Female business owner, Michelle, gives some coy sass to the camera for a gif to showcase her fun-loving personality during her business branding photoshoot.

Sometimes, the most memorable moments in our business journeys happen when we step out of our usual surroundings and immerse ourselves in new experiences. That's exactly what Michelle Fernandez did when she flew all the way from Texas to Greensboro, North Carolina, for a mastermind event. Naturally, we planned her branding session to coincide with this trip, since we’re only a stone’s throw away in Winston Salem. Her bubbly spirit and infectious laugh filled the space from the moment she arrived.

A dynamic and insightful business strategist, Michelle is known for her expertise in data-driven marketing. Specializing in helping six-figure earners optimize their Facebook ads and marketing funnels, she empowers entrepreneurs to break through plateaus and achieve rapid growth. She transforms complex data into actionable strategies, guiding her clients towards predictable and profitable business expansion in a way that is personalized and approachable - all the while empowering her clients’ success with her vibrant personality.

Michelle is not only an expert in her field but also brings a sharp, insightful approach to everything she does. She has an undeniable presence that immediately draws you in, ready to soak up the next story she’s going to tell! With the ability to weave her expertise into relatable stories with admirable clarity, it was essential we create photography that was magnetic to a clients who were hungry for success, desired one-on-one attention, was more than ready to make the next move - once they know what it was, of course - and enjoyed high energy leadership.

Calling out to all business owners who need a dashboard! Well, that is the intention of this image we created for Michelle during her on location branding photoshoot. This photograph can also be used to celebrate her clients and make announcements. Versatility is key to the longevity of marketing images.

Michelle’s branding session was not just about getting pretty photographs; it was about capturing her essence and the authenticity that drives her success. Even though we were on location, we made sure to incorporate the colors of her brand—blacks, purples, greys, and whites—into every shot. She wore a pair of sparkly black cowboy boots that added a unique, personal flair and stuck to one simple, professional, and well-styled outfit. Upon our recommendation on how to best prepare for her branding photoshoot, she came prepared with her laptop, travel bag, branded notebooks, and branded desk accessories, which allowed us to infuse her personal taste and brand identity into the session. This attention to detail added a layer of intention to her final photographs.

One of the highlights of Michelle’s session was our collaboration with Mallory, owner and founder of The Girlboss Agency. Together, we created authority reels for Michelle to share her expertise on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. These reels are designed to help her grow her audience and further establish her as a thought leader in her field.

Michelle’s excitement about the results of her session was palpable as she had such a hard time choosing her favorite images - and even ended up upgrading to the full gallery. It’s always incredibly fulfilling to see a client so thrilled with their images, knowing they have a gallery full of strategic, marketable photographs that truly represent their brand. In the end, we were thrilled to have provide Michelle with updated images for her social media and website that she loves!

Needless to say, it was an absolute joy to work with someone so passionate and dedicated to her craft. If you're a female business owner looking to elevate your brand with authentic, heartfelt visuals, let’s create something beautiful together. Embrace your unique strengths and let your brand shine.

Michelle, female business owner of The Michelle Fernandez a dashboard service, rocking her sparkly black cowboy boots as part of her on location branding photoshoot styling.

Catching a full smiling, high energy headshot was essential for capturing the brand voice of female business owner, Michelle Fernandez for her on location branding photoshoot.

Wide horizontal photographs are great for all brands! This image we created for Michelle during her branding photoshoot can be used as a branded LinkedIn banner, website header or footer or for any marketing materials which need space for text.

Female business owner, Michelle Fernandez, often uses her phone for consultations, capturing tutorial videos, quick instructions for clients and snapping behind the scenes of her days as an entrepreneur. This photograph, along with the others we created for her during her on location branding photoshoot, will be strategic for Michelle in a variety of ways.

Female business owner, Michelle Fernandez, poses with a smile at the desk we styled for her on location branding photoshoot.

Madison’s headshot.

Skilled hands and a grounded presence are paramount in the world of medicine. That’s where Madison, one of our most recent clients, is venturing with her life. She is currently heading into her residency. With her love for working with her hands, she wants to end up somewhere in the field of surgery. In order to put her best foot forward with her residency applications, she came to us for a professional headshot.

From the moment Madison stepped into the studio, her body language communicated authenticity and grace. Her warm, easy-going nature and smile - which reminded me of the beloved character Winnie from The Wonder Years - exuded a sense of approachability and professionalism. Her personality, coupled with her choice of a classic navy blazer in a modern cut and paired with a minimalistic ivory satin blouse and simple gold necklace provided cohesion to the personal brand Madison wanted to exemplify. By avoiding distractions in her clothing choices, the focus remained on her captivating gaze, which mirrored her determination and enthusiastic dedication to her craft. These elements helped highlight her refined elegance and would, most certainly, appeal to her industry directors. The resulting headshots beautifully portrayed her as a skilled professional with a commitment to excellence and a strong desire to build trust with her employers, peers and future patients.

