Recently, I had the absolute joy of being one of the photographers for the Central Florida Wedding Association (CFWA) Headshot Party held at the stunning Mission Inn Resort + Club in Howey-in-the-Hills, Florida. This was my first time participating in a headshot marathon event like this—and it was every bit as exciting, fast-paced, and creatively fulfilling as I imagined it would be!

What made this experience extra special for me was getting to step outside the traditional box of corporate headshots. With the help of some MagMod gels and modifiers, I was able to play with lighting, colors, and shadows to create a variety of backgrounds tailored to each vendor's personality and brand. My goal was to make every portrait feel authentic, expressive, and unique—not stiff or overly formal. For the gentlemen, I leaned into bold and refined lighting to give their shots a sophisticated edge. For others, we brought out playful energy or a softer aesthetic that spoke to their creative business styles.

The hallway I was set up in inside Mission Inn turned out to be the perfect little nook for some lighting magic! It was amazing to see how a seemingly simple location could be transformed with a few lighting tools and a creative spark.

About the Mission Inn Resort + Club

If you've never visited Mission Inn Resort + Club, let me be the first to tell you—this venue is absolutely breathtaking. Nestled among rolling hills and lush Florida landscapes, this historic resort is a true gem for weddings and events. From Spanish-style architecture and elegant courtyards to scenic golf course backdrops and timeless ballrooms, Mission Inn offers multiple ceremony and reception locations that fit every wedding aesthetic—from romantic and classic to modern and elegant.

Whether you're planning an intimate celebration or a grand event, the venue offers a seamless combination of old-world charm and upscale amenities. As a wedding photographer, I’ve always admired how photogenic the property is in every direction—sunset shots on the golf course, dreamy garden portraits, and epic ballroom entrances are all possible here.

What is CFWA?

The Central Florida Wedding Association (CFWA) is a collective of top-tier wedding professionals who come together to collaborate, network, and elevate the local wedding industry. From DJs to florists, venue owners to fellow photographers, CFWA is full of passionate creatives who love what they do and genuinely support one another.

As a proud CFWA member myself, I’ve had the pleasure of working alongside so many of these talented professionals. It was so much fun to give back to the community during this headshot party—helping everyone refresh their branding and show off a side of themselves that clients may not always see.

A New Love: Headshot Marathons!

This was my first-ever headshot marathon, and now I’m officially hooked. I loved the challenge of thinking quickly, posing with intention, and getting to know each vendor’s personality in just a few short minutes. It made the whole day feel like a creative sprint—energizing, rewarding, and honestly, just so much fun.

If you’re part of a professional group, association, or team and are looking to host a headshot session with a fresh, vibrant twist—let’s talk! I’d absolutely love to do more of these.

To everyone I photographed at the CFWA Headshot Party—thank you for trusting me with your brand and your smile. You all rocked it, and I can’t wait to see how you use these portraits across your websites, socials, and marketing!

All of the wonderful vendors who sponsored the CFWA Headshot Party event:

• Central Florida Wedding Association: @thecfwa
• Mission Resort: @missionresortweddings
• Connie Duglin Linens: @cdlinen
• Michelle Vila Photography: @michellevilaphotography
• Photobooth Rocks: @photoboothrocks
• Desserts - Sweet Miss Vs: @sweetmissvs
• Florals - The Flower Studio Oxford: @theflowerstudiooxford & @tfs.weddings
• Our DJ Rocks: @ourdjrocks
• Rentals - A Chair Affair: @achairaffair
• Laura Reynolds Artistry: @laurareynoldsartist & @laurareynoldsartistorlando
• House of Sheen Glam Team: @houseofsheen_glamteam
• Kristy's Artistry: @kristysartistrydesignteam
• Awe Glammed Up: @aweglammedup
• Charity - Taco Shop South Lake: @tncofsouthlake