Lessons from a Headshots Vancouver Photographer

Lessons from a headshots photographer, where I’ve spent more than 25 years behind the lens. I’ve photographed everything from CEOs and entrepreneurs to Olympic athletes and construction workers, and along the way, I’ve seen the photography industry evolve again and again.

Film gave way to digital. Digital was disrupted by smartphones. Smartphones are now being challenged by AI. Through all of this, the only constant has been change. And as overwhelming as that change can feel, it’s also taught me the most important lesson of all: success isn’t about arriving somewhere. It’s about staying curious and never being done learning.

Living in a Time of Uncertainty

Right now, a lot of people feel jumbled up. We’ve just come out of a global pandemic, the economy feels shaky, and AI is changing how we all work. Even at a branding workshop I attended with Chris Do, a room full of creatives couldn’t stop voicing their fears about AI.

As a photographer, I’ve wondered the same things: Will my career be obsolete in five years? Will people still need photographers when AI can generate portraits instantly? These questions aren’t new. When digital cameras first came out, veteran photographers swore film would never die. Later, DSLRs with video disrupted the market. Every shift brought fear, and every time, those of us willing to adapt found a way forward.

Looking Back at the Journey

One of the best parts of reflecting at 37 is seeing the milestones that brought me here.

  • My first roll of film taught me patience and discipline. Every frame mattered.

  • My Canon 20D, my first DSLR, was a glimpse into what digital photography had in store.

  • My first off-camera flash photo was rough, but it revealed the power of controlling light.

  • My first magazine publication made me feel like I had “made it,” until I realized it was only one step in a much longer journey.

These objects aren’t just props on a shelf — they’re proof that photography is a career built on continual learning.

Defining Success as a Photographer in Vancouver

Like a lot of people in their late 30s, I often feel the tension between being proud of what I’ve achieved and feeling like I’m still chasing stability. But if I zoom out, I can see how far I’ve come I live in Vancouver, the city I love. I’m married to an incredible partner, and we’re raising two amazing kids. I make a living as a professional photographer — a career my younger self would’ve thought was a dream.

And yet, I don’t feel like I’ve “arrived.” That feeling used to bother me, but I now see it as a good thing. It means I’m still growing, still learning, still chasing the next creative challenge.

Embracing Change in Photography

For headshot photography and photography in general, the landscape is always shifting. Websites once brought clients, then Instagram took over, and now AI is entering the scene. Change is exhausting, but it’s also the only thing guaranteed.

As a Headshot photographer, adapting has been my greatest asset. Whether I’m shooting with film, DSLRs, or today’s Canon R5, my focus has always been the same: connecting with people, helping them feel confident, and creating images that reflect their best selves. Technology may evolve, but human connection and trust never go out of style.

lessons from a headshots photographer in vancouver

Always Learning

At 37, here’s the lesson I’m holding onto: I never want to be done learning. I want to be 67, 87, and still curious. Still adapting. Always chasing creativity. Looking to capture authentic stories.

Change doesn’t have to be something to fear. It can be fuel. It can push us to grow in ways we didn’t expect. And for me, that’s what makes this career meaningful.

After 25+ years of photography, I know this much: every new tool, every new challenge, every new shift is just another chance to learn. And that’s what keeps me going.

I am excited for all of my future photoshoots!