Southern Pines Personal Branding and Headshot Session

When Jena reached out to me about scheduling a professional headshot session, I was excited to work with her right away. Based in Moore County, NC, I specialize in creating high-quality, modern headshots that help clients make an unforgettable first impression, and Jena had a clear vision for what she wanted to achieve with her photos. As a physical therapist, she needed headshots that reflected her professional side, showcasing her expertise, confidence, and approachability. However, Jena also has a side business as a fitness instructor, and she wanted images that could speak to both her physical therapy career and her passion for fitness. The combination of these two roles meant we had a fantastic opportunity to create a diverse and dynamic set of images that truly represented all sides of her professional brand.

From the moment we began discussing her session, I knew we were going to create something special. Jena’s vision was to have a modern, polished look for her physical therapy headshots—something clean, professional, and approachable. But the twist came when she mentioned wanting to incorporate a colorful backdrop for her fitness portraits. As someone who loves color, lighting, and of course, headshots, I was beyond excited at the thought of blending these elements into her session. It’s always a rewarding experience when a client comes with a creative idea, and Jena’s request was the perfect opportunity to experiment with vibrant backdrops and lighting techniques that would make her fitness portraits stand out in a way that felt fun and energetic.

For those of you in Moore County—whether you’re in Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Carthage, or Aberdeen—I know how important it is to have a set of professional headshots that capture your personality, professionalism, and the unique aspects of your career. Whether you’re a physical therapist, fitness trainer, entrepreneur, or corporate executive, having the right headshot can elevate your online presence and help you stand out from the competition. For Jena, her dual career path meant she needed images that would work across a variety of platforms—professional photos for her physical therapy practice, and vibrant, high-energy shots for her fitness business. My goal was to deliver just that.

On the day of the shoot, Jena arrived at my studio in Cameron, NC, ready for her session. We started with the more traditional headshot setup for her physical therapy images. Clean, neutral backdrops with soft, flattering lighting allowed Jena to shine as the experienced and approachable physical therapist that she is. We worked through a few different poses, making sure to capture a variety of expressions—confident, friendly, and approachable. These types of headshots are perfect for websites, LinkedIn profiles, and marketing materials, as they give a professional yet personable representation of Jena’s career.

Once we wrapped up the physical therapy shots, it was time for the fun part: creating fitness portraits. Jena had requested a colorful backdrop, and I couldn’t have been more excited to bring this idea to life. Color is one of the most powerful tools in visual storytelling, and it was the perfect choice to highlight her fitness background. With the addition of bold lighting and a few styling changes, we created a vibrant, energetic atmosphere that brought out the best in Jena’s fitness persona. From high-intensity poses to relaxed and confident stances, these images truly represented Jena’s passion for fitness and her ability to inspire others. Whether Jena uses these photos for social media, fitness promotional materials, or her personal brand, the colorful, dynamic portraits add an extra layer of energy and excitement that complement her professional headshots beautifully.

One of the things that really made this session come together was the collaboration with Chelsea Regan, who provided hair and makeup services for Jena. As a professional photographer, I always recommend that clients consider adding hair and makeup to their headshot session. It’s an investment that truly makes a difference in the final result. Chelsea’s expertise helped Jena look and feel her best, and it gave us an added layer of confidence and polish that made a huge difference in the final images. Whether it’s for an important business meeting, a new LinkedIn profile, or branding photos for your side hustle, hair and makeup can help you look camera-ready and confident.

Throughout the session, Jena was an absolute joy to work with. She was open to experimenting with different poses, lighting setups, and backgrounds, which gave us the freedom to capture a wide variety of shots. It’s important to me as a photographer to work closely with my clients to ensure they’re comfortable and confident in front of the camera, and Jena’s enthusiasm made the session feel effortless.

For anyone in Moore County looking to update their headshots or create a set of professional branding images, I’d love to help you bring your vision to life. Whether you’re a physical therapist like Jena, a fitness trainer, entrepreneur, or business professional, your headshots and branding images are an investment in your personal and professional growth. In today’s digital world, a strong online presence is essential, and having the right images can help you make a lasting impression on potential clients, employers, and collaborators.

If you’re ready to update your headshots or create a series of branding images that represent your unique brand, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m here to help you craft photos that tell your story and elevate your professional image. Whether you’re based in Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Carthage, or beyond, let’s work together to create headshots and branding images that reflect your personality, passion, and professionalism.

Your headshot is more than just a picture—it’s the first step toward building a personal brand that speaks to your audience and sets you apart. Let’s make sure you’re putting your best face forward.