Lessons from a Foggy Lens and a Close Call

A few years ago, I was about to photograph a headshot client—nothing unusual camera wise I didn’t think, just a standard shoot for a professional client. The lighting was good, the location was perfect, and everything was flowing smoothly… until it wasn’t.

Before I started taking photos, I noticed something off.  I looked on the lens and there was fog on it. Not just on the outside, which would have been easy to wipe off, but inside the lens. Condensation had built up, and it would be affecting the clarity of every frame.

My heart sank. I tried not to let panic show hoping it would clear. Fortunately, after a few minutes (which felt like hours), it did. I was able to finish the session and deliver high-quality headshots.  I hope the client didn’t see my sweat.

But I never forgot how close I came to not having a solution.

Looking back, I honestly don’t remember whether I had a second camera with me that day. What I do remember is how unprepared I felt in that moment. And that feeling? That’s something I never want to feel again.

Now, I always bring a backup camera. Always.

Whether I’m shooting at a corporate law office in Century City for one of my clients, a tech CEO in Venice, or on-location for any number of clients around LA, I show up with two cameras and a plan. If anything happens—a camera body fails, a lens misbehaves, a memory card glitches—I can pivot immediately. No scrambling, no apologies, no delays.

But here’s the thing: bringing a second camera is about more than just protecting myself. It’s about protecting my clients’ experience.

You’ve taken time out of your day. You’re trusting me to capture you at your best. The last thing you want is to reschedule because of something on my end. That’s why I plan for the unexpected—so your session stays stress-free and professional from start to finish.

These little behind-the-scenes decisions might not be obvious, but they make a big difference. That’s the difference between showing up with a camera and showing up as a pro.

If you’re ready to work with a photographer who comes prepared for anything, give me a call at 323-493-2552 to schedule a session for you or your team.

I have offices in Santa Monica, Venice, and Culver City, and I travel all across Los Angeles for corporate headshots, team portraits, and executive photography.

#headshotphotography #professionalphotographer #behindthescenes #corporateheadshots #phototips #preparednotpanicked #LAphotographer

As a professional headshot photographer with offices in Santa Monica, Venice, and Culver City, I’ve had the opportunity to work with incredible professionals across Los Angeles. I recently met Jackie, the Chief Marketing Officer of Pacific Workplaces, at a coworking summit at BLANKSPACES Coworking Venice, where I had the pleasure of capturing her headshot.

Jackie’s role as a CMO places her at the forefront of marketing strategy and brand positioning. With over 14 years of experience, she has led marketing initiatives in industries ranging from hospitality and real estate to supply chain and logistics. She holds both a Bachelor of Science and an MBA from the University of Nevada, Reno and has been a dedicated volunteer for TEDxReno, aiding in speaker selection and preparation since 2019.

Why Marketing Professionals Need Updated Headshots

Marketing is all about presentation and branding, and that extends beyond the companies professionals work for—it applies to their personal brands as well. A polished, high-quality headshot is an essential tool for marketing leaders like Jackie, who are regularly featured in press releases, speaking engagements, LinkedIn profiles, and company websites.

An outdated or poorly lit headshot can send the wrong message, while a fresh, professional portrait builds trust and credibility. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, executive, or creative professional, your headshot should represent your current look and personal brand.

On-Location & Studio Headshots Across Los Angeles

I understand that busy professionals don’t always have time to visit a studio, which is why I offer both in-studio and on-location headshot sessions. Whether at a coworking space like BLANKSPACES, a corporate office, or an outdoor setting, I work with clients across Santa Monica, Venice, Culver City, and beyond to create professional and approachable portraits.

If you’re a marketing professional, business leader, or entrepreneur, now is the perfect time to refresh your headshot. Reach out to book your session and make sure your personal brand is making the right first impression!

Give me a call at 323-493-2552 to book a headshot session! 

#HeadshotPhotography #Marketing #PersonalBranding #portraitphotography #culvercityphotographer#santamonicaphotographer #venicephotographer #losangelesphotographer

As a photographer, I have the privilege of stepping into different industries, witnessing innovation firsthand, and capturing moments that tell a story. Recently, I had the pleasure of photographing the Coworking Operators’ Summit at BLANKSPACES Venice (which happens to also be my coworking space), and what an inspiring event it was!

A Gathering of Visionaries

This two-day summit brought together some of the brightest minds in coworking—senior managers, COOs, CMOs, community managers, and owners—all collaborating to shape the future of flexible workspaces. The discussions covered a range of valuable topics, including software integrations, referral partnerships, and industry trends that are driving coworking forward.

Even though I was behind the camera, I couldn’t help but tune into some of the insightful talks. One of my favorites was from Jackie Latragna, who shared expert strategies on SEO and Google My Business. Her insights were geared toward coworking spaces, but as a photographer and business owner who has worked hard on my own SEO, her talk truly resonated with me. It was a reminder of how vital online visibility is for businesses of all kinds—whether you run a coworking space or a creative service like mine.

The Perfect Venue for Connection

The summit took place at BLANKSPACES Venice, a modern coworking hub located at 606 Venice Blvd (@ Abbot Kinney), Venice, CA 90291—just minutes from the iconic Venice Beach Boardwalk. With its sunlit interiors, open and collaborative layout, and creative atmosphere, it was the perfect setting for networking, learning, and exchanging ideas.

And let’s be honest—there’s no better place for a winter conference than sunny Venice, CA. While most of the country battles the cold, this is one of the few spots in the U.S. where warm weather is practically guaranteed!

Capturing the Moments

Events like this are a photographer’s dream. The energy in the room was electric—passionate conversations, thoughtful panel discussions, and professionals eager to make meaningful connections. My goal was to capture not just the key moments but also the essence of collaboration and innovation that filled the space.

Check out this group photo from the summit, along with a few highlights from the event. 

Let’s Connect!

If you need event photography or professional headshot for you and your team, let’s chat! Give me a call at 323-493-2552.

I have offices in Santa Monica, Venice and Culver City, but will travel across Los Angeles for clients.

Until next time, keep creating, collaborating, and innovating!

#CoworkingSummit #CoworkingCommunity #EventPhotography #SEO #GoogleMyBusiness #Networking