You Deserve More Than a Photo Shoot
Inside the Wicked Wise Women Experience
& Why It Exists
There's a moment that happens during almost every Wicked Wise Women session. A woman walks in — maybe a little nervous, maybe unsure she deserves this much attention — and somewhere between the Reiki table and the camera, something shifts.
She stops performing and starts being seen.
That's what the Wicked Wise Women project was built for.
That moment is the whole reason.
What Is Wicked Wise Women?
Wicked Wise Women is not a typical photo shoot. It's a full-day, custom-designed portrait experience created specifically for the woman who's ready to be celebrated — not just captured.
It starts before your photo day even arrives. With a wardrobe consult and design session, we build a vision together: who you want to feel like, what you want to wear, how you want to show up. By the time your day comes, you're not walking in blind. You're walking in prepared — and that changes everything.
On your session day, here's what unfolds:
Reiki energy healing.
Janice from Earthgirl Energy Medicine guides you through a deeply relaxing spiritual healing session. If you've never experienced Reiki before, think of it as a reset — a chance to release tension, quiet your mind, and arrive in your body before anything else begins.
Tarot reading.
Tiffany’s Divine Connections offers reflection and insight through a tarot reading. Some women find it clarifying. Some find it affirming. All of them find it meaningful.
Professional hair and makeup.
A stylist works with you — based on everything we discussed in your pre-session consultation — to create a look that's entirely, beautifully yours.
Wardrobe and client closet.
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
You'll have access to Heather's curated collection of clothing, lingerie, robes, and accessories. This isn't a rack of random pieces — it's been built with intention, for women of all shapes, stories, and styles.
Posing guidance. Heather walks you through every pose, every angle, every expression. You never have to figure out what to do with your hands. You never have to guess whether you look good. That's her job — and she's been posing people for over 20 years.
Your portrait session. And then, finally, the photography. By this point, you're not just ready — you're there. Relaxed, open, confident in a way that comes from being genuinely cared for all day long.
Your Wicked Wise Women session fee includes one portrait in a matted print or wall art format.
Additional images are available if you fall in love with more than one — and most women do.
2026 - The first Annual Gala
Once a year, Heather gathers the women who participated in Wicked Wise Women sessions throughout the year for a gala celebration.
The women in that room have each done something brave: they said yes to being seen. The gala is a chance to celebrate that — together. It's part reunion, part milestone, part community.
The event also has a heart behind it. This year's gala benefits the Hope and Justice Project, because the work of seeing women clearly has to extend beyond the studio walls. Each year, the next charitable recipient is announced at the gala — giving every woman who attends something to look forward to, and something worth showing up for.
Why This Experience Exists
Heather created the Wicked Wise Women project because she believes that being truly seen — not edited down, not asked to be smaller, but seen — is something every woman deserves at least once.
It's part luxury spa day, part spiritual experience, part empowerment photo shoot. And it culminates in a community that carries that feeling forward.
If any part of you has been waiting for permission to take up space, to invest in yourself, to let someone celebrate you exactly as you are — this is that permission.
Ready to step into your portrait experience?
Book your complimentary 15-minute consultation call — no commitment, no pressure. Just a conversation about you, what you're hoping to feel, and whether Wicked Wise Women might be your moment.
You Are Beautiful! Yes — YOU!
It’s the light in your eyes…
It’s the shrug of your shoulder; your hand on your hip when you turn just the right way. For me, a woman’s beauty lives in her strength and her wisdom — in her joy, her resilience, and the quiet power she carries every single day.
I love creating a portrait of a woman whose wisdom is evident in the way she holds her head and the twinkle in her eye. I love capturing that no-nonsense, powerful energy in a branding session — and that come hither look during a boudoir session that makes you literally gasp when you see how stunning you are.
More than anything, I love helping women see the beauty I see when I look at them.
We Are Our Own Harshest Critics
We all have insecurities. And it’s a quiet tragedy that we so often only recognize our beauty in retrospect — looking back at old photos and thinking, why didn’t I see it then?
Here’s the truth: that younger version of you was just as insecure as you are right now.
And here’s another truth: you are not the sum of your flaws. No matter how loudly they speak to you in the mirror, the people who love you don’t see them. They see you laughing. They see you lighting up a room. They see you.
What Will They Find?
One day, your children — or your grandchildren, your nieces, your people — will go looking for photos of you.
What will they find?
How about professional portraits of you at your most confident, most carefree, most you? Images that capture who you truly are, not just a candid snapshot from someone else’s phone.
Your Session With Me
At your portrait session, my one job is to make you feel completely at ease. Everyone is nervous at the beginning — that’s completely normal, and I promise you won’t be by the end.
