The Icon Within
A Timeless Exploration of Self
The Art of Being Seen
You’ve spent a lifetime becoming who you are today.
You’ve lived, loved, triumphed, grieved, laughed, and grown into a presence that is both radiant and unforgettable.
Now, it is time to capture that truth — not just for yourself, but as a legacy for those who will one day look upon your portrait and see who you truly are.
More Than a Portrait
A Fine Art Experience
The Icon Within is beyond a traditional photoshoot.
It is a curated, black-and-white editorial portrait experience designed to reveal the full spectrum of your humanity.
Through a guided conversation of 25 evocative questions, I will capture your expressions as they unfold naturally — joy, vulnerability, pride, tenderness, strength, and everything in between.
The result is a body of work that transcends “what you look like” to these portraits speak to the icon you already are.
Timeless, Elegant, and Unforgettable.
Graciela Laurent Photography is Western North Carolina’s only private, forested destination studio where award-winning portraiture meets bespoke retreat experiences—offering clients unparalleled privacy, luxury, and soulful transformation.
For Those Who Are Ready to Be Seen
This experience is designed for those who:
Value art and wish to celebrate themselves as living works of art.
Desire to leave a lasting memory for family and future generations.
Appreciate the intimacy of authenticity over perfection.
Are ready to honor not just their beauty, but their truth.
A Private Destination Studio
Nestled within a secluded four-acre forested sanctuary in the mountains of Western North Carolina, my studio is a space of privacy, luxury, and soulful discovery. Clients travel from across the country to step into this retreat-like haven — where time slows, and space is created for you to simply be.
About Graciela
As a soul-led guide and visual storyteller, Graciela doesn’t just capture images — she facilitates emotional metamorphosis. With 15+ years of award-winning photography and a sacred space designed for healing and radiance, she is a trusted expert in the art of becoming visible — both emotionally and visually.
The Legacy You Leave Behind
Your portraits from The Icon Within are not just photographs. They are heirlooms — intimate works of fine art that carry your essence forward.
They become touchstones of memory, reflections of love, and timeless reminders of your strength and humanity.
Your Story Told Your Way
“I choose to do a boudoir shoot because I wanted to reconnect with who I am as a woman and it was an absolutely amazing experience but honestly I was really, really nervous in the beginning since I’ve never done this before.”
“I had this preconceived idea that boudoir was you go and take your clothes off in front of a stranger and wear crazy lingerie, it wasn’t what I wanted.
But one of the greatest things about Graciela she takes so much time to connect with you as a person and what I envisioned… It resonated with who I am and with the image I wanted to convey and connect with… It was absolutely phenomenal.
I didn’t take off all my clothes but it was a very sexy, intimate experience and it blew my mind. I was able to connect with a part of me that I kind of knew was there but was buried and she brought it out - SHINING, the end result blew me away and every time I look at these pictures I tap back into that power I have within.”
— Allison
“She knew exactly the perfect angles, the perfect light… perfect everything. In the end when she showed me the pictures… I was floored. In my mind, I never thought I looked that way, and looking at those pictures, it was very emotional.”
“I wanted to experience something that was out of my comfort zone... My hesitations at first were obviously that, “how could I portray a boudoir shot without showing so much and feeling unconfident?”
I have a lot of body issues and I know a lot of women have a lot of body issues that they deal with… But just going through the process with Graciela and really pinpointing what I wanted and what I didn’t, brought a lot to the table.
She was willing to work with me and wanted to tell MY story about what made me who I am, I am a military woman, I am a mother, and I love Disney… The end result was unimaginable… The whole experience was incredible.”
— Natalie
“She takes a picture of who you are.”
“I've always been one of those people that hated having my picture taken. It's unbelievable to me, the images that she captures. And one of the things that she always says is she doesn't take a picture of what you look like. She takes a picture of who you are.
One of the pictures that Graciela took for me is this picture that I have right here. And I would say, when I'm struggling, when things are tough, I look at that picture to remind me of who I really am and how powerful I am and that I am capable of anything.
That's how a session with Graciela makes you feel, that you can conquer the world and you can do anything.”
— Julietta
“So it's not just about pictures. It's about discovering yourself.”
“I chose to do a boudoir session with Graciela to get vulnerable with myself and to learn a lot from myself and from the session.
You know, we all think that we're not enough, and that's what I thought, that my body is not good enough.
