BY SOPHIA BARRETT STUDIOS

Sanaa Portrait Pop-Up

(Sanaa is Swahili for "work of art", pronounced sah-NAH.)

Bring a professional portrait studio into your celebration, conference or gathering. We combine studio lighting, guided posing and a considered backdrop to create portraits of your guests—not simply document their attendance.

Three-hour experiences from $4,500.

Based in Atlanta. Travel inquiries welcome.

Two couples posed together against deep red velvet curtains and red roses in a gold-framed portrait setting — Custom-designed event portrait setting

A portrait experience within your event.

Guests step into a dedicated portrait setting, receive direction from a professional photographer and are photographed with intentional lighting and composition. The experience becomes part of the event itself, with portraits to remember it by.

A photographer behind the camera

This is a photographer-led experience. We guide the session and respond to the people in front of the lens.

Direction, not guesswork

Guests receive guidance on posing, expression and how to stand together. They do not need to arrive knowing what to do.

A studio approach to lighting

We bring professional lighting and shape it for the portrait setting rather than relying only on the venue’s existing light.

A backdrop that fits the occasion

Choose a simpler creative backdrop with the Classic Studio Setup, work with an approved backdrop supplied by your event team, or commission a more elaborate custom-designed setting. Both setups include concept development and set design.

Your event photographer documents the occasion. Our Sanaa Portrait Pop-Up creates a dedicated space for intentional portraits. The two services can work alongside one another.

The experience—and the portraits it creates.

Custom-Designed Sets

Couple posed beside a white pedestal in a red floral and gold-framed portrait setting — Custom-designed event portrait setting

Guest in a black gown posed within a red floral and gold-framed portrait setting — Custom-designed event portrait setting

Couple holding hands within a custom portrait setting with oversized colorful flowers — Custom-designed event portrait setting

Guest in a tuxedo posed among oversized colorful flowers in a custom portrait setting — Custom-designed event portrait setting

Guest in an evening gown posed beside a cascading white floral installation on a staircase — Custom-designed event portrait setting

Couple in formal attire posed beside a cascading white floral installation on a staircase — Custom-designed event portrait setting

The experience at an event

A closer look at the event portrait experience

The portrait setting at an event

Choose your portrait setting.

Option One

Classic Studio Setup

$4,500

Three hours of portrait service.

A photographer-led portrait experience with professional lighting, concept development and set design for a simpler creative backdrop tailored to your occasion.

On-site professional portrait photography.
Professional studio lighting.
Guided posing and direction.
Concept development and set design.
A simpler creative backdrop tailored to the approved concept, or an approved client-provided backdrop.
Online gallery delivery, with image quantities and delivery details specified in the proposal.

Custom floral installations, extensive draping, large props and constructed set pieces are not included in the Classic Studio Setup.

Option Two

Custom-Designed Set

Starting at $6,500

Includes three hours of portrait service.

An event portrait setting developed around your occasion, visual direction or brand. We develop the concept and plan the design and production needed to bring the approved setting to life.

The professional photography, lighting, posing and gallery delivery described above.
Concept development and set design.
Sourcing, fabrication or styling as specified in the approved proposal.
Installation and execution of the approved set.

Final pricing depends on the design, materials, production requirements, venue and approved scope.

Additional coverage, travel and event-specific production requirements are quoted individually. Your proposal will confirm the scope, deliverables and final price before booking.

Set Design & Production

Both setups include concept development and set design around your occasion, theme or brand. The Classic Studio Setup includes a simpler creative backdrop; the Custom-Designed Set offers more elaborate material sourcing, set styling, fabrication and installation, according to the approved scope.

Concept development and set design are included in both package prices, not automatically added as separate charges. The Classic Studio Setup is $4,500; the Custom-Designed Set starts at $6,500. The approved proposal defines the design and production scope.

Couple standing together in a green floral portrait setting with a backdrop provided by the event design team — We can work with backdrops provided by your event design team, integrating their design into the portrait setting.

Group of seven guests posed before a pink floral backdrop with gold pendant lighting at the BET Her Awards — At the BET Her Awards, the event designer’s pink floral wall and gold pendant lighting became the portrait setting.

How booking works

Tell us about the event.

Share the date, venue, requested portrait hours and approximate guest count.

We review the fit.

We assess availability, the portrait setup, guest flow and production requirements before preparing a proposal.

We plan the setup.

Once the booking is confirmed, we coordinate the portrait setting and venue logistics with you or your planner.

Your guests are photographed.

We guide the portraits during the agreed service hours and deliver the images according to the event’s confirmed delivery plan.

Frequently asked questions

Is this a photo booth?

This is a photographer-led portrait experience with professional lighting and posing direction. Guests are photographed in a dedicated portrait setting rather than operating the camera themselves.

Can we provide our own backdrop?

Yes. We will review its size, placement and suitability for the portrait setup before confirming the arrangement.

Can you create a custom set?

Yes. Custom-designed setups begin at $6,500, with final pricing based on the approved design and production scope.

Will every guest be photographed?

We will recommend a coverage plan based on your expected participation, individual or group portraits, and available time. Guest capacity is confirmed during planning rather than assumed from the total event attendance.

How will guests receive their portraits?

Digital portraits are already included in your collection. Portraits are automatically retouched and delivered to guests immediately. Optional add-ons are also available.

How much space and setup time do you need?

Requirements depend on the chosen backdrop, lighting and portrait groupings. We will coordinate the required footprint, venue access and setup schedule before the event.

Is general event coverage included?

This service focuses on portraits within a dedicated setup. Coverage of speeches, activities and the wider event is a separate scope.

Does submitting this form book the date?

No. We first review availability and event requirements. A booking is confirmed only after our reservation requirements have been completed and we have confirmed it in writing.