For over 25 years, I have explored and created art using the human figure as a medium in its own right. I use it as a mirror, a way to ask questions and tell stories. Over the past five years, I have opened my creative process to commissioned photo shoots, inviting others to step into that world with me.

These are collaborative sessions where you become both muse and subject, actively involved in shaping the work. I have worked with people who simply love my art and wanted to experience the process from within; collectors who wished not only to own the work but to be part of creating it; women and men who express themselves through dance or yoga; and those marking a milestone, navigating grief, or arriving at a new understanding of themselves.

Human experiences and creative impulses take form and are translated into something lasting. When you participate in the making of the work, it carries your presence and your story in a deeper way. Through these commissioned sessions, I invite you into my creative universe so we can create something meaningful and enduring together.

A safe space to make uniquely personal art

What is a private art photography commission?

An Individualized, immersive art photography shoot designed to take you on a journey of inner exploration. This unique experience will offer you a new, creative way of working with your body to create powerful art pieces.

Marius Budu, a fine art photographer with over 25 years of experience will be your guide. Together, you will craft a concept that you will explore while he provides the guidance and support needed to ensure that you get the most out of your journey.

During this process, you become an empowered muse. Creation is an active, driven, and passionate journey which you will embark on, using your body and mind in tandem for the purpose of creative expression and a celebration of your true self through art. This will allow your unique self to be expressed in a powerful way as truly one-of-a-kind art pieces.

What is the process?

We start off by having a discussion about what you want to capture in the images as that is a major aspect of the concept-building stage. We discuss the creative approach, choose a visual style and build a narrative to work towards. All of the details about preparation, the shoot and what to expect are discussed as well.

During the photo shoot, we explore the visual concept we decided upon in a relaxed, stress-free and creative space that fuels our creativity.

Within a week after the shoot, you will receive samples of the best images from our session and together we spend some time to decide on the best selection that you wish to have retouched and processed.

The last step is to create a beautiful ebook, a printed hardcover album, and fine art prints to commemorate your experience and showcase the unique art pieces we created in your home.

Your own work on your own walls

How long does it take?

From our initial meeting to delivering the final images, album and framed prints, a lot of work and care goes into ensuring that you have a wonderful time creating something that you love and that everything you receive to commemorate that experience is of the highest quality. As such, about eight to ten weeks are needed to complete the process.

Will the images be published?

The work remains private unless you choose otherwise. You can decide how, or whether it is shared, and privacy preferences are always discussed in our initial meeting.

The Investment

Packages begin at €9,500 and are designed to include a fully immersive photo session, expertly retouched images, and museum-quality fine art prints that last a lifetime. I take only a limited number of commissions (6 to 8) each year to ensure every session receives my full attention.

Each commission is intended not just to produce images, but to capture the essence of your presence and transform it into lasting, meaningful art. The investment reflects the time, skill, and artistry devoted to every stage, from concept to finished work.

Below are three examples of packages to serve as a starting point for your own bespoke experience:

 

Option 1

• Half day photo shoot
• 10 retouched and processed images
• Hardcover photo album (30x30cm) + E-Book
• Framed Fine Art Master Print (47x70cm)

Starting from €9,500

Option 2

• Full day photo shoot
• 20 retouched and processed images
• Hardcover photo album (30x30cm) + E-Book
• Framed Fine Art Master Print (47x70cm)

Starting from €12,500

Option 3

• Full day photo shoot
• 40 retouched and processed images
• Hardcover photo album (30x30cm) + E-Book
• 2 Framed Fine Art Master Prints (80x120cm and 47x70cm)

Starting from €19,500

Payment Structure

A 50% deposit is required to secure your booking, with the remaining balance due 30 days before the shoot. Payments can be made via bank transfer or PayPal, and can be split into installments if needed. This ensures your experience is fully reserved and all preparations are carefully arranged.


Rescheduling & Cancellation

I understand that plans can change. If you need to reschedule, we will work together to find a new date that preserves the integrity of your session. Deposits are partially refundable: cancellations made 30+ days in advance receive 50% of the deposit back, while cancellations within 30 days retain the deposit but refund the remaining payment. The experience can also be gifted to someone else with prior arrangement.

Additional Albums & Prints

Additional albums and prints let you share or revisit the experience again and again, preserving the work as a lasting part of your life.

Additional albums and fine art prints can be obtained either before or after the photo session.

