Joël Pérodin Photography | DC • Maryland • Virginia

  Every now and then, a second photo tells the story even better than the first. When I photographed Imani Pope-Johns during my headshot campaign in Bethesda, the first portrait we shared showed her strength and confidence — a perfect image of a woman at the top of her game. But this one? This one brings the joy forward. A Candid Moment with Real Energy This photo wasn’t planned, posed, or expected. It happened after we had already captured her “official” headshot. Imani, in her element, was laughing at something I said — fully relaxed, fully present. And that’s the magic of photographing someone more than once: you build trust, and from trust comes honest emotion . I believe the best headshots aren’t just about appearance — they’re about presence. And when someone lets their personality come through in an unfiltered moment, that becomes the most powerful image in the gallery. The Professional Advantage of Personality Imani is a powerhouse in public relations and media strategy —...

  There’s a certain magic that happens when you strip a portrait down to its absolute essentials—no color, no distractions, just raw emotion sculpted by light and shadow. This latest image is a testament to that minimalism: a black-and-white portrait executed with classic split lighting. The result? Half the face is swallowed by darkness, the other half emerges in stunning relief—a study in contrast, mystery, and mood. The Vision For this portrait, I wanted to create something cinematic and timeless—a photo that doesn’t just show features, but carves out character. Black and white was a natural choice, focusing the viewer on the interplay of highlights and shadows. The use of a black background erases any distractions, letting the subject’s presence—and the drama of the lighting—take center stage. The Setup The technical side was purposefully simple: one light source is positioned at a perfect right angle to the subject’s face, creating a sharp “split” where light and dark meet. It...

Some portraits hold more than just artistry—they capture stories of love, support, and transformation. This particular shoot is especially close to my heart, featuring the mother of my child—an incredible woman who, after taking a break from modeling for her pregnancy, is absolutely ready to step back in front of the lens where she shines. The Story Behind the Shot At 27 weeks pregnant, she radiated both strength and excitement about motherhood while embracing her identity as a model. Wanting to make this session even more special, she wore a stunning outfit custom-made by her friend, designer  Timmy Ajulo  (worth checking out on Instagram for some serious creative talent). Completing the look, her sister brought her makeup skills, ensuring every detail reflected personality and poise. Artistic Touches Photographed against my all-time favorite— the classic grey backdrop —I later transformed the mood with some creative post-production in Photoshop. The background became a rich,...

There are some images you create that linger in your mind long after the shoot wraps up—photos that seem to hold whole stories, emotions, and eras within a single frame. This portrait of a mother and her youngest daughter is exactly that kind of image for me—my favorite maternity photograph to date. The Artistry in the Moment There’s a softness to this photo, an almost dreamlike, painterly feel that instantly calls to mind the gentle perfection of a Leonardo da Vinci masterpiece. Every color melts seamlessly into the next, enveloping mother and child in a halo of warmth and intimacy. The light is tender and forgiving, wrapping their forms in a glow that feels both timeless and utterly present. The Connection What makes this portrait truly unforgettable isn’t just the technique, but the connection preserved within. The mother’s gaze, brimming with care and quiet gratitude, meets her daughter’s with an expression that speaks to generations of love. The little one nestles close, perfectly...

  Sometimes a photoshoot is less about the props, and more about the story you want to tell—and with my friend Juan, it’s always a story worth capturing. Hailing from Mexico Lindo and known for his sharp style and infectious confidence, Juan isn’t just a model—he’s also a talented fashion designer with an eye for details you just can’t fake. The Vision Juan wanted a “boss” look—a portrait oozing attitude, class, and a little bit of that old-school, cinematic swagger. What better prop than a cigar? So, we hit the streets in search of the perfect local cigar shop, making the experience feel as authentic as the final image. Juan, ever the stylist, curated his entire outfit for the session, blending personal taste with a dash of dramatic flair. The Creative Setup With the scene and wardrobe set, I kept the lighting simple but effective: one light, precisely placed, to carve out strong shadows for that unmistakable “power play” mood. I shot with my Tokina wide angle lens, letting the ba...