I chose Graciela because Graciela brings that extra energy that makes you feel comfortable, that create not just good pictures, but an awesome experience in which you can look back, feel the love.
So it's not just about pictures. It's about discovering yourself. And I highly encourage everybody to do that, and to do that with Graciela. Because you deserve that.”
— Ivan
“I was at that stage in my life where I needed to bring out that sexiness in myself… She more than did that for me!”
“You have an image of yourself, and you don’t think you can dream to be THAT sexy… What Graciela does is she makes you feel SO comfortable, she dreams with you! When those pictures came out, I was like… Is that me? They were so sexy!
I was at that stage in my life where I needed to bring out that sexiness in myself, bring back the sexiness. She more than did that for me, so get off the couch! Give her a call! She’s an AMAZING person to work with. She brought out my queendom.
Thank you Graciela! I will love my pictures for the rest of my life!”
— Colleen
“Any hesitations I had going in were squashed before I even got in front of the camera.”
“I didn’t see people like myself represented in boudoir, so I went into this trusting Graciela’s professionalism, skills, and creative process.
So I had no expectations going in. Graciela and I talked at length about what things seemed too feminine and what seemed more comfortable for me, and there were NO hesitations for me when it came to the day of the shoot because Graciela answered all my questions and more importantly was willing to listen...
I now have some amazing, amazing photographs of myself that I never in a million years would have dreamed that I would have taken, and I could have never done that without Graciela.”
— Gabby
Begin Your Journey
This is more than photography. This is The Art of Being Seen.
Are you ready to explore The Icon Within?
“When I think back to the session, this slight wave of confidence comes over me... It’s pretty powerful”
— Mrs. L
“Graciela’s incredible talent is obvious when you see her work. That she gives self-confidence to her clients makes the entire process priceless.”
— Mrs. C
“Graciela is a fantastic photographer. She made me feel so comfortable and empowered and the pictures came out amazing. Truly a gem!”
— Mrs. V
What Clients Are Saying!
“She was very open, affirming and accepting. I felt loved and I never felt judged.”
“I like that Graciela made me feel comfortable. Graciela is obviously comfortable working with large and lovely women and transgender women.
She’s also clearly comfortable working with heterosexual straight cis gendered men like my husband. We had a lot of fun and enjoyed shooting together.”
— Misty A.
“Growing up I suffered from years of self-esteem issues. This shoot solidified everything that I am. And my inner child is healed!”
“Our Boudoir shoot with Graciela Valdes was nothing short of AMAZING! The experience was professional, fun, healing, and EVERYTHING we imagined it would be.
Graciela goes above and beyond to ensure her clients get all the tools we need from the initial consultation to the picking of the perfect photo package! Our shoot coincided with our anniversary and it is a memory we can share for many years.
If you are looking for a photographer with vision, professionalism, commitment, and excellence,
LOOK NO FURTHER!
Thank you, Graciela!”
-ShaRhonda G
“From the moment you reach out to her, to the day you receive her album, she will be your biggest fan!”
“I couldn’t write enough to express how grateful I am to have met and been a client of Graciela Valdes. She was extremely professional, talented and genuinely caring. Her exceptional eye for photography is so evident in her work and the photos that I received.
She took my Pinterest board and brought it to life with so much depth! I was so floored with my photos it made me emotional. She wants to make you feel and look your best and I think that’s so important when choosing a photographer. Thank you so much again for everything. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Graciela!!”
— Ms. C
“The Boudoir Experience was amazing! I expected to be pampered and the center of the session, but my expectations were thoroughly exceeded!”
“I vetted many photographers and chose Graciela because:
1. Her work is exquisite, as her images capture her clients’ natural beauty. 2. Her customer reviews are compelling, expressing that her clients love working with her, are free to be themselves, and love her finished products. 3. Her boudoir photo shoot offering would allow me to express my authentic level of sexiness, which is more mind/attitude-centric.
Every interaction thereafter up to the “logistics” zoom call was top-notch, and the call ended with me being quite relaxed and open-minded to the shoot.
I’m telling you if you’re considering a Boudoir Photo Shoot, I highly recommend the team at Graciela [Laurent] Photography!”
-Deborah M
“Having a boudoir shoot really made me think about how I feel and how I want to see myself.”
“When I booked the shoot, I was really excited as this would be my first time being photographed for myself.