I direct every pose from the ground up to make sure everything looks and feels just right. By the time we wrap, you’ll walk out with a new strut in your step and images that will take your breath away.
Ready to see yourself the way I see you?
Set up your complimentary consultation call today — it’s free, it’s easy, and it just might change the way you see yourself forever.
Wicked Wise Women
This is your moment.
Wicked Wise Women is not about age.
Whether you're 25 or 75, this campaign is about celebrating the strength, beauty, and wisdom of women in all stages of life.
Wicked Wise Women is a luxurious portrait experience designed to help you reconnect with your confidence, embrace your story, and be seen—truly seen—AND a gala to celebrate you and other Wicked Wise Women like you!
Wicked Strong, wicked wise, wicked beautiful!
The Wicked Wise Women experience is more than a celebration.
It's a movement rooted in empowerment, creativity, and community impact.
This year, we’re proud to support the Hope and Justice Project, a local nonprofit dedicated to advocating for survivors of domestic abuse and fostering safe, supportive environments across Maine.
In partnership with Ignite PI, we’ll culminate this experience with an unforgettable Wicked Wise Women Gala on October 17, 2026, at the Northeastland Hotel in Presque Isle. A night of elegance and connection, honoring every woman who participates in the Wicked Wise Women experience.
So What’s Included in Your Experience?
A Full Service Portrait Session with Heather Mladek - beauty, boudoir, branding and other sessions available, designed just for you.
Pre-session Wardrobe Consultation & Access to the Client Closet including vintage & new dresses, robes, lingerie, shoes, jewelry & more.
Professional Hair & Makeup Styling to highlight your favorite features for your portraits and give you a pampering experience.
Expert Posing & Lighting: relax and let Heather direct you into flattering poses and natural expressions.
Your Favorite Portrait from your session, professionally printed on acrylic, metal, or a traditional print and mat ready for your frame.
A ½ Hour Energy Healing Session with Janice Santos from Earthgirl Energy Medicine!
A 3 Card Tarot Reading designed for Empowerment with Tiffany’s Divine Connections!
Admission for You & a Guest to the Gala Celebration at The Northeastland Hotel in Presque Isle on October 17, 2026 where you get to walk the red carpet. A night of elegance, empowerment, and giving back.
A Feature in the Wicked Wise Women Magazine, sharing your wisdom and story and inspiring other women like you.
A chance to do some good for survivors near you while celebrating the Wicked Wise Women through donations to and fundraising for The Hope and Justice Project.
The Wicked Wise Women Gala Celebration
Presque Isle, October 17, 2026
A night of elegance, empowerment, and giving back.
Red carpet, portrait showcase, inspiring words, and community connection.
Supporting The Hope and Justice Project through donations and fundraising.
Celebrating and connecting with other Wicked Wise Women of Aroostook.
Why Join Wicked Wise Women?
Because women carry stories that shape families, communities, and culture—and those stories deserve to be seen and heard.
Because wisdom isn’t about age—it’s about experience, insight, and the courage to grow.
Because you’ve spent years showing up for others—and now it’s time to show up for yourself.
Because beauty isn’t defined by trends—it’s defined by authenticity, confidence, and how you choose to express it.
Because you deserve to be pampered this way!
Whether you’re bold, quiet, fierce, nurturing,
rebellious, or radiant—you belong here.
This is your chance to indulge in a glam or boudoir session, try out reiki and a tarot reading, be featured in a magazine that celebrates women’s wisdom, and be honored at a fancy gala.
All while supporting The Hope and Justice Project, a nonprofit helping women rebuild their lives.
As part of our fundraising efforts:
Participants are invited to bring a physical donation from the Hope and Justice Project’s wish list to their photo session. (See list below.)
We will hold a silent auction and other fundraising activities at the Gala Celebration.
Together, we’re creating beauty, connection, and meaningful change.
One portrait, one story, one act of courage and generosity at a time.
Limited Spots Available
This is a paid experience with limited availability.
Photo sessions will be booked throughout the year.
Four hundred and twenty-five dollars (and a small, physical donation) grants you access to the full Wicked Wise Women portrait experience—designed to make you feel seen, celebrated, and radiant.
Your portrait session includes professional hair and makeup, a personalized wardrobe consultation and styling session, access to the curated client closet, expert lighting and pose direction, and one professionally retouched, printed portrait of your choice.
Also included are a half hour reiki energy healing session with a Reiki Master Teacher, and a 3 card tarot reading designed for empowerment with an Astrologist & Psychic.
