Some photoshoots come with a little extra weight. This was one of them.
For this session, I photographed executive headshots in Virginia for Carly Fiorina at her home. Carly recently became CEO of The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation after serving as Chair of its Board of Trustees. She has also led Hewlett-Packard, made history in business, and ran for President of the United States in 2016. So yes, this was a big one.
Also, it was a reminder that even the most accomplished people still need updated photos. Not because they need to prove anything. Instead, because their public image needs to match where they are now.
Executive headshots in Virginia for a new leadership role
Carly needed updated photos to support her newest role with Colonial Williamsburg. Because this was a modern headshot session, the goal was clear. We wanted polished, current images that felt professional, warm, and direct.
Her home gave us privacy, comfort, and beautiful natural light. It also helped the photos feel more personal than a standard studio setup. However, the images still needed to work in a professional setting. That balance matters.
Executive photos often need to do several jobs at once. They may appear in press releases, articles, speaker bios, board materials, websites, and event promotions. So, they need to feel refined without feeling stiff.
Why updated photos matter for leaders
When someone has a high-level role, their photo is often the first introduction. Before a meeting, before a speech, and before an article, people see the image. That image sends a message.
For leaders, the right photo should feel capable, clear, and approachable. It should support the work they are doing now. It should also feel current, because an outdated photo can create a quiet disconnect.
Carly’s career includes business leadership, public service, and national recognition. Therefore, this session needed to feel polished and simple. No distractions. No overdone styling. Just strong images that felt like her.
That is the quiet trick of executive photography. The photo should not try too hard. It should simply make sense.
A modern headshot session with purpose
This session was focused and intentional from the start. We photographed Carly in a way that gave her variety without making the gallery feel scattered. For executive headshots in Virginia, I always think about where the images will be used. A tight portrait may work well for a bio. A wider image may work better for a website or article. A softer expression may feel right for one use, while a more direct image may fit another. As a result, the final gallery gives her useful options. That is always the goal.
A great headshot is not just a nice photo. It is a business tool. It helps people recognize you, trust you, and understand your level of work faster. And honestly, when your career includes leading major companies, serving on boards, and stepping into a role like CEO of Colonial Williamsburg, your photos should keep up.
If your photos no longer match the level of your work, it may be time for a refresh. I create branding sessions and modern headshots for leaders, business owners, and professionals who want polished images they can use across their website, media features, speaking events, and marketing. Reach out to schedule your branding session, and let’s create photos that feel current, professional, and ready for what is next.
