Stress-Free Lodi Brand Sessions: My Signature Process

Here’s my dream scenario for every client who books a Lodi brand session with me: you walk into your session calm, confident, and excited—because every detail has already been thought through. You don’t have to wonder what to wear, where to shoot, or how you’ll use your photos afterward. You simply get to show up and be fully present while I guide you through an experience that feels seamless from start to finish.

That’s exactly why I created my Signature Lodi Brand Session. They aren’t just about photos—they’re about a guided, strategic process designed to take the stress out of brand photography and help you walk away with images that actually work for your business.

Here’s what it looks like:

Step 1: Inquiry & Discovery Call

The first step is always connection. Once you inquire, we’ll hop on a discovery call. This call is one of my favorite parts because it gives you a real sense of what it’s like to work with me—just from being on the other side of the screen. If you’d rather meet up for coffee? We can absolutely do that too. Either way, you’ll leave the conversation feeling clear about your vision, your goals, and how you want your brand to come across visually.

Step 2: Booking Your Lodi Brand Session

When you’re ready, I’ll send over your proposal. From there, you’ll be able to:

• Review what’s included in your session
• Sign your contract
• Select your date directly from my booking calendar (no back-and-forth emails!)
• Pay your invoice

Once all that’s done, you’re officially booked. For Signature Sessions, I typically recommend scheduling at least six weeks in advance so we have plenty of time to plan a session that reflects your brand beautifully.

Step 3: The Prep Process

This is where the session becomes truly personalized. After booking, I’ll have you complete a detailed questionnaire that helps me get to know your brand inside and out. From there, I’ll create a comprehensive, customized prep guide and help with outfit planning so your wardrobe feels polished and on-brand.

I’ll also:

• Schedule hair and makeup for you
• Put together a collaborative Pinterest board to align our vision
• Scout and secure the best Lodi locations for your brand session (plus I cover up to $75/hour in location fees)

By the time your session rolls around, you’ll feel fully prepared and excited instead of stressed.

Step 4: Hair & Makeup

Every Signature Session includes professional hair and makeup because I want you to feel as confident as possible on camera. This isn’t about making you look different—it’s about helping you feel polished, camera-ready, and at ease in front of the lens.

Step 5: Session Day – Capturing Your Lodi Brand Session

This is the fun part. On session day, I’ll guide you every step of the way. We’ll mix guided poses with candid, natural shots, incorporate props and details, and capture the full scope of your brand—your personality, your process, and your story.

You’ll never be left wondering what to do with your hands or how to stand. My energy is relaxed and supportive so you can enjoy the experience and focus on being yourself.

Step 6: Gallery Delivery

Within two weeks of your Lodi brand session, you’ll receive a proofing gallery. I use Pic-Time for all of my galleries. You’ll select your favorite images, and then I’ll polish them up and deliver your final gallery within one more week.

The result? A curated library of images you can use for your website, social media, and marketing materials—ready to go when you need them.

And if you’d like additional support, I also offer follow-up services like social media planning and content creation so you can maximize the value of your photos long after the session ends.

The Transformation

More than just new headshots or pretty images, my clients walk away with confidence, clarity, and visuals that finally match the level of their business. The investment pays for itself in time saved, opportunities gained, and the ease of knowing you’re showing up online in a way that feels fully aligned.

Ready for Your Turn?

If you’ve been curious about what it would be like to invest in a Lodi brand session, this is your sign. From inquiry to final gallery, I’ve created a process that’s strategic, stress-free, and completely tailored to you.

👉 Inquire about your Signature Brand Session here.

More about this Lodi Brand Session:

Rae Coffee Co. is a mobile espresso bar founded by Tyler Norgaard in Lodi, CA. Tyler’s vision is simple but impactful: bring the best parts of a coffee shop directly to people—whether that’s at weddings, private parties, farmers markets, or local business events. With a warm, approachable personality and a commitment to consistently well-crafted drinks, Rae Coffee Co. is all about creating memorable coffee experiences that feel both personal and professional.

👉 See more about this session here
👉 Follow Rae Coffee Co. on Instagram: @raecoffeeco

Nicole Hodgson

Nicole Hodgson is an elevated lifestyle family photographer based in Stockton, serving Sacramento and the surrounding San Joaquin counties. With a background as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, with over 10 years working with children in outpatient and school-based settings, she brings a unique, intentional approach to photography—blending storytelling, connection, and a seamless, stress-free experience. Nicole specializes in capturing authentic moments, whether it’s the early days of parenthood, the beautiful chaos of family life, or branding sessions that showcase the heart of a business. She is dedicated to delivering timeless, high-quality imagery that becomes cherished heirlooms. When she’s not behind the camera, you can find her fitting in an early morning workout, reading a book on her Kindle, dreaming up her next travel destination or enjoying time with her husband and three young children.

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