We were lucky to catch up with Todd Dring recently and have shared our conversation below.

Todd, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

I took my first photography class many years ago, a film course at a local college, but most of what I’ve learned has come from years of trial and error. Early on, I was constantly experimenting, making mistakes, and figuring things out the hard way. Later, I started attending workshops led by experienced photographers. I wasn’t necessarily trying to copy their style, I just wanted to soak up as much knowledge as possible and build a solid foundation so I could develop my own approach. Over time, I also supplemented that with online tutorials. Looking back, I wish I had started attending workshops much sooner. I’m not really a classroom learner, I learn best through hands on experience. Those workshops gave me the kind of practical, real world understanding that accelerated my growth much more than reading or watching videos ever could.
The most essential skill, without question, has been lighting. Understanding how to shape and control light is the single biggest factor in creating strong, professional images. Once I mastered that, everything else, posing, composition, confidence behind the camera, fell into place. As for obstacles, honestly, I’ve been my own biggest one. Imposter syndrome is something I still deal with. No matter how many five star reviews I get or how many great clients I work with, I can still wake up and think, “I’m not good enough.” I also have a tendency to overthink things. To delay launching new ideas because I feel they’re not “ready” yet. But I’ve learned to push through those feelings and remind myself that growth comes from taking action, not waiting for perfection.

Todd, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m a Baltimore based photographer who specializes primarily in professional headshots, but I also create fine portraits for clients who want something more personal and expressive. My photography style is professional, relaxed, and creative. I aim to create images that feel natural and confident, not stiff or forced.

My path into photography started early. My dad took a photography class when I was a kid, and I remember watching him out in the backyard with his tripod photographing birds and our old shed. Years later, after working in the funeral industry, I realized I needed a career that allowed more flexibility and creativity. Photography had always been a passion, so I decided to turn it into a career. I opened my first studio in 2016 and began focusing primarily on headshots.

The first challenge most people face when they come to me is nerves. A lot of people don’t love being in front of the camera. It can feel awkward or intimidating. My goal is to make the process feel easy and even enjoyable. I work hard to create a calm, welcoming environment so clients forget about the camera and just relax. Once that happens, we can create images that genuinely represent who they are.

The second challenge I solve is helping people get noticed. Whether it’s an actor landing auditions, a professional updating their LinkedIn, or someone building their personal brand, a great headshot opens doors. My clients consistently tell me their new headshots get attention and help them feel proud to put themselves out there.

In 2025, I’ve also made it a priority to give back. I’ve donated over 250 headshots to people affected by federal job cuts, providing free sessions at career fairs and community events to help them present themselves confidently while job hunting.

What sets me apart, I think, is a belief that you don’t have to be a celebrity to look cool in a photograph. Everyone deserves to have an image that makes them feel confident, capable, and seen. That’s what I love most about what I do, helping people see themselves the way the world should see them.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

In late August 2021, my studio landlord told me the building had been sold and that everyone had to vacate by December 24. At that point, I was still recovering from the financial impact of the pandemic, my bookings had only just started to pick back up, and I was finally getting back on my feet. The timing couldn’t have been worse. But giving up wasn’t an option. I had built up a loyal client base and wasn’t willing to let that momentum fade. I immediately started searching for a new studio space, juggling shoots, client communications, and the logistics of relocating all at once. It was stressful, there were moments when I wasn’t sure it would all come together in time.
Still, I stayed focused on what I could control: keeping my clients informed, staying positive, and delivering great work through the transition. Eventually, I found a new space that ended up being an even better fit for my business. Looking back, that experience reminded me that setbacks can actually push you forward if you handle them with persistence and flexibility. It taught me that resilience isn’t just about surviving challenges, it’s about adapting and continuing to show up for your clients no matter what’s happening behind the scenes.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I think my reputation has been built on consistency, both in the quality of my work and the experience I give my clients. From the beginning, I’ve focused on creating a professional but relaxed atmosphere where people actually enjoy being photographed. Many of my clients come in nervous or convinced they’re “not photogenic,” and by the end of the session they’re laughing and confident. That transformation is what people remember and tell others about.

Word of mouth has been huge for me. Over time, that’s led to more than 100 five star Google reviews, which have become a big part of my credibility. Clients often mention how comfortable they felt and how much they love their final images, and I think that genuine feedback carries more weight than any ad ever could.

Community involvement has also played a role. In 2025, I’ve donated over 250 headshots to individuals affected by federal job cuts, offering free sessions at career fairs. I believe when you give back to the community, people notice and they want to support businesses that genuinely care.

Ultimately, I think my reputation comes down to this: I treat every client like their session matters, because it does. Whether it’s an actor, a business professional, or someone getting their first headshot, I want them to walk away feeling seen, confident, and proud of how they look.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.todddring.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/todddring/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/todddring/

Image Credits

all images by Todd Dring Photography