Client Spotlight: Michael's Portrait Session

When Michael first reached out, he said something that made me smile:

“Basically, if you can make me look both professional and sexy, I’ll consider the mission accomplished.”

Say less.

Michael had two goals for his session:

• Get headshots he could send to speaking gigs and conferences

• Have photos that work on dating apps that make people swipe right (spoiler: he got many right swipes)

How We Prepped for the Photoshoot

First stop was the closet. I came over to Michael’s place and helped him pick outfits that would photograph well and still make him feel confident. Some people love experimenting with style and trying something new, which is always fun, but at the core it’s about choosing items that feel good to wear and look good on camera.

The Day of the Photoshoot

Then came the day of the shoot. I had the lights set, a plan in place, and a playlist queued up. I like having enough structure so we're not just winging it, but also plenty of space to experiment and keep things fun. If you are not enjoying yourself, the camera always knows.

Michael showed up ready to rock. He trusted the process, leaned into the direction, and was open to having fun with it. That balance of confidence and playfulness always creates the best images.

We created the polished, professional look he needed for conferences and speaking gigs and also gave space for the side of him that's charming, lighthearted, and a little flirty. No one is just one version of themselves, so the goal was to capture that full range. The result was a set of portraits that felt authentic and showed the many dimensions of who he is.

What Michael Had to Say

“He made me feel like a star. He gave great, specific instructions… I felt confident the whole time. Plus, he made it fun! Hours flew by and I lost track of time in the fun of it all. I absolutely love the final selection of photos.”

We also recorded a full video review of his experience that you can watch here. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to do a portrait session with me, it’s worth the watch.

Why This Matters for Your Own Photoshoot

A photoshoot is about capturing who you are, but also exploring where you’re going and who you want to become. It’s about showing your confidence, your creativity, and your personality in a way that feels authentic. When you step in front of the camera ready to explore and have fun, the images reflect all of that energy.

It’s a chance to see yourself differently, celebrate your journey, and walk away with something that makes you feel really good.

Learn More About Michael's Work

Michael spends his days helping people step into the best versions of themselves as a CliftonStrengths coach. He works with leaders, entrepreneurs, and teams to unlock confidence, clarity, and growth.

If you want to learn more about Michael and the work he’s doing, you can check out his profile here.