• Additional copies of the hardcover photo album – €750 (each)

• Framed fine art master prints:

120x80cm – €4,000
47x70cm – €2,500
30x45cm – €1,500

* For international clients, there are additional shipping and package insurance costs that are determined on an individual basis.
** Print sizes can be adjusted as per your requirements

Frequently Asked Questions

These questions address common curiosities and concerns, giving you clarity and confidence as you consider a personal commission.

I'm not entirely sure what I want to explore in a shoot. Is that okay?

Absolutely. Many commissions start with a feeling, a curiosity, or just a sense of wanting to explore. You do not need a fully formed idea. The session is a collaborative process where we shape the concept together. We can also craft a session by drawing inspiration from previous projects of mine that appeal to you.

What if I feel nervous or self-conscious in front of the camera?

I guide you throughout the session to help you feel comfortable, present, and confident. The focus is on creating a safe space where you can relax and fully engage in the creative process. Most people I work with very quickly get into the flow of the session and forget about everything else.

I’m not sure I have a story to tell. Can I still book a session?

Commissions do not require a personal narrative. Some of my most powerful projects were born out of the process. The session can be about presence, exploration, or celebrating a moment in your life. Together, we create meaning through the creative experience.

Do I need to be in perfect shape or fit a certain body type?

Not necessarily. The session celebrates who you are in this moment. Every body, every form, and every expression has value and can be captured with beauty and intention. It is helpful if you are in a reasonable physical shape from a practical point of view however, as that allows for more mobility and physical expression during the shoot.

What if I have never done a professional photo shoot before?

This is a common concern, but no experience is necessary. The session is guided and designed to help you feel confident and comfortable while creating images that are personal, expressive, and high-quality.

What if I’m not photogenic or worried I won’t look good?

The session is about capturing your presence and essence, not a manufactured ideal. Lighting, composition, and careful guidance ensure that the images reflect you authentically and beautifully. My art often focuses on abstraction of the body and bringing details into focus, so the typical concerns about being photogenic do not really apply.

Can the shoot reflect a very personal or emotional chapter in my life?

Yes. Many commissions focus on significant life moments, transformation, or introspection. The session is an opportunity to engage with your story and transform it into meaningful art. This approach is often very powerful and cathartic.

Can I book a session for a special occasion, milestone, or transformation?

Absolutely. Commissions often mark turning points, celebrations, or personal growth. The session can be tailored to honor any meaningful moment in your life.

How do you help clients feel comfortable exploring personal themes?

The session is designed as a collaborative and guided experience. I provide direction, support, and a space for presence and exploration. Clients are encouraged to move at their own pace, ensuring the process feels safe and inspiring. We check in once in a while to ensure you are comfortable and enjoying the process throughout the shoot.

What if I am not comfortable with nudity?

Nudity is not the focus of the work by any means – rather the raw, beautiful, unapologetic purity that nudity implies becomes a conduit for creativity. If you are not comfortable with that aspect, this type of commission may not be the right fit for you. It is important that you feel fully aligned with the process, and there are many talented photographers whose work may resonate more closely with your preferences.

How much guidance will you provide during the shoot?

I provide clear direction throughout the session to help you feel confident, relaxed, and engaged. The goal is a collaborative, guided process where you can focus on presence and expression.

Will I be guided in posing?

I guide you throughout the session and provide visual references for each pose. Each concept has its own style, and while I bring references to get us started, the process also allows for improvisation, creating a natural flow and energy during the shoot.

Will I have input on the final selection of images?

Of course. Your input is an important part of the process. After shoot, I make a first pass selection of the best images and we review them together to select the ones that resonate most. This ensures the final collection reflects your vision and the story you want to tell.

How private will my images be? Can I control who sees them?

All work remains private unless you choose otherwise. You have complete control over whether, when, and how images are shared. This ensures your session feels safe, personal, and fully under your control, whether you want to keep it private or share it selectively.

Can I bring someone with me for support or collaboration?

Most clients find the session works best as a private experience, allowing them to fully immerse in the creative process. You will have guidance and support from me, and if needed, I can bring an assistant to help with practical aspects without interrupting the flow. This keeps the focus on you and the work.
If you wish to have another person be an active part of the photo session, that can certainly be arranged.

How long will the process take, from start to finished images?

Typical sessions are designed to unfold over a full day, and final images are delivered in approximately 8 to 10 weeks. This time frame ensures careful attention to every stage, from concept to image selection, retouching, designing an album and fine art printing.

