Hi Jen, I appreciate your detailed comment. The chilly sales pitch at the start was a turn-off. And while I did explain I couldn't afford to pay XX dollars for pay for XX package, I think she was trying to do her job to promote her work and earn money a living, of course.

However, during the session, we broke the ice when I made that funny comment, and by the time we sat down to look at the photos, she was much warmer and I no longer felt intimidated.

To be fair, part of how the meeting progressed could be me projecting my own insecurities about spending money on lavish things, and about how beautiful I thought she was in comparison. I was also having a bit of an "off day" that morning.
I did enjoy the thrill of the experience, when I eventually summoned my inner confidence during the photo shoot.
At the end of the day, the photographer did an excellent job with the photos, and she was professional. We started laughing and chatting while we were looking through the photos and I felt good about my purchase. I wonder if she thought she “needed” to appear cool and standoffish at the start to make a sales pitch. I think if she was more easy-going at the start, it would’ve changed the experience. But that’s just my opinion.
However, what you said, I totally agree with... about making the person feel comfortable in their own skin BEFORE the shoot.
I imagine you're a brilliant photographer and I'm happy to hear you make sure your clients are at ease throughout. Thanks for your honesty, and for reading my story.