I am passionate about creating unforgettably captivating images. My background is in fine art painting and printmaking, and my trained and intuitive understanding of visual language translates directly into my photography work.
I specialise in glamour and boudoir photography, and I also shoot portraits, events, live performances, and document exhibitions. I work with all bodies, genders, ages, and sexualities. My style ranges from conventional boudoir portraits to something more uniquely enigmatic, delicious, and charming - and I always work collaboratively with you every step of the way.
Please email chaoying.rao@gmail.com or contact me via Instagram if you wish to enquire about a photoshoot. I am based in Glasgow but can travel to you.
Every shoot includes:
Free consultation for guidance, support, ideas, and what to expect
Outfit, prop, and location suggestions if needed
Instructions with posing, makeup, and hair during the shoot, if needed
A selection of retouched images according to your specifications and needs
All edited images from the shoot will belong to you, and I will ask permission before sharing anywhere.
Optional add-ons:
Hair and makeup artists. I work with Ponyboy Glasgow and MV Brown
Additional retouched photographs
PHOTOSHOOT PACKAGES
Please note: the minimum time for a photoshoot is 2 hours in Glasgow and 4 hours outside. Apart from headshots, my rates are exclusive of travel expenses and location. This allows you the freedom to pick the perfect space for your vision! I can advise on this during our free consultation.
HEADSHOTS: 1hr / £150
- 5 retouched images to your liking
- Home studio / outside location / your studio or office
- Ideal for artist portraits, models and actors
THE QUARTER: 2hrs / £250
- 6 retouched images to your liking
- Approximately four looks
- Good for a small update to your portfolio
THE TRIPLE: 3hrs / £350
- 8 retouched images to you liking
- Approximately six looks
- Allows more time for experimentation and getting more into the flow of the shoot
THE HALF-DAY: 4hrs / £500
- 12 retouched images to your liking
- Approximately eight looks
- A decent update to your portfolio and the time to work on a theme if you wish
THE FULL DAY: 8hrs / £850
- 23 retouched images to your liking
- As many outfits as we can do
- A full day to experiment with various looks and ideas, and to make your vision come to life in a way that's even better than anticipated.
*Extra retouched images are £30 each or four for £100
*A contact sheet of all your images from the shoot will be sent to you once the final payment has been received
*Final edited images will be returned to you between two weeks and a month after you give me your selections. I will be able to let you know closer to the time.
NOTES
Rates
Prices stated are for individuals but I can accommodate double bookings with friends (POA).
Travel expenses incurred when travelling outside of Glasgow for myself and the hair & makeup team will be covered by you. I am happy to go wherever you suggest, including locations outside of the UK.
Payment can be made by cash or bank transfer; an invoice will be provided for your records.
Locations
Photoshoot locations are not included in packages. We don't need an expensive location to make beautiful photographs, and I can recommend many tried and tested places in Glasgow that will suit your needs and budget.
Retouching
Editing will be to your requirements, which I will ask you about in our consultation. My usual process includes brightness and contrast adjustment, colour grading, colour correction, skin smoothing (upon request), small tattoo removal, large tattoo blur, face/eye blur, background tidying and removal of distractions. Large tattoo removals will be an added cost due to how long it takes. Costs vary depending on how big and visible the tattoo is in the images.
FAQ
Booking
Email me on chaoying.rao@gmail.com to let me know your photoshoot ideas, preferred dates, and selected package. I will respond and arrange a free consultation chat through Whatsapp, Signal or Telegram before we agree on a date.
Deposit
A non-refundable deposit of £100 is required to secure your booking date. We can reschedule to a new date at no extra charge, but please give enough notice.
Chaperone
You are very welcome to bring someone along to the shoot. Please let me know in advance.
Other
Can't afford a shoot? We can do a skill swap! Let me know what you can help me with.
ABOUT ME
I shoot under the name Mina Karenina, and I'm a queer person of colour artist based in Glasgow with lived experience of SW. I was previously the branch organiser at the Sex Workers Union, fighting for better working conditions in the industry. I am currently a producer at the arts & education project Decriminalised Futures. I have worked alongside National Ugly Mugs, Scotland 4 Decrim, Decrim Now, and the English Collective of Prostitutes, as well as other grassroots groups, including Ubuntu Women's Shelter and Unity Sisters.
