Why Surprise Headshots Were the Hit of This Founder Event
Maryland Headshot Photographer
Last Friday was such a fun day.
I recently got to partner with Rachel of Rachel Organizes for the first-ever Founders Reset, a gathering of 16 female entrepreneurs who came together to step away from the day-to-day chaos of business ownership, connect, reset, and think a little bigger about what’s ahead.
And Rachel had a surprise planned, which was…US!
Valerie Hammer Makeup Artistry and I showed up to offer mini makeup touch-ups and fresh professional headshots, and the attendees had absolutely no idea.
As a Maryland headshot photographer, I talk to so many business owners who know they need updated photos, but keep putting it off because life is busy, business is busy, and being in front of a camera doesn’t exactly top everyone’s list of fun activities.
But this was the perfect opportunity, to “why not??”
People got to sit down, get a little pampered, laugh with Val, hop in front of my camera for a quick session (and yes, with a fan), and walk away with photos they could immediately use for their businesses.
And the energy around it was just so good.
Why This Worked So Well
One thing I hear all the time is, “I really need new headshots.” usually followed by, “I just haven’t gotten around to it.” And I get it.
As small business owners, we’re often the last thing on our own priority list. Client work comes first. Family comes first. The endless admin list comes first. Updating your own photos somehow keeps getting pushed to “eventually.”
So building this right into an event where these women were already intentionally taking time for themselves? Such a smart idea.
And nothing felt intimidating- this wasn’t a giant formal setup or a long drawn-out photo session. We kept things simple with Rachel’s beautiful home as the backdrop, a little fan for movement, and a vibe that felt polished but approachable.
So no stiff poses, no weird pressure, and just easy, professional photos that still felt like them.
Why Val Was the Perfect Partner
If you’ve ever sat in Val’s chair, you know that she has the amazing ability to make you look like the absolute best version of yourself without making you look overdone or unlike yourself. She knows what works on camera, works quickly, and somehow makes the whole process feel like chatting with a friend.
That is so important, especially right before you’re jumping in front of the camera which can feel somewhat intimidating. But knowing you look like the best version of you? Icing on the cake.
Val helped everyone feel polished, confident, and photo-ready, and then I got to capture that energy.
The Best Part? It Was Actually Useful.
A lot of event perks are fun in the moment, but this was something attendees could immediately take back into their businesses.
New LinkedIn profile? Done.
Website about page? Done.
Speaker bio? Social media? Podcast feature? Press opportunity? Email signature?
Done.
That’s what makes something like this such a smart event addition. It feels like a treat, but it’s also genuinely useful. (and if you want 25+ ways to use those photos…I have you covered)
One attendee shared:
The combination of thoughtful content, the fantastic glam session, and the photo shoot truly gave me the reset I needed and set a positive, productive tone for what's ahead.
I absolutely love how the photos turned out. I'm beyond excited to start using them!
Who This Would Be Great For
As we went through the day, I could see a similar setup being incredibly useful for so many different groups.
If you’re planning something for:
women’s business groups
networking communities
masterminds
small business retreats
coworking spaces
VIP client events
leadership teams
corporate appreciation events
conference breakout experiences
…this is such a fun add-on.
It gives attendees something they’ll actually use instead of something that gets tossed in a swag bag and forgotten.
And as a bonus? One attendee already reached out about booking something of her own, which tells me the concept definitely resonated.
Thinking About Something Similar?
If you’re planning an event and want to create something that feels thoughtful, elevated, useful, (and really fun) we’re all ears!
Val and I would love to bring a mini makeup + headshot experience to your next event.
Whether it’s a founder gathering, VIP client event, networking group, or team experience, this was proof that even a quick 15-minute session can leave people feeling amazing.
Ginny Filer is a Silver Spring photographer creating thoughtful, connection-driven portraits for families, individuals, and personal brands throughout Maryland, Washington DC, and Northern Virginia. While many know her for relaxed outdoor family sessions, her studio work offers a different kind of experience. More intentional, more intimate, and designed to focus fully on the people in front of the camera.
From modern headshots and branding portraits to meaningful connection sessions between mothers and daughters, partners, siblings, or generations, Ginny’s studio photography is rooted in storytelling and genuine connection. Her approach blends thoughtful direction with plenty of room to relax, move, laugh, and simply be yourself, creating images that feel polished but never overly posed.
Based in Silver Spring, MD, Ginny’s studio offers a comfortable, private space where clients can slow down, feel taken care of, and walk away with images that feel honest, elevated, and deeply personal.