Just do it!

Two weeks ago, I posted a TikTok with an idea: affordable mini headshot sessions. I’ve actually been a photographer for a long time. I’ve photographed people, events, brands — you name it. But if I’m being completely real, I don’t think I ever took myself seriously enough to fully go all in and say, “Okay, I’m building a photography business.”

Then that TikTok went viral.

And I was like… okay. There’s a need here.

Suddenly, my messages were full of people wanting headshots, and I started booking these little 20-minute sessions back to back. And then came all the industry baddies.  Actors, creatives, business owners, people updating their LinkedIn, people building their personal brands, and people who just needed a good professional picture of themselves.

Some people walked in super confident and ready for the camera. Some were shy. Some told me right away, “I don’t know how to pose.” But everybody came in as themselves, and I got the opportunity to capture that. How freaking cool is that?

Honestly, one of my favorite parts wasn’t even taking the pictures. It was watching everyone’s reaction when they saw them. I noticed the effort people put in before they even walked through the door — choosing the outfit, doing their hair, doing their makeup, figuring out how they wanted to present themselves.

And yes, I got A LOT of girlies.  You were all so beautiful, but what I loved most was that everyone was beautiful in their own way. Different personalities, different styles, different energy. Nobody looked like the person who came in before them, and that’s exactly what I want my photography to capture.

Right now, I’m renting a space from a friend who rarely uses his home, and honestly, it ended up being kind of perfect. You park literally right outside. No giant parking structure, no stairs, no wandering around a studio building wondering where the hell you’re supposed to go. 😂 You come in, we shoot, we look through your photos together, you choose your favorites, and you’re done.

That’s what I love about these mini sessions. Sometimes you don’t need a giant photoshoot with ten outfits and an entire production. Sometimes you just need one really good picture.

The headshot you’ve been putting off. The new LinkedIn photo. The photo for your website. The picture you’re going to send with your next audition. Or honestly, just a photo of yourself that makes you think, “Damn. That’s me.”

Seeing how happy people were with their photos made something click for me too.

Maybe it’s time I take this seriously.

So… I’m going all in.

I want to keep doing mini sessions, but I also want to have fun with them. Different studios, coffee shops, outdoor locations, different parts of LA, maybe themed sessions — and probably some ideas I haven’t even thought of yet.

I want to create opportunities for people to get beautiful, professional photos without every photoshoot needing to feel like a huge production. And most importantly, I want people to walk away feeling like themselves. Not overly posed. Not uncomfortable. Not like I turned you into somebody else.

Just you — photographed really freaking well.

So if you found me because of that little TikTok two weeks ago, hi. I’m really glad you’re here.

I have no idea exactly where this is going to take me yet, but I’m excited to find out. And hopefully, I’ll get to capture you along the way.

— Yubi 🤎