Awkward ’80s & ’90s Portrait Sessions

The poses are awkward. The memories are priceless.
A boy in glasses and blue shirt high-fives a smiling man in a plaid shirt against a dark studio backdrop.

Remember those classic department store portraits? The matching outfits, dramatic poses, serious expressions, and unforgettable floating heads?


They're back—and they're just as wonderfully awkward as you remember.


At Sarah Bracci Photographics in Bonsall, California, we're bringing back the nostalgia with a fun, professionally photographed retro portrait experience.


Whether you're celebrating a friendship, surprising your parents, photographing your siblings, or simply looking for a hilarious date-night idea, this is your chance to embrace the awkward.

Your Retro Portrait Experience


$500 | 30-Minute Studio Session


Your session includes:

A professionally guided studio portrait experience

Classic retro posing and studio lighting

10 fully retouched digital images

An online gallery for image selection

Personal styling guidance before your session


Additional digital images, prints, and specialty Photoshop composites are available separately.

Family portrait of two adults and two children in white tops and jeans, stacked playfully on a white studio floor.
Five smiling women in white tops and blue jeans pose in a playful pile, lying stacked on one another against a plain white studio backdrop.
Three women in black outfits pose closely together against a dark studio backdrop in a moody, dramatic group portrait.

Bring Back the Awkward


Think matching denim, turtlenecks, oversized sweaters, crossed arms, hands on shoulders, and those perfectly uncomfortable poses that made department store photography iconic.


We'll guide you through the classic poses while capturing authentic expressions and plenty of laughs.


Want that iconic floating-head portrait? Ask about our optional retro composite artwork.

What Should You Wear?


The more nostalgic, the better!


Think matching denim, khakis, tucked-in polos, coordinating sweaters, turtlenecks, big hair, and bold patterns.


You can go full vintage or simply coordinate your outfits for that unmistakable retro portrait look.

 

Questions & Answers

01.

Do we need to know how to pose?

Not at all! We'll guide you through the classic awkward poses from start to finish.

02.

Can we bring our own outfits and props?

Absolutely! Coordinating outfits and nostalgic accessories are encouraged.

03.

Can you create the floating-head portraits?

Yes! Specialty composite portraits can be created with additional Photoshop editing and are available as an upgrade.

04.

Where are the sessions photographed?

All sessions take place at our professional portrait studio in Bonsall, California, conveniently located for families throughout Fallbrook, Vista, Oceanside, and North County San Diego.

Who's Ready to Get Awkward?


Perfect for couples, siblings, best friends, parents and their grown children, or anyone with a sense of humor.


Whether you're recreating an old family portrait or making brand-new memories, these photos are guaranteed to be conversation starters.

Ready to Make Some Awkward Memories?


Grab your favorite person, dig out those matching sweaters, and get ready for a portrait experience that's equal parts nostalgia and laughter.