Jan Kutschera

True Brew Birdie Ltd.

Founding the Brands:
- Lead makers: A Modern performance-driven Marketing Agency

We are the other marketing agency. 

Performance Marketing, Marketing Automation, Analytics. All Data-driven. We're here to shake things up. We cut through the noise, strip away the nonsense, and deliