited to locations in Bowie and Crofton, MD.
How long before the images are finished?
Standard turn around time for Individual & Personality Portraits is around 2-3 weeks or less, but not guaranteed. If the images need extra time to look their best, I’ll give it to them. I will always keep you in the loop if things are taking a little longer. Guaranteed rush delivery is available at an additional cost.
How long do sessions usually last?
Individual & Personality Portraits will last around 60 minutes. Express Sessions are capped at 25 minutes. Under some circumstances, sessions may run a little long and may be cut short if something out of my control ends things early.
How should I dress for the session?
I recommend choosing comfortable clothing that makes you feel good in your skin. Try not to choose an aspirational outfit that you would like to feel good in, but perhaps actually don’t. Beyond that, it only depends on the formality of your session. If you’re looking for more or less formality, think about how you might dress for a comparable event — church picnic, family reunion, a cousin’s wedding, an afternoon at the boardwalk. Dress for that situation. If you want to create portraits for a dating profile, you will want dress like the best version of yourself on a normal day, not necessarily your “Sunday best”.
What if someone gets sick, there is bad weather, or an emergency?
I’ll make every effort to accommodate changes in schedule. It’s important to keep in mind that I can only reserve one date at a time per booking, so schedules will be based on current availability at the time of rescheduling.
Where will the session take place?
Individual & Personality Portraits will always take place on-location. Depending on what style of images you like, we may shoot in your home, in a local park, a museum, or a downtown area. Any location that appeals to you, and we are legally allowed to photograph in, is a possible candidate. If you’re looking for inspiration, take some time to browse my extensive locations directory. I am also more than happy to offer up some suggestions.
Who will be my photographer?
Most of the time I’ll photograph your session personally. Some folks may get to work with my associate of more than 15 years, Felipe. If you have been referred to me by someone who has worked with Felipe in the past, I’m happy to assign your session to him. In either case, you will know who your photographer is when you book your session.
Will you photoshop the images?
Depending on the context of the image, we will remove some non-permanent blemishes and may slightly soften skin where it looks unnaturally rough. I do not generally perform major cosmetic adjustments on portraits.