(optional)
Plus, you’ll receive admission for two to the unforgettable Gala Celebration at The Northeastland Hotel in Presque Isle, where your story and image will be honored among a community of bold, brilliant women while raising funds and awareness for the Hope and Justice Project.
Reserve your session today and step into the spotlight.
THIS IS YOUR MOMENT
What Can You DOnate from the Hope & Justice Project’s Wish List?
Non-perishable food
Gift cards for gasoline, groceries, and general merchandise
Gift cards for services
Diapers/Pull-ups – all sizes
Baby wipes
Backpacks and school supplies
Coloring books and crayons
Notebooks for notes and journaling
Underwear and socks (all sizes for both adults and children)
Personal hygiene items (deodorant, shampoo/conditioner, soap, etc.)
Memory sticks or flash drives.
Towels (bath and kitchen)
Blankets and sheets
Pillows and pillowcases
Sweatshirts and sweatpants – all sizes
Paper products (toilet paper, paper towels, tissues, etc.)
Silverware
Feminine hygiene products (tampons, pads, etc.)
Storage and garbage bags
Aluminum foil
Plastic wrap
Cleaning supplies
Laundry detergent
Dish soap and dishwasher detergent
Batteries – all types
Cooking supplies (spices, oils, sugar, flour, etc.)
Coffee and tea
Give the gift of empowerment
Looking for a meaningful gift that celebrates strength, beauty, and transformation?
Wicked Wise Women gift vouchers offer the opportunity to experience a powerful portrait session and be honored at the unforgettable Wicked Wise Women Gala on October 17, 2026.
Whether it’s for a friend, colleague, or loved one, this gift is more than a photo—it's a celebration of her story, her confidence, and her voice.
Each voucher includes:
A complimentary session fee for a portrait experience of her choosing
An invitation to participate in Wicked Wise Women & be featured and celebrated at the gala with a guest
The chance to support a worthy cause, with proceeds benefiting the Hope and Justice Project.
Give her the spotlight she deserves.
Because every woman is wicked wise—and worthy of being seen.
For more information, including how you can sponsor a domestic violence survivor to participate in Wicked Wise Women visit AroostookPortraits/com/WickedWiseWomen.
(Details are near the bottom of the page.)
Thumb Injury, Surgery & Staying Behind the Lens — A Wicked Wise Woman Moment
By Heather Mladek
Last Friday changed things — at least for a little while.
I ended up with a thumb injury that stopped me in my tracks. The diagnosis came fast, and so did the news: surgery is on the horizon. My dominant hand — the one that's held a camera for over 20 years — is going to need some time to heal.
And honestly? My first thought wasn't about the pain. It was about you. About the women waiting for their Wicked Wise Women sessions. About the shoots I have planned. About the work that lights me up every single day.
The Year I Turned 50
This is already a big year for me. I turned 50 — and I'll be honest, there's something about that number that makes you look at your life differently. More clearly. With more gratitude, more intention, and a whole lot less patience for playing small.
The last few days I've been thinking about what it means to truly be seen — not just the polished, camera-ready version, but the real, full, complicated, beautiful version. The one who might have a brace on her wrist, but still has the fire in her eyes.
Fifty looks like showing up anyway. And that's exactly what I'm doing.
The Wrist Brace I Didn't Plan On Wearing
There's something humbling about being the person behind the camera — the one who helps everyone else feel strong, beautiful, and seen — and suddenly finding yourself a little vulnerable. A little wobbly. A little human.
But here's what I know after 20+ years of doing this work: resilience isn't the absence of hard moments. It's what you do inside them.
So I ordered a vertical grip for my camera.
Adapting, Not Stopping
A vertical grip attaches to the base of the camera body and allows me to shoot in portrait orientation — the way I photograph most of my clients — using my left hand as the dominant grip. It's not how I learned. It's not how I've worked for two decades. But it works.
And you know what? There's something kind of beautiful about that.
I've spent years telling women in my studio that they are more capable than they believe. That the version of themselves they're afraid to show the world is often the most powerful one. That transformation doesn't always look the way you planned.
Apparently, the universe decided it was my turn to live that lesson — right here, in my 50th year.
What This Means for Sessions
I want to be fully transparent with you: I am still shooting. Sessions are still happening. The Wicked Wise Women project is still moving forward, full steam, toward our October gala benefiting the Hope and Justice Project.
I may be wearing a brace. I may be holding my camera a little differently. But my eye is the same. My heart is the same. And my commitment to making you feel like the most beautiful, powerful version of yourself — that hasn't changed one bit.
