As a branding and portrait photographer, one of the most important things I focus on is creating images that not only make you look your best but also make you feel your best. There’s something magical about capturing the real, authentic you in a way that feels empowering and natural. After all, when you feel confident, it shows—and that’s when the best photos happen!
Authenticity in photography isn’t just about getting the perfect shot; it’s about telling your story. Whether it’s a professional headshot, a branding session, or a family portrait, the goal is always the same: to capture a version of you that feels true to who you are. No stiff poses or forced smiles—just genuine expressions that reflect your personality, style, and confidence.
Capturing Confidence - Branding Photos Elevate Your Personal and Professional Image
Here’s why this matters: when you see yourself in a photo where you look great and feel comfortable, it boosts your confidence. It changes the way you see yourself, whether you’re updating your LinkedIn profile, creating a brand identity for your business, or hanging that family portrait in your home. Authentic images not only represent who you are to the world, but they also help you feel proud of the person you see in the photo.
For business owners and professionals, this is especially important. Your personal brand is a reflection of you, and having professional, authentic photos makes all the difference. You want your audience to connect with the real you, and that starts with images that are warm, approachable, and confident.
Now, I'd like you to meet the beautiful woman in these images, Mia. You might think that she looks every other successful business woman you've seen - and that was intentionally the point of her branding session. Scroll down to learn more about Mia and what makes her different.
The Power of Authentic Imagery: Mia's Story in Her Own Words
"I sought Tracy’s help with my branding photos for a very important endeavor. Recently diagnosed with Twice Exceptional (2e) Asperger’s and ADHD, years of chronic overthinking, anxiety, and an inability to perform, or learn, simple life tasks while flawlessly executing activities that for others take years to master, finally made sense.
Dr. Stuart Robinson of Live More Simply, is one of the country’s most influential professionals in the adult autism arena. Specializing in working with adults on the Spectrum, Dr. Robinson and his staff of clinicians, counselors and coaches are trained to identify, diagnose, and support adults with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and its many secondary sidekicks such as ADD, ADHD, OCD, Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, etc. He and his staff opened the mental prison door for me.
The waiting list for Dr. Robinson’s evaluation services is long and the testing is extensive, however, the insight and tools provided with the results are nothing short of lifechanging. My diagnosis came with a twist; masking (the ability of someone with ASD to present as a normal neurotypical person) aided me for decades and allowed me to develop coping mechanisms and workaround life skills to help me to get through my day. Dr. Robinson encouraged me to share these skills with others who need them.
However, masking comes with a price. Pain, illness, and anxiety were my constant companions; pretending to be normal is hard work and hard on the body. Thankfully, my diagnosis changed everything for me. Letting go and becoming comfortable with my ASD allows me to leverage my Asperger superpowers for good; harnessing them for productivity and efficiency rather than letting myself get sucked into a mental prison of my own making. Working out and working it out properly channels my mental energy instead of allowing it to dominate my inner thoughts.
As I continued working with Dr. Robinson and his team, I decided that I had a responsibility to help others find their personal power and realize that being neurodivergent (ND) isn’t bad or wrong. Neurodivergence is a purposeful design and has a powerful role in problem solving and strategy development. With Dr. Robinson’s encouragement, I accepted his invitation to join his team as a Support Group Facilitator and Sr. Coach to encourage and inspire other Neurodivergent adults like me.
I believe everyone has a career and a calling. Long ago, I decided my professional career, but only with Dr. Robinson’s guidance, did I find my purpose.
I contacted Tracy to help me with my branding image; it’s important that I get the image message just right. Why? Because the stigma of autism still exists, and I want to set the record straight. We look, dress, and contribute like everyone else; our brains just work differently than our neurotypical counterparts.
It's quite possible that you have encountered, or bonded with a neurodiverse thinker, and if you give us a chance, we may give you a new perspective and change the way you see things and us.
Apart from meeting such a special person like Mia, another great thing came out our collaboration - she was approached for modeling work after sharing her pictures! So, the next time you're in front of the camera, remember: it’s not about being perfect. It’s about being you. When you embrace that, the camera will capture it—and you’ll love the results.
Mia is a Risk and Resiliency professional and a graduate of University of North Texas (B.S.) and Boston University (M.S.) She is a 2e Asperger neurodivergent with ADHD, Dyslexia and Dyscalculia. Mia is also an entrepreneur, writer, and Personal Coach to Risk and Resilience leaders and neurodivergent adults. Mia can be reached at Mia@dutchmoorelife.com
Tracy Allard of Penny Whistle Photography is a Master of Photography and Certified Professional Photographer with the organization Professional Photographers of America; a designation held by fewer than 2,000 photographers nationwide and a hallmark of consistency, technical skill, artistry and professionalism.
Tracy's branding photography service includes a guided process to ensure that we create images that are authentic to you, true to your brand, and will work for you in multiple applications.
Penny Whistle specializes in both on-location and studio photography providing pet, family, and high school senior portraits as well as corporate headshots and commercial photography services in her studio located in historic downtown Carrollton as well as on location in Coppell, Grapevine, Southlake, Flower Mound and surrounding communities in Dallas – Fort Worth, Texas.
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