When Michelle Lake, a nationally recognized triathlon coach, educator, and business mentor, reached out to me to discuss photography for her upcoming coaching seminar, I knew right away this was a project I wanted to be part of. She was planning a high-energy, content-rich, two-day experience tailored specifically for fitness coaches and sports entrepreneurs. The event would be held at the Hilton Garden Inn in Shirlington, a well-located venue in Arlington, Virginia, known for hosting professional gatherings. What made this project stand out wasn’t just the logistics—it was Michelle’s clear vision for what she wanted the photography to accomplish.

She wasn’t just looking for event coverage. She needed a photographer who could capture the full scope of her conference—from candid shots of presenters and attendees engaging in discussion, to high-quality, branded professional headshots for over 20 visiting coaches. These weren’t traditional conference portraits either—Michelle envisioned outdoor headshots that reflected each coach’s confidence, athleticism, and professionalism. The goal was to equip every attendee with content they could immediately use to elevate their personal coaching brands, online course platforms, and social media profiles.

As a Northern Virginia professional headshot and conference photographer, these types of hybrid projects are where my experience and passion intersect. I specialize in environments that move quickly, require a mix of controlled portrait setups and dynamic lifestyle photography, and call for a flexible, well-prepared approach. Michelle’s event was exactly that. Her attendees were high-performing individuals with packed schedules, and the energy throughout the seminar was both inspiring and fast-paced. My role wasn’t just to snap photos—it was to anticipate needs, work efficiently, and deliver a gallery of images that captured both the spirit of the event and the personal power of each coach in attendance.

This kind of project isn’t about just “covering an event.” It’s about collaborating with leaders to help them tell a visual story that aligns with their voice, values, and goals. From indoor coverage of keynote talks and small group breakouts to outdoor portraits shot on location just steps from the venue, this experience was a powerful reminder of how strong photography can support growing businesses—especially in the health, wellness, and coaching industries.