Ever wondered if it’s possible to take your own professional headshots at home? Spoiler alert: it is. I did it—with a softbox, a wrinkled bed sheet, and about two feet of floor space in my toddler’s bedroom.
The final result? Clean, confident portraits that I’ve now used for social media, email signatures, and even my professional intro as a new Assistant Principal. The process, though? A comedy of cramped chaos.
The Personal Side: Why This Smile Matters
In one of the shots I posted, I’m full-on smiling—open-mouth, teeth showing. That may not seem like a big deal, but for me, it’s taken a while to get here.
When I was a kid, my first baby tooth fell out and my grandma laughed and laughed. She thought it was adorable. I… did not. I cried, and that moment shaped how I felt about my smile for years.
So to post a photo like that now—one where I genuinely like how I look—feels like a small slice of courage.
If I can learn to feel confident in front of the lens, I know I can help you feel that way too.
The Setup (A.K.A. The Funniest Home Studio Ever)
Let me break it down:
✔️ A wrinkled bed sheet I found in the closet
✔️ A backdrop stand my dog Moana has chewed the legs off
✔️ A kitchen stool and a tripod
✔️ A new softbox lighting kit I was still figuring out
✔️ My Sony camera set to timer mode (hello, cardio)
This was all wedged into my kids’ tiny bedroom. I had to shimmy sideways just to change jackets between shots. I swapped ties. Changed angles. Brushed the backdrop mid-shoot. And somehow, it all came together.
Was it cramped? 100%.
Was it worth it? Also 100%
The Reactions: “Wait… YOU Took These?”
Since posting the headshots, a few people—some photographers included—have messaged me asking,
“These are great! Who did them?”
When I say, “Actually… me,” the response is always the same: “No way!”
That’s part of why I wanted to share this story. Not just because I think the photos turned out great (in my humble opinion—I took them, edited them, and hey, I’m not too hard on the eyes), but because confidence in front of the camera is something we can all grow into.
Need New Headshots? I’ve Got You.
I offer professional headshot sessions that feel natural, comfortable, and a little fun. Whether you’re updating your LinkedIn, launching a business, or stepping into a new role, I’ll help you look and feel like your best self.
📍 Salisbury, MD photographer
🎯 Available for individuals, small teams, and creative professionals
📸 Ready to book a session? Reach out here!
Or shoot me a message—I'd love to hear what you're looking for.