A Wicked Wise Woman Moment of My Own
I've been thinking a lot about doing my own Wicked Wise Women session. Turning 50 has a way of reminding you that you are worth celebrating too — not someday, not when things settle down, but now.
Because if this year has taught me anything, it's that we all need to be seen — even the woman behind the camera. Especially her.
There's something about sitting in that chair, letting someone else do your hair and makeup, wrapping yourself in something beautiful, and just being — that I think I need right now. A reminder that I, too, deserve to be celebrated. Not in spite of the hard season, but because of it.
Fifty, brace and all. I'm ready.
Thank You
To every client who has trusted me with their story — thank you. You are the reason I adapt. You are the reason I show up, brace and all.
And to anyone who's been on the fence about booking a session: let this be your sign. Life is short, unexpected, and wildly beautiful. You deserve to be photographed in it.
📍 Stockholm, Maine | By appointment only 📞 Book your free 15-minute consultation at heathermladek.com
Heather Mladek Photography LLC — Beauty, Boudoir & Branding Photography serving all of Aroostook County, Maine.
Is it Live? Or is it AI??
Remember the ad for cassette tapes comparing them to live music? Is it live - or is it a cassette tape? Suggesting that these cassette tapes were so good that you couldn’t tell the difference between music played live and music recorded and played back on a cassette tape. Not a CD, but a cassette tape.
Have you ever listened to a cassette tape? Ok, great. Sounds like music. You can sing along. You get to pick what music you listen to in the car. Cool. There’s a use for cassette tapes.
Now. Have you ever been to a concert and heard live music? Think about both experiences. Is there really any comparison? Especially when open your eyes for the full experience; lights, vibrations, and energy. Presence.
To me, that’s the difference between booking an in-person portrait session and using some AI tool to create images for you. Sure the AI tools are getting better and it’s an easy way to get your images quickly and cheaply. But they can’t give you the experience of partnering with a portrait artist to create a personalized portrait session that captures your vision and essence and elevates your confidence along with authentic images of you showing up in your business and in your life.
AI portrait of a smiling woman. It’s a good representation, but not a real person. Do you agree?
An AI creation that resembles a business portrait made using your favorite selfie works for some things. The AI tools can create images that look like you. Kinda. And they are definitely quick, easy, and cheap. AI certainly has its place helping to fill photo needs quickly and cheaply. (Ignoring the negative impacts on the environment and potentially society - I’m not discussing that here - no judgement for the end users from me).
But, whether or not they fix the problem with extra fingers appearing out of nowhere and the like, an AI portrait creation can never compare to the experience of being in front of the lens of a competent and experienced photographer who’s focus is on making you look and feel your absolute best.
There’s something about the authenticity of photos from a real portrait session experience that help you level up and see yourself in a new light.
Hi! I’m Heather, a real live photographer with over 20 years of portrait photography experience. What can we create together for you?
Business women and artists leave my studio with photos they LOVE to use to market their businesses and artwork, but also a readiness to show up in their marketing, a new confidence in their business or artistic identity.
Women who are nervous about their beauty session, are eagerly adding a boudoir outfit to their session by the end of that session, and sharing selfies on their social media profiles for the first time in their lives.
Something happens to a woman when they let go and allow themselves to be guided by me and begin to see themselves through my lens. It all starts with a conversation.
What in-real-life photo experience can I create for you?
Email or text to set up a consult call to chat with Heather about your photography needs.
I have Nothing To Wear!
No worries! I’ve got you covered. First, decide on the look (or looks) that suits you. Perhaps a classic denim style, a glamorous evening gown, or a more traditional elegant ensemble? Once you’ve identified the style(s) you want, I’ll help you style your portrait wardrobe to create images that you love.
We’ll talk colors, styles, clothing fit and more during the consult call where we custom design your photo session for you.
Your photo session is the perfect opportunity to wear that outfit that hangs in the back of your closet that you never get to wear. Even if it doesn’t quite fit - the camera can only show one side of you at a time! If your dress isn’t quite zipped up all the way or is clipped together in the back to take up the extra fabric, it won’t show in the portraits.
Besides buying new, you can borrow clothes from a friend or even rent a dress! (Ask me how.) If you are looking for a specific gown or style, let me know and we can work together to find it.
For your session, don’t forget to pack underwear that works with each outfit - along with jewelry, scarfs, hats, shoes, and belts. Along with any other accessories that you love or want to highlight - grandma’s brooch, perhaps?
You’ll also have access to the items in my client closet ranging from vintage dresses to lingerie, shoes, hats, jewelry, and other accessories for you to use.
This is a chance to play dress up again like when you were a girl!
This new black “infinity” dress, one size fits most, just came in and I cannot wait to play with all the different styles! (Stay tuned for pics!)
