How We Captured Bold, Multi-Faceted Headshots in a Small DTLA Studio

When she walked into the perfectly sized natural-light studio in Downtown Los Angeles, her presence filled the room instantly. A shaved head, beautifully applied makeup, and a wardrobe that balanced elegance with edge — every detail about her look felt intentional. As a young attorney, early in her career yet already deeply self-assured, she wanted headshots to reflect that confidence. Not just “professional,” but powerful, distinctive, and true to who she is.

We started with simple goals: create a collection of images she could use across her professional platforms — her firm’s website, her LinkedIn profile — and do it all within a brief, focused session. But behind those goals was a deeper creative mission: to show that professionalism and individuality are not opposites. They coexist beautifully when the photography honors both.

The studio itself is a gem — a small space in DTLA that’s ideal for quick sessions with classic, natural lighting. The tall windows filter soft daylight into the room, casting the kind of light that flatters without fuss, wrapping gently around the subject. It’s the sort of light that brings out the richness of skin tone, the texture of clothing, and the subtleties of expression that can make or break a portrait. With just a few thoughtful adjustments to positioning and background, it became a stage for transformation.

For the first look, we leaned into the sharpness of her tailoring — a structured blazer and clean lines that conveyed authority. A subtle turn of the shoulder, a confident chin line, eyes steady and direct. That first series captured her as the commanding, articulate professional she is, the version clients meet across a conference table. Then, with a change of angle and a touch of softer light, we explored her warmth — approachable, relaxed, still poised. The gray seamless backdrop, one of my favorites, offered the perfect neutral balance to her energy: classic, versatile, and quietly modern. Without really changing sets, we created a variety of moods simply by letting her shift presence.

What struck me most about this session was how easily she moved between facets of herself. One moment, sharp and self-assured; the next, warm and inviting. Each expression revealed another layer of what professionalism can look like when it’s personal. That’s the beauty of working with clients who bring their full selves into the studio — the camera doesn’t just capture them, it reflects them back with clarity and respect.

Personal branding photography, especially for young attorneys, is about more than just looking polished. It’s about claiming space. For professionals who don’t necessarily see themselves in the traditional imagery of law firms — queer attorneys, women, people of color, those with alternative styles — it’s an opportunity to redefine what credibility looks like. You don’t need to blend in to be taken seriously. In fact, your individuality is one of your greatest professional assets.

By the end of the session, we had a small but perfectly varied set of images — each one with its own voice. Together they told a story of professionalism with personality, confidence with humanity. The entire experience was a reminder that with the right direction, a simple setup, and a shared understanding of purpose, a portrait session doesn’t need to be long or complicated to be powerful.

So, to every young attorney stepping into your own version of success: bring your full self to the camera. Your story, your look, your energy — they all deserve to be seen. When you do, the results speak for themselves.

If you’re ready to create your own modern professional portraits — ones that feel as authentic as they are polished — I’d love to collaborate. Let’s build a collection that shows the world who you are, with confidence and style.

A photoshoot with me is a transformative experience that gives you permission to shine in all your wonderful and beautiful uniqueness.

You'll leave your session feeling exhilarated and emboldened to tell your story, your way. Your photos will connect you with your target audience. Your photos will connect you to yourself.

With the use of my certified life coaching techniques and a fine tuned emotional IQ, I will help you feel at ease and lit up with genuine self-confidence. I invite you to book a session with me. I guarantee, you'll love the results. It might even change the way you see yourself.

Portrait photographer serving the LGBTQIA and greater community in Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Pasadena, Glendale, Burbank, Southbay, Ventura and Orange County. Offering formal portraiture, modern glamour photography, personal branding, corporate headshot photography, candid children's photography, family photography, business & attorney headshots, as well as events and editorial coverage.