We were lucky to catch up with Keishla Almodovar recently and have shared our conversation below.

Keishla, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

I was working full-time as a Medical Coder with a nice paycheck when I decided to take a risk. I quit Medical Coding to dedicate my time, 100%, as a headshot photographer. I took a bunch of training to get better at it, I changed my office to a photography studio, and I made it happen.

I was remodeling the office when I got my first booking. It was a Friday, and he booked for Monday. I had to 5x speed up my remodeling so I was ready for that Monday. Yes, I got it ready on time.

The second time I took a risk was few months ago when I decided to lease a building in Downtown Orlando to turn it into my new photography studio. I was nervous during the whole process and still am, but here I am getting my casita ready (the studio is a cute tiny house on Orange Avenue) for the Grand Opening on March 7th.

In this life, everyday we make choices and each choice is a risk. I tell myself every day, “Take that risk, life is too short to doubt ourselves or what we want, just do it.”

Keishla, 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?

My name is Keishla Almodovar. I am from Puerto Rico but I live in Orlando. I got into the industry thanks to my husband Brian. He started everything and then I fell in love with headshots. I always love taking pictures especially pictures of nature, but at the same time I always loved making people feel good about themselves. SO, what better way than doing headshot photography. I took a lot of training to be awesome at what I do, but what makes me the best is that I also took facial expression coaching training and that is the best part.

I feel comfortable and confident coaching my clients on what to do and what to not do with their face during the entire session in a way that makes them feel confident in front of the camera.

I am very proud of everything I have achieved. It has been a bumpy road but here I am getting ready to open my own headshots studio in our own building in Downtown Orlando.

Here are the main things we want our potential clients, followers, and fans to know about us:

Tailored Approach: We believe that each client is unique, and their headshots should reflect their individuality. Our approach is personalized to bring out the best in every individual, ensuring that their personality shines through in the photographs.

Professionalism: From the moment you step into our studio to the final delivery of your images, professionalism is at the forefront of everything we do. We understand the importance of a polished image in today’s competitive world, and we are committed to delivering high-quality results that exceed expectations.

Attention to Detail: Whether it’s adjusting lighting, perfecting poses, or retouching images, we pay meticulous attention to every detail to ensure that your headshots are flawless. Our goal is to capture you at your best, highlighting your strengths and unique features.

Collaborative Process: We believe in collaboration and communication throughout the entire photography process. We work closely with our clients to understand their vision, address any concerns, and ensure that their expectations are met and exceeded.

Efficiency and Convenience: We understand that our clients have busy schedules, which is why we strive to make the photography experience as efficient and convenient as possible. From scheduling appointments to delivering the final images, we aim to provide a seamless and stress-free experience.

Positive Environment: Our studio is a welcoming and inclusive space where clients can feel comfortable and confident. We believe that a positive environment is essential for capturing authentic and captivating headshots, and we go above and beyond to create a supportive atmosphere for our clients.

Consistent Quality: Whether you’re an actor, business professional, or influencer, you can trust that our photography consistently delivers high-quality results. We take pride in our work and are committed to maintaining the highest standards of excellence in every aspect of our photography.

Continued Support: Our relationship with our clients doesn’t end once the photoshoot is over. We are here to provide ongoing support and guidance, whether you need advice on selecting the perfect headshot or assistance with updating your portfolio in the future.

In summary, our headshots photography studio is dedicated to providing a personalized, professional, and exceptional experience for every client. We prioritize quality, collaboration, and customer satisfaction, ensuring that your headshots reflect the best version of yourself.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

Reflecting on my photography career, there are indeed several resources that I wish I had known about earlier. These resources could have significantly enhanced my skills, knowledge, and overall journey as a photographer:

I wish I knew earlier that I don’t have to do everything by myself. I can ask for help. I learned during my journey to ask for help, to have mentors, to meet people with purpose. I learned that if I do it myself it is going to take longer and a lot of time people get so frustrated that they quit, in other words if you have a team that supports you, you are going to get faster to your goals. So, don’t be afraid of asking for help. What’s the worst thing can happen? That they say NO, and that’s ok… It does not end there, you will find more people who are going to support you.

Networking Events and Workshops: Attending networking events, workshops, and photography conferences can facilitate connections with other professionals in the industry and provide opportunities for hands-on learning and skill development. Building a network of like-minded individuals can offer support, collaboration opportunities, and valuable insights into the photography industry.

Business and Marketing Resources: Understanding the business side of photography, including marketing strategies, pricing models, and client management techniques, is essential for long-term success as a photographer. Investing in resources such as books, online courses, or mentorship programs focused on business and marketing can help me navigate the challenges of running a photography business more effectively.

Feedback and Critique: Seeking feedback and critique from peers, mentors, or online communities can be instrumental in identifying areas for improvement and refining my photography skills. Constructive criticism can offer valuable perspectives and insights that may not be immediately apparent, ultimately helping me grow as a photographer.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

As a headshots photographer, one of the most rewarding aspects is the opportunity to capture the essence and confidence of individuals through my lens. Each session presents a chance to unveil the authentic personality and unique qualities of my subjects, empowering them to shine in their professional endeavors.

Moreover, witnessing the transformation and satisfaction of clients as they see their headshots come to life is incredibly fulfilling. Being able to provide them with images that they are proud to showcase for their professional profiles, auditions, or personal branding is deeply rewarding.

Additionally, the creative process involved in headshots photography allows me to continually innovate and explore new techniques to elevate my craft. Whether it’s experimenting with lighting setups, posing techniques, or post-processing styles, the journey of artistic growth and self-expression is immensely gratifying.

Furthermore, the relationships built with clients throughout the photography experience are invaluable. The trust they place in me to capture their best self and the genuine connections formed during sessions contribute to a sense of fulfillment that goes beyond just delivering photographs.

Overall, the most rewarding aspect of being a headshots photographer is the ability to make a meaningful impact on the lives and careers of individuals by providing them with images that truly reflect their professional identity and potential.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.signatureheadshotsorlando.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/signatureheadshotsorlando?igsh=Mm8wamlteGR3MXdl&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Signatureheadshotsorlando
• Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/keishlaalmodovar
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/signature-headshots-apopka-4?osq=signature+headshots&override_cta=Get+pricing

Image Credits
Me Keishla Almodovar and Brian Dow from Signature Headshots did all the images.