There are a few vintage dresses and fur items that belonged to my grandmother - who happened to own a dress shop right here in Caribou selling designer dresses she brought to Aroostook County from New York City herself starting in the 1950s! (That’s my grandmother’s Caribou shop and my aunt modeling a smart looking pantsuit for the advertisement.)
Grammy Bea taught me style and poise. Now, I may not always live up to her ideal - but I share her love of beauty and fashion as well as her entrepreneurial spirit. When I’m helping a client buckle on some high heels, I feel connected to her and to my childhood in a way that feeds my soul.
There are limited sizes available of these vintage dresses, but again, I can help you source something in a similar style. It all starts with a consultation.
If you’re thinking you might like to try some boudoir photos, I’ve got a few pieces of lingerie available for you to use. I can also help you find a source to purchase your own if you would like. But you may not even need them - a white sheet or an oversized button up shirt are simple sexy options and I’ve got both, along with some fun, sexy robes.
Never let a lack of wardrobe options keep you from booking a photo session with me! Even if you have absolutely NOTHING to wear - I’ve got you covered.
Schedule your consult call for more information.
Why choose heather mladek photography?
Portrait photography is about more than just capturing your image—it’s about revealing who you truly are.
For over 20 years, I have been honing my craft and developing my art. Photographing women in a way that is empowering, confidence-building, and deeply personal is rewarding to me in a profound way.
More Than a Photoshoot—It’s a Transformation.
Many of my clients walk away with more than just stunning portraits—they leave feeling stronger, more confident, and seeing themselves in a way they never expected. They tell me that their session wasn’t just about looking beautiful—it was about reconnecting with themselves.
Expertise That Elevates Your Experience
Starting with pre-session design consultations, client wardrobe, professional lighting equipment, expert posing, to luxury products from high-end printing labs, your session isn’t just another photoshoot—it’s a custom luxury experience tailored to YOU.
I make sure you feel at ease, pampered, and radiant and look your best.
Whether you’re celebrating a milestone, stepping into new confidence, or indulging in a glam or boudoir session, I make sure you feel at ease, pampered, and radiant and look your best.
Healing in process…
Through these images, I hoped to mark my resilience and rejuvenation, to see myself once more in the frame of my own life.
I took these unusual self-portraits during a time of healing and renewal—recovering from major abdominal surgery and yearning to feel human again, to reconnect with myself. Through these images, I hoped to mark my resilience and rejuvenation, to see myself once more in the frame of my own life.
Over the past two and a half years, I have revisited these portraits, each time struggling with the edits—never quite satisfied, never quite able to capture the essence of my vision. This time, I am determined to share them. They feel close to what I imagined, yet still fall just short.
In many ways, that imperfection mirrors my own healing process. I am facing new health challenges, and yet the emotions remain familiar—echoes of fear, pain, and uncertainty. Sharing these images now brings vulnerability and apprehension, but also a quiet resolve.
Life is rarely perfect, but it is often beautiful. Healing takes many forms and arrives in unexpected ways. What heals you?
Life is rarely perfect, but it is often beautiful.
Healing takes many forms and arrives in unexpected ways.
What heals you?
What’s a Folio Box?
A Folio Box
is my favorite product option to store and display your most loved portraits from your photo session.
When you select a package (available with 10, 15, or 25 images), you can choose between a beautiful album or a matted print collection housed in a Folio Box crafted in Italy.
Each Folio Box is handmade by skilled craftsmen and is enriched by high quality materials, such as authentic Italian leather or a beautiful linen fabric made from natural fibers. A variety of colors are available for your Folio Box and I’ll help you design your box to match your decor during your ordering session.
The Folio Box
transforms a simple collection of photos into a dynamic display, allowing you to change the featured image whenever you like!
You will love being able to store and display your photos in this stand alone Folio Box with the ability to change out the featured photo as often as you wish.
The Folio Box
features a transparent, anti-scratch, acrylic plexiglass window set within a rigid frame that matches the box's materials.
While an album is a wonderful choice for your favorite images from your photo session - my favorite package selection is the Folio Box for its elegance and versatility. With either choice, your package purchase includes the corresponding digital images.
Remember - you only purchase what you love. Client investments vary, from $400 to $4000, allowing you to choose what best suits your needs. The $350 session fee (for first-time clients) is partially applied towards your product purchase. Folio Boxes begin at $1250. If something for your wall is more your style, we offer various options of wall art, which I'll highlight in a future post. Currently, prints start at $175 for an 8x10.
Interested in learning more? Book a complimentary consult call now for more information.