Madison's headshot session was a true reflection of her unique qualities and aspirations. With her grounded presence, love for working with her hands and warm demeanor, she epitomizes the ideal candidate for surgical residency. As she ventures further into the world of medicine, Madison's headshots will serve as a visual representation of her remarkable qualities and inspire confidence in those she encounters along her path of healing and care.

I am feeling so guilty!

My old headshot.

I’ve recently started utilizing LinkedIn to connect with more people. You know, build my network and such so I can meet more amazing small business owners and professionals like you! Now, as a professional headshot and small business photographer, one might think I am constantly up to date with my own branding photographs and headshots.

[Nervous laugh]

Vulnerable truth? I’m not.

I’ve had the same headshot on my LinkedIn profile for a few years now. I love that headshot. As much as I love it though, so much has happened professionally in the three years since I changed it.

I’ve moved to a new studio.
My brand voice has shifted slightly.
I wear different styles of professional clothes now.

On a personal note, I’ve changed physically too. I have a new scar on my forehead, more freckles, more weight, a filed tooth. I look more mature.

I’ve let my headshot stay because I like it so much. It feels fresh and happy and a bit wild. So, whenever it came to changing my headshot out, I easily told myself I could wait a little longer - wait until I lost a little weight, learned how to style the right side of my hair, found a shirt in my favorite shade of green that didn’t make me look chesty, felt more rested. I had all the reasons.

I’ve been in plenty of behind the scenes captures from my team and social media clips but those were all of me working. That extra action of having a task to do inside of the photograph served as a safety blanket. It’s been a long time since I’ve had photographs of me that are a true portrait - where the content of the photograph is the totality of who I am.

That kind of vulnerability is intimidating.

Well, I finally did a session for myself with a good friend - (because we’re working on something really, really awesome together and we needed photographs to share our collaboration!) ! I embraced myself as best I could, taking time to breathe, shake the nerves out of my arms, mentally encourage myself and let my walls down, I acknowledged that I wasn’t going to like every photograph of me but had the goal to be authentic. Because, so long as I was authentic, I would enjoy seeing Me and I know that the people I love most in life are the ones who see the person behind the body. So, if I could see Me, I knew others would see Me.

It was refreshing to treat myself this way but also incredibly nerve-wracking. My self confidence isn’t at a high point right now and I didn’t want to battle my inner critic. But I did it. I did it and I’m proud of myself for the inner work I had to do to show up fully me. In the end, there were some not-so-great images to cull out but, there were a surprising amount of photographs I did like!

This whole process of photographing myself made me all the more sensitive to how some people may feel when they have their photograph made. It truly hugs my heart that you trust me to photograph you - especially if you’re like me and don’t like having your photograph made.

Thank you. I am so grateful for your trust!

Who knew that updating my LinkedIn headshot would be such an important opportunity for growth?? Certainly not me. It was a rollercoaster of emotions - from guilt and hesitation to vulnerability and self-empowerment. I both hated it and loved it. I am glad to have experienced my own growth and heightened my sensitivity to the feelings of others who may share similar discomfort with being photographed. I am deeply grateful for the trust that others place in me as a photographer and appreciate the opportunity to capture the essence of those I work with.

The guilt is now lifted. My LinkedIn profile reflects the current me – a slightly less traditional version, but one that feels genuine and empowering. So, to everyone who, like me, might have been postponing updating their headshots, I encourage you to embrace your authenticity and take that step. It's worth it!

And if we haven't connected yet or you simply want to see what my fresh new LinkedIn profile looks like check it out! Make sure to send me a request while you’re there. I’d love to keep in touch with what you’re up to!

“I want to show people that Muslim women do not need to be dark, drab and hidden in the background. They can be vibrant and full of life.”

— Naijla F

Meet Naijla, whose radiance captivates everyone she encounters. We were fortunate to meet through her participation in the Women's Emerging Leaders program held by HandsOnWSNC. With an undeniable aura of professionalism and warmth, Naijla effortlessly embodies the qualities of someone you can't help but be interested in engaging with. Her confidence is evident in the way she carries herself, a testament to her unwavering belief in her abilities and the value she brings to any conversation or setting.

As a Muslim woman, Naijla fearlessly challenges stereotypes, breaking free from the misconceptions that often surround her identity. With her choice of vibrant clothing and hijabs, she stands testament to the fact that Muslim women need not be confined to dark, drab colors or hidden in the background. Instead, she boldly embraces her faith and cultural heritage, showcasing the beauty and diversity that exists within her community.

Naijla's infectious smile and laughter are windows into her genuine joy and zest for life. Her laughter resonates with an undeniable authenticity, revealing her inner light and uplifting those around her. Approaching Naijla feels natural and effortless, as her kind nature instantly puts others at ease. Whether engaging in discussions about leadership, diversity, or the challenges faced by women, Naijla's unique perspective and unwavering positivity make her an inspiring voice worth listening to.

Naijla serves as a beacon of inspiration. Through her unapologetic presence, she breaks down barriers and opens doors for others to follow. Her professional demeanor, combined with her vibrant spirit, exemplify the power of embracing one's true self and refusing to be defined by societal norms giving true empowerment to our differences and embracing the full spectrum of our identities.