Document your memories of the person who deserves it the most — you.

a young man with short cropped hair and glasses, wearing a white shirt, is turned sideways to look at the camera with a progress pride flag tipped over the shoulder furthest from the camera. Behind him, slightly out of focus, is a group of people walking away.

a white cat under branches of a white christmas tree with white lights on it, his nose booping one off the lights.

A couple leaning against a railing with water in the background. The woman has bright pink hair, has her hands out in front of her like claws with palms up, and is making a face. Her boyfriend is behind her and has black hair and a black beard, and has his hands in claws on either side of her head, smiling at her.

man wearing a baseball cap with rainbow stripes across the front, with glasses and a beard. He's wearing a white collared, button-down shirt with suspenders, and is set against an out of focus background of trees and foliage with a pat leading off to the left of the image.

A black and white image of a woman leaning forward in front of a christmas tree, her hair lit from the back by the lights.

Portrait Photography That Centers on You, Exactly as You Are

Serving Sacramento and the surrounding areas, Valerie Fairbourn Photography is a queer Sacramento portrait photographer who captures people as they really are – present, fully themselves, and deserving to be seen.

I create portraits that bring you to the surface, holding space for connection and quiet magic – whether it’s just you, your families-whatever form they take-or the companions who walk through life with you (furry or otherwise!), giving the unconditional love and support that's in short supply in a world gone mad.

A black cat laying across the top of a grey cat tree with a blue wall behind her.

For the queer folx who want to be who they are

This isn’t about how you look or how you're perceived, it’s about who you are – that’s what makes a photograph shine. How others see you isn’t how you experience yourself. Here, who you are gets to be center stage.

For the marginalized who deserve to be seen

You deserve to be seen, and you deserved to exist. Full stop. Give yourself the gift of hard evidence that your presence in the world is not only acceptable, but vital and necessary. This is your turn to take up space.

For people who want to celebrate their allies

Human or not, those beings who offer unconditional love are a part of your story. You don’t have to be photographed alone – bring your partner(s), your friends, your family – or your furbabies. You deserve it – and so do they.

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Meet Your Queer Sacramento Portrait Photographer

Portraits for people who want the truth, not projection.

If you’ve never quite recognized yourself in photos, you’re not alone. My work is for people who’ve found being photographed uncomfortable or subtly (or not so subtly) demeaning – and want something that brings them home instead.

This isn’t about fixing how you show up.

I observe, take my time, and give each moment the time it needs to breathe, so that you can show up in a way that honors the truth of your existence – whether you’re stepping in alone, or with the people and companions who matter most.

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© Valerie Fairbourn Photography 2025-2026. All rights reserved. No part of this website or its contents may be reproduced, copied, modified, or adapted, without prior written consent from Valerie Fairbourn.