Creative Corporate Headshots: Mike Healey, Esq. and Modern Counsel

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Capturing Leadership: A Modern Counsel Feature

When Mike Healey, Esq., required photography to accompany his feature article in the prestigious Modern Counselmagazine, he had one exciting request: he wanted a style that was more creative and dynamic than the conventional, stiff corporate headshot. For us, that was music to our ears. This was an opportunity to blend executive professionalism with artistic portraiture.

We set out to deliver imagery that captured his authority and approachability—photos that would stand out on the magazine page and resonate with readers.

The Setup: Mobile Gear Meets Stunning Natural Light

For this crucial executive session, flexibility was key. Because the facility was a new location, I opted for a highly mobile lighting setup:

• Strobes: Canon 580 EX II with wireless triggers

• Modifiers: Two shoot-through umbrellas

• Primary Lens: The legendary Canon EF $85\text{mm}$ $f/1.2$ — the ultimate portrait lens for shallow depth-of-field and beautiful bokeh.

• Backup Lens: Canon EF $70\text{mm}$ to $200\text{mm}$ $f/2.8$ for flexibility.

Upon arrival, the lighting decision was instantly clear: the venue featured walls of glass windows and was flooded with incredibly bright, beautiful natural light. I immediately discarded the idea of using secondary flash, knowing that the EF $85\text{mm}$ lens, shot wide open, would create stunning, soft, and artistic results. Mike and I immediately set to work, utilizing the environment to craft a signature, high-end corporate headshot collection.

The Results: Executive Photography for Publication

The final images successfully achieved Mike's goal—they were professional, authoritative, and yet distinctly creative. As is customary, the magazine editor selected and tailored the final images to perfectly complement the article's design and presentation in Modern Counsel.

We invite you to view the expanded gallery below, featuring other compelling portraits from Mike's corporate headshotsession that didn't make the final cut in the magazine.

Enjoy the gallery of dynamic executive portraits.