Are the images retouched, and to what extent?

All images are carefully retouched to enhance quality while preserving authenticity. The goal is to present your presence in a way that feels natural, expressive, and timeless.

Will I receive physical prints, digital images, or both?

Packages normally include high-resolution digital images, bespoke image albums and museum-quality fine art prints. Additional prints or albums can be requested to extend the experience.

What if my schedule doesn’t align with your availability?

I take a limited number of commissions each year to ensure focus and quality. This means that my calendar is flexible. We work together to find a date that fits both your schedule and the immersive nature of the session.

How do I know if the investment is worth it?

Each commission is designed as a full-day, immersive experience that produces expertly crafted images and fine art prints. The value lies in the time, skill, and artistry invested to create something timeless and meaningful.

What is the payment structure? Do you offer payment plans?

A 50% deposit is required to secure your booking, with the remaining balance due 30 days before the session. Payments can be made via bank transfer or PayPal, and can be split into installments if needed. This ensures your experience is fully reserved and all preparations are carefully arranged.

What if I change my mind after booking or need to cancel?

I understand that plans can change. If you need to reschedule, we will work together to find a new date that preserves the integrity of your session. Deposits are partially refundable: cancellations made 30+ days in advance receive 50% of the deposit back, while cancellations within 30 days retain the deposit but refund the remaining payment. Sessions can also be gifted to someone else with prior arrangement.

What makes your approach different from a traditional photographer?

An artistic photo shoot focuses on the process of creating something together rather than just having your picture taken. Every session is a collaborative, immersive, and often transformational experience. The focus is on presence, exploration, and the creative process, producing images that capture essence and artistic expression rather than just appearances.

Testimonials

Here are some reflections from personal commission clients. Their words capture the emotional and transformative nature of the sessions, and the ways the work continues to resonate long after the shoot.

“Marius shoots real people, for real art. I think his greatest strength was making me, as his subject feel completely comfortable and really good about being myself. He always made me feel truly beautiful, and empowered. I felt valued and unique when I worked with him, which for me, is a rare feeling. The shoot was incredibly fun and his knowledge of composition and his willingness to experiment with odd angles made for some absolutely stunning images, and a gorgeous art book.”

– Erin S.

“We first saw Marius’ art exhibited in France during our holiday in Arles and fell in love with his vision. My husband immediately bought a print of one of his pieces for his office and we kept in touch afterwards. The more of his work I saw the more I dreamed of having some abstract nudes of myself taken so one day I called him and asked if this is something he would consider. I was overjoyed to hear that this is in fact something he does often. He flew out here (Norway) and we spent an incredible day creating art. Everything was effortless, I felt at ease as Marius and I explored the idea we agreed on and I could feel myself burst with joy when he would show me images as we were shooting. I never thought the photos would turn out so amazing since I had never modeled before and didn’t really know what to expect. Luckily, with Marius’ guidance, everything worked like a dream. This is one of the best experiences I have ever had. Marius is a uniquely talented individual, extremely professional, patient and caring. I very highly recommend working with him.”

– Linnea S.

“I gifted my wife a photo session with Marius and I could not be happier with the decision. I met Marius at a gallery opening and we got to chatting. As we had met before, he asked how my wife was doing and I mentioned that our anniversary was coming up and I was still trying to find the perfect present for her. She practices Yoga and we both love nude photography so it seemed like a great fit. When she got home from the studio after her shoot, she was glowing and told me everything in great detail. She was over the moon when she received the images. The prints now hang on our living room wall and she shows the book to everyone when they visit. The answer to “What do you get someone who has it all is: a photo shoot with Marius Budu.”

– Christian J.

Step Into the Process

A personal commission can begin anywhere. It might mark a turning point in your life, a desire to celebrate your body, or the need to process change, loss, or growth through art. Whatever brings you here, we take the time to slow down, immerse ourselves in the creative process, and shape something honest and meaningful. If you are simply curious or already feel ready to create, reach out and let’s begin.

Please use the contact form or email me at info@mariusbudu.com. You are welcome to share a few thoughts about what you would like to explore, and include your phone number if you prefer to be contacted that way.

Once you reach out, I’ll personally respond within a few days to discuss your vision, availability, and next steps. Sessions are scheduled well in advance to ensure each one receives the time and attention it deserves.