Professional Headshot with Heart: Capturing Joy in Bethesda

 

Every so often, a photoshoot gives you more than a great image—it gives you a story, a connection, and a burst of true personality on camera. One of my favorite headshots to date came from such a moment during a campaign I ran in Bethesda, inviting local professionals to update their social media profiles with fresh, authentic photos.

The Session

The woman in focus that day was a powerhouse in PR—sharp, warm, and full of life. From the moment she walked in, her energy lit up the room. After a quick chat about work and favorite music, we queued up her favorite Bob Marley tunes. Suddenly, the session shifted from formal to unforgettable—she started dancing, laughing, and letting her guard down completely.

That’s when the magic happened. In that storm of joyful movement and real laughter, I snapped what still stands as one of my proudest headshots: candid, lively, utterly her. It wasn’t just about posture or lighting—it was a real moment, preserved.

The Technique

For this shoot, I used my 70–200mm lens against a neutral grey background—a classic choice for professional headshots that keeps the attention on the subject. The focal length compressed the scene for soft, flattering facial features and allowed for a gentle separation from the backdrop. Only the lightest touch of retouching was needed because her expression, skin, and spirit were already perfect—genuine joy needs no filter.

What Makes It Stand Out

There’s a story behind every headshot, but this one radiates what so many professionals hope to show online: confidence, happiness, and authenticity. This image didn’t just capture her look, but her personality and her warmth. As a photographer, that’s always the goal—and with clients like her, it’s a pleasure every time.

Stay tuned for more portraits from this incredible woman—these are just the first pages in a much larger visual story.

If you’re ready to showcase your best self with a headshot that feels real (and a photoshoot that’s actually fun), let’s connect. I’d love to help capture your spark.