Why I, a Photographer, Am Suddenly Talking About Vision-Building

Let me tell you about Frank and Frida.

Frank and Frida are both entrepreneurs. Both run successful businesses. Both know they need new headshots. And both, like many of us, hate getting their photo taken. The difference? Frank just wants to check the “headshot” box because, as he says, “It’s what everyone needs for a brand.” Meanwhile, Frida has spent time thinking about her ideal future self. She’s imagined the leader she wants to be, the business she wants to grow, and how she wants people to see her.

When these two leaders walk into the studio, their experiences are drastically different.

Frank’s Photo Session

Frank walks in and plops down on the stool, already fidgeting with his shirt collar.

“I hate this. I always look terrible in photos,” he mutters.

I do my best to reassure him, cracking a few jokes to ease the tension. But every time I raise the camera, Frank grimaces like I’m asking him to do long division in his head.

Click. Grimace. Click. Slightly less grimace. Click. Hands stuffed awkwardly in his pockets.

Frank gets through the session. He leaves with a perfectly good photo. But as I edit his headshots, something feels...off. Sure, the lighting is great, his shirt is crisp, and his smile is serviceable. But there’s no spark. No energy. No real connection to who Frank is or what his brand represents.

Regardless of the fact that Frank says it's the best photo he's ever had done, it's a far cry from the results Frida gets.

Frida’s Photo Session

Frida's story is a lesson is "being unapologetically YOU".

Before her session, Frida shared her vision with me. She told me about her dream of growing her consulting firm into a movement for empowering women in tech. She envisioned herself speaking on global stages, confidently owning her space, and leading change in the industry.?

When Frida walked in, she was nervous but excited. Together, we brainstormed creative ways to bring her vision to life. A bold blazer that screams “leader”? Check. Poses that exude power and warmth? You bet.

The session flew by. We laughed. We explored different setups. By the end, Frida wasn’t just posing for the camera—she was owning it. She walked out of the studio standing a little taller, feeling not just like the business owner she is today, but like the powerhouse she’s becoming.

The Lesson I Learned

Sure, Frank and Frida are completely fictional characters, but their stories are absolutely real. In my 15 years as a headshot and brand photographer, I’ve noticed this pattern over and over again:

Frank-types (no offense to the actual Franks out there) just want a headshot. They get a good photo, but they often leave as uncertain about their brand as when they came in.

Frida-types, who’ve taken the time to envision their ideal future selves, leave transformed. They’re energized. They’re confident. Their photos radiate the energy of their vision.

And here’s the kicker: it’s not about having the “perfect pose” or the fanciest wardrobe. It’s about knowing who you are and where you’re going. Vision transforms headshots from “a nice picture” to a tool that captures the essence of who you are and what you stand for.

Why I’m Talking About Vision-Building

This is why I created Brand Visioneering.

I don’t want anyone to feel like Frank — stuck, unsure, and going through the motions just because they’re “supposed to.” I want all my clients to feel like Frida — alive with possibility, excited about their direction, and confident in their unique value.

Vision-building is the secret sauce that helps you show up in the world as your most authentic and powerful self. It’s the difference between a photo that’s “just okay” and one that lights a fire under you every time you look at it.

So, if you’re ready to stop fidgeting in front of the camera and start stepping into the person you know you’re meant to be, let’s talk. Because when you have a vision, you become unstoppable. And I’m here to help you see it — and show it — clearly.

Ready to get started? Message me and let’s start building your vision.