Nine Years Later, We Returned to Where It All Began to Create Something New.
I’ve been thinking about this series for quite a while.
The idea is simple. Take one of the most recognizable symbols of authority, confidence, and leadership and see what happens when a woman makes it completely her own.
For generations, the suit has been associated with executives, politicians, attorneys, entrepreneurs, and people in positions of power. For much of history, that image belonged almost exclusively to men.
Not anymore.
There is something incredibly compelling about a confident woman wearing tailored clothing. It isn’t because she’s trying to look masculine. Quite the opposite. The sharp lines of a jacket or vest only emphasize her femininity. The contrast between strength and elegance creates an image that’s difficult to ignore.
That’s the foundation of my new Suit Shoot Series.
These sessions aren’t about business portraits or corporate headshots. They’re about confidence. They’re about photographing women who know who they are or are discovering exactly that. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, artist, executive, athlete, student, model, or someone simply celebrating a new chapter in life, these portraits are designed to tell your story.
I love the visual contrast these sessions create. Tailored jackets against soft curves. Structured clothing paired with natural movement. Editorial fashion mixed with authentic personality. Some women may choose a classic three-piece suit. Others might wear an oversized blazer, a fitted vest, suspenders, or tailored trousers paired with something unexpected. There aren’t any rules because the clothing isn’t the subject.
The woman wearing it is.
When I described this concept to my friend Lindsey over lunch recently, she immediately volunteered to be the first model for the series.
The last time Lindsey and I worked together was nine years ago. As luck would have it, that session also took place at Virginia Beach Town Center. It seemed only fitting that we would return to the same location to kick off this new project.
We met at 6:00 in the morning while the city was still waking up. Town Center is one of my favorite places to photograph at sunrise. The sidewalks are empty, the architecture becomes the backdrop instead of the distraction, and the soft morning light transforms the entire area.
Neither of us came into the session trying to recreate what we did nearly a decade ago. Nine years changes people. It changes confidence. It changes perspective. It changes the way you carry yourself.
Looking through my camera, I saw someone who had grown into herself. There was a quiet confidence that wasn’t there nine years ago. She wasn’t trying to impress the camera. She owned the space in front of it.
As a photographer, I’ve changed just as much. My work today is less about posing and more about revealing personality. I’m more interested in creating portraits that feel honest than simply creating photographs that look beautiful.
That made this reunion feel effortless.
The clean architecture, textured stone walls, and sweeping staircases around Town Center became the perfect stage for the Suit Shoot Series. Some portraits felt bold and editorial. Others felt timeless and elegant. Together they captured exactly what I envisioned when this idea first started taking shape.
Then, after a bit, we changed gears. Lindsey changed into a flowing dress and let herself get lost in the moment.
The carefully structured poses gave way to movement, laughter, and genuine joy. Those final photographs remind me that confidence doesn’t always have to look intense. Sometimes it’s found in a smile. Sometimes it’s found in movement. Sometimes it’s simply enjoying the moment without worrying about who’s watching.
Looking back, I can’t imagine a better way to introduce the Suit Shoot Series. I’m excited to see where this project goes next. If Lindsey’s session is any indication, I think it’s going to become one of my favorite portrait experiences to offer.
Ready for Your Own Suit Shoot?
If you’ve ever wanted portraits that feel bold, stylish, and unmistakably you, let’s make it happen. Bring your favorite suit, blazer, vest, or tailored look, and together we’ll create images that celebrate your confidence, your personality, and your story.
Photography by Mark K 