The Power of a Willing Heart: What My Client Jim Reminded Me About Creative Collaboration

If you're a leader in the middle of a big shift—new role, new chapter, or simply a new way of being—you might be feeling the tug to update your professional image.

And you might also be resisting it.

Not because you don’t care how you show up, but because you’re busy. You’ve got a million priorities and a thousand demands. The idea of pausing for a photoshoot feels... frivolous. Indulgent, even.

But here’s the truth: when you’re in transition, how you’re seen matters more than ever. Especially to yourself.

There are clients who show up, smile for the camera, and leave. And then, there are clients like Jim.

Jim wasn’t just booking a headshot. He was stepping into something bigger—something more personal, creative, and alive. From the moment we connected (thanks to a lucky LinkedIn message I sent during a search for PR contacts), Jim showed up with curiosity, openness, and a willingness to explore the why behind the photos. Jim was generous with his time, curious about my work, and open to the idea that a photo shoot could be about more than just getting a “good picture.”

He didn’t want something generic or performative. He’d just lost 75 pounds and was rewriting his story. He needed images that reflected who he was becoming, not just who he’d been.

That kind of visual honesty takes a different approach. It takes trust, preparation, and a willingness to slow down—just long enough to actually be in the room. That’s what we did.

We met twice before his shoot—once for a consult, and once to map out the mood, wardrobe, and tone he wanted to strike. By the time we got to shoot day, we were in flow. He wasn’t performing. He was present.

He trusted me. Fully. And because of that, we got to play.

And the results? They were effortless because of everything that came before. They carried his quiet confidence. His spark. His story. A wink to Captain Kirk, a nod to his comic-con days, and the kind of energy that draws people in.

This is what happens when you give yourself permission to be seen.

And yes, it takes a bit of time. But here’s what’s at stake if you don’t: You’ll keep showing up in spaces with photos that don’t match who you are. You’ll miss the chance to tell the true story of what you bring to the table—especially now, in this next chapter.

What stood out to me most was how easy it was. And I’ll be honest—sometimes that makes me question whether I’ve “earned” the photos. But ease is what happens when trust, preparation, and creativity align. It doesn’t mean less effort—it means shared effort.

And that’s the kind of client I want more of: the ones who value the process as much as the product. The ones who aren’t just looking to “get it over with” but are curious about what might emerge when we slow down, collaborate, and co-create something real.

Jim reminded me of this. And I’m so grateful.

So if you’re a high-performing leader who’s shifting gears, building something new, or simply ready to be represented more accurately, this kind of shoot is for you. It’s not just about a “good” photo. It’s about making sure the world sees you as you are—and as you’re becoming.

You don’t have to love being in front of the camera. You just have to be willing. I’ll guide you the whole way.

Book a consultation. Let’s make something honest, bold, and completely yours.