Having a boudoir shoot really made me think about how I feel and how I want to see myself. Graciela was able to go at my pace and make me feel comfortable the whole time. She’s a great help for first-timers.”
— Freya R.
“The afternoon was a blur but what I know with complete certainty is that I felt invincible. I didn't even need liquid courage. It was joyful to my core. I couldn't stop smiling. Gracie made me feel beautiful.”
Gracie sent me loads of fabulous info, about styling, ideas, and thoughts about a Pinterest board. When I arrived at Gracie's studio, it was heavenly. The amazing Scharon did my makeup just enough for me. And then I got to watch Gracie's genius at work. She planned out each part of my shoot based on the outfits I brought. The studio transformed into 5 different vignettes, each with its own personality.
Fast forward to my reveal. Does everyone cry? No seriously. I need to know. I was stunned. It was me. But Gracie performed absolute magic. And my husband? He couldn't believe it. He said, "You can see in your face how happy you were that day." Which is funny as I didn't think he would notice I had a face in them.
If you are on the fence about treating yourself to this experience, I beg you to jump off and start trying on lingerie. I promise you will not regret it. Whatever you are hoping for, Gracie will ensure that you find it.
-Christy K
Get in touch.
Fill out the form below! I’ll be in touch via phone, email, or text with pricing & other session details!
Not a fan of forms?
I’ll tell you exactly what you need to know.
Email me at: graciela@gracielalaurent.com
Call me at: (828)998-3988
Visit me in: Murphy, NC
Our private, By-Appointment-Only studio is situated on 4 wooded acres just a few minutes from Downtown Murphy, North Carolina. We are also available for on-location portraiture photography in the Western North Carolina and Northern Georgia regions as well as travel to destinations beyond. From anywhere in the world, fly into Atlanta (ATL), a major international hub, then take a scenic 2 hour drive across Georgia and North Carolina’s gorgeous countryside!
You don’t need to be “ready.”
You don’t need to have it all figured out.
All you need is a whisper of yes.
I’ll take care of the rest.
About Graciela
I’m Graciela — soulful visual storyteller, intuitive space holder, and celebrator of women reclaiming their worth.
For over 15 years, I’ve guided women through transformational portrait journeys that begin with fear and end in fierce self-love.
I don’t just take pictures.
I see you.
Whether you’re stepping into your power for the first time or remembering what’s always been there — this experience is for you.
“Graciela truly listens to her clients!” - Amanda
“She creates a very personal experience that makes you feel so special!” - MD
Testimonials
“My absolute favorite part, was the reveal of my proofs with Graciela… We both cried.”
“I loved doing the shoot, I was in the zone and Graciela really made me feel so comfortable. I have never been so blown away in my life. She brought my vision to life with my shoot. I will cherish this forever.””
— C.B.
“She has an amazing, positive energy which is infectious when you're working with her.”
“She makes you feel relaxed when you are nervous and knows all the right things to say so you can be comfortable - therefore she can get that most authentic, perfect shot of you.”
— A.G.
“The studio atmosphere was peaceful and the setup was amazing. It made me feel at my best when I posed for the shoot.”
“Graciela is one of the best Photographers I've encountered. The photos were outstanding and she handled with the spirit of excellence. The makeup artist did an outstanding job as well. She was amazing. My face was flawless. Everything was very professional and worth it every minute.”
— L.W.
“A celebration of strength, power, beauty, and confidence! This session changed my life!”
It is, Graciela, as you say, a celebration of femininity. I feel it every day! Meeting women like you and those you touch is so inspiring! Makes the indefatigable part of us keep going!
— Mrs. A
“You don’t have to look a certain way and it doesn’t have to be perfect. Just be yourself.”
“I loved that the portraits were classy with a little bit of sexy at the same time. I even did a little bit of nudity! I would 100% recommend this experience to anyone! It’s all about having fun and being yourself.”
— Mrs. L
“I now have a set of pictures I am proud to display and that will always remind me of what a positive and professional experience I had.”
It was evident that the experience would be transformational. Any insecurities I had about my physical appearance were put at ease. She and her team made me feel beautiful. We laughed and even came to tears at times as we shared stories, that clearly informed her in getting to know you better to help bring out your best in front of the camera.”
— C.F.C.
North Carolina portrait boudoir and branding photography studio. Graciela is a published, award-winning, and professionally certified portrait photographer.
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