If you’ve ever felt like the camera just isn’t seeing you the way you see yourself, you are not alone. As a professional headshot photographer who is also completely un-photogenic myself (this, in fact, is why I’m behind the camera and not in front of it!), I am here to tell you that it is not you. It is almost always a combination of bad lighting, poor angles, and a lack of guidance.

This year was the third Imaging USA conference that I attended, and the second on that took place at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel in Nashville Tennessee - Jan 11–13, 2026 with over 10,000 attendees. I specifically made a point to come back to Nashville because I thought the hotel was great the first time around.. but was the second time as impressive as the first? And is Imaging USA worth the cost?

I love working with small business owners to help elevate their brand photography, and nothing makes me more excited than collaborating with a female entrepreneur from the very beginning of her venture. Mallory Blake and I have been working together since 2021 with 7 photoshoots total capturing portraits and details for her new website and social media…

As a photographer, we all spend a lot of money on gear, software, and yes even education. As someone who likes nothing more than not paying full price, I put together this list of affiliate links and referral codes you can take advantage of to get a bit of a deal on the things you’ll probably use most as part of your photography business.