My Why

“Let the generations know that women in uniform also guaranteed their freedom.”

-Dr. Mary Edwards Walker

Last month I attended the AcademyWomen Officer Women Leadership Symposium (OWLS). I have been been affiliated with the organization for over 15 years. To include attending the annual gathering in uniform, serving as a guest speaker, as a moderator and now in my capacity as a professional headshot photographer.

What has been interesting over recent years is to see who signs up for a headshot. The first day, is dedicated to a Career Workshop, focused on those who may be transitioning out of the military. When I first started, many of the women in uniform shied away, with the statement "I'm not dressed for a headshot today."

But now, I encourage them that it's important to document your journey and legacy, regardless of what they are wearing. The uniform should be one of the main reasons to take the photo.

We think of our military service as ‘just a job’ but it isn’t. Not by a long shot. Many women Veterans don’t even identify themselves as Veterans, but that’s nonsense, and so is not documenting your legacy.

I was pleasantly surprised to see that this year my uniformed headshots out numbered the business-related headshots.

My message (Men and Women): take a portrait in every rank.

Your family will thank you for it.

Don’t stand at your retirement ceremony or at the exit door with regrets.

This is my why.

Celebrate Your Service.