Headshots are one of those things everyone knows they need, yet they fall to the bottom of the to do list every single time. Photographing Erica reminded me why they matter and why people feel so relieved when they finally update them.

We met through The Matador. She runs their social media and marketing and I was introduced to her by one of the owners of Vindicktive. Small world energy and connections with a Pacific Northwest twist. Once we started talking, we realized our jobs are basically the same. Marketing, socials, content strategy, community building, all of it.

Which meant I already knew exactly what type of headshots she needed.

Clean, confident, modern.
A mix of lifestyle and professional.
Something that works for LinkedIn, business websites, and social content without looking stiff or overly formal.

That became the direction for her session.

Why Headshots Matter More Than You Think

If you are building a brand, your headshot is often someone’s first point of connection with you. This is especially true for people in marketing, business ownership, client work, and creative industries. A strong headshot can instantly shift how people perceive your professionalism, your energy, and your brand identity.

Search engines reward businesses that show up with fresh visuals.
People trust faces they can see clearly.
Modern headshots make your brand feel intentional.

This is where headshots become an actual marketing tool rather than something you do once every decade.

What We Wanted for Erica

Because she works in the marketing world, she understood exactly what she needed. Something approachable, something polished, something that felt like her real personality. Warm tones, natural light, clean backgrounds, an energy that reads modern and capable.

We focused on a mix of lifestyle images and classic portraits.
Nothing stiff. Nothing overly curated.
Just real portraits of someone who is good at what she does.

The final gallery had that film inspired look I love, with soft shadows, clean lines, and subtle movement.

PNW Headshots That Feel Natural

People avoid headshots because they only picture corporate ones. Fluorescent lighting, stiff posture, awkward smiles, and a general sense of not knowing what to do with your hands.

That is not my style. Not even close.

The Pacific Northwest gives us a perfect mix of moody light, texture, and warmth. It creates portraits that look like lifestyle photos instead of old school profile pictures. For Erica, that meant natural backgrounds, real expressions, movement, and a style that feels current and relevant.

These are the photos people update their websites with.
These are the portraits that land clients.
This is the difference between a picture you tolerate and a headshot you actually love.

A Preview of What the New Studio Will Offer

This kind of session fits perfectly into what the new studio in Raymond will specialize in. Clean headshots, lifestyle portraits, warm light, curated sets, and a cinematic atmosphere. The Studio Era is coming in 2026 and headshot sessions will be one of the main offerings.

Presale studio sessions are open now. If you want portraits that feel like you today and not a version of you from ten years ago, this is the time to book.

Ready to Update Your Headshots

If you are a business owner, creative, marketer, or anyone who shows up online for work, updated headshots are worth the investment. You can book outdoor, on location, or in the new studio once it opens in Raymond.

If you want to grab a presale studio spot or get pricing for headshots,
I am ready when you are.