Professional Headshots Maryland | A Session Full of Trust, Laughter, and Great Photos
This is definitely one of the best email subject lines I’ve ever received: "LinkedIn Head Shot that doesn't look like everyone else's LinkedIn Head Shot?" I had a feeling we were going to get along.
Cathy was getting ready to launch a consulting business after an early retirement, teaching at Montgomery College, and stepping into a new season of life professionally. Like so many people I photograph, she knew she needed updated photos, but she wasn't exactly sure what that meant. She didn't want something overly corporate or polished to the point that it didn't feel like her. She wanted professional headshots that reflected who she really is.
One thing I've learned over the years is that most people don't come to me because they love having their picture taken. They come because they've reached a point where they need images that represent them well, and they want someone to help them through the process. That's where the real work begins, long before anyone steps in front of the camera.
Before Cathy's session, we talked through where the images would be used, wardrobe options, and what she hoped people would think when they saw her photos. She didn't need hundreds of branding images. She needed a collection of professional portraits that would work for LinkedIn, consulting, teaching, speaking opportunities, and whatever else came next. Those are all slightly different audiences, but they all needed to feel like the same person.
By the time she walked into my Silver Spring studio, we already had a plan.
Hair and makeup with Valerie Hammer was a no brainer. If you’re going to invest in the photos, it’s worth investing in the confidence in front of the camera. Valerie has a gift for helping people feel comfortable while creating a polished look that still feels completely natural. That's especially important for clients who don't wear a lot of makeup or spend much time thinking about styling. The goal is never to make someone look like a different person. It's simply to help them look like themselves at their very best.
Once we started photographing, it became obvious that Cathy was going to make my job easy.
She was up for anything. And so. fun. This is the energy that brings out the best portraits. When you’re open, willing to go with the flow and stop worrying about where to put your [fill in the blank] and just move and let yourself be guided, the magic comes naturally.
If I suggested trying a different pose, she was all in. If I wanted to change the lighting or have her move across the studio, she didn't hesitate. She wasn't worried about whether every pose felt natural before we tried it. She trusted the process and stayed curious about what we were creating together.
That kind of attitude changes everything.
Some sessions take a little while for people to settle in because they're understandably nervous. Cathy certainly had moments where she admitted being outside her comfort zone, but instead of letting that stop her, she leaned into the experience. We laughed constantly, adjusted as we went, and before long the camera wasn't the focus anymore. We were simply having a good time.
I think that's one of the biggest misconceptions about professional headshots. People often assume they need to know how to pose or arrive with a detailed vision for what they want. They apologize for not being photogenic or tell me they're going to be awkward.
The truth is, I don't expect any of that.
My job is to notice the little things clients can't see for themselves. I'll adjust your posture, help you find flattering angles, coach you through expressions, and keep the session moving so it never feels stiff or forced. You don't have to practice in the mirror before you arrive. You don't have to know your "good side." That's what I'm there for.
What I can't teach is curiosity and a willingness to trust the process, and Cathy brought both of those with her.
Because she was willing to experiment, we ended up with so much variety. We created polished headshots that are perfect for LinkedIn and her consulting work, but we also captured images that feel a little more relaxed and approachable. Some are warm and conversational. Others feel confident and direct. Together, they give her options depending on where she's using them.
That's one of the reasons I encourage clients to think beyond a single headshot. Most people wear more than one professional hat, and their photos should reflect that. The image you use on LinkedIn might not be the same one you want on a conference program, a speaking engagement, or your website. Having a gallery with different expressions, crops, and looks gives you flexibility while still presenting a consistent, authentic version of yourself.
Looking through Cathy's final gallery, what stands out to me isn't just that she has beautiful professional portraits. It's that they actually feel like her.
When someone meets Cathy after seeing these photos, they'll recognize the person they saw online. They'll meet someone who is thoughtful, approachable, intelligent, and genuinely enjoyable to spend time with. That's always my goal. A professional headshot shouldn't just document what you look like. It should give people a sense of who you are before you ever shake hands.
Sessions like this are a good reminder that the best photographs don't happen because someone knows exactly how to pose. They happen because people are willing to let go of trying to get everything perfect.
Cathy showed up ready to trust me, trust Valerie, and trust the process. That gave us the freedom to laugh, experiment, and create a gallery that's both polished and full of personality. By the end of the afternoon, she had professional headshots she can use with confidence across every part of this exciting new chapter.
If you've been putting off updating your own headshots because you're worried you won't know what to do in front of the camera, you're in good company. Most of my clients feel exactly the same way when they first reach out. The good news is that you don't have to figure it out before you book. We'll walk through it together, and before long, you'll probably find yourself laughing as much as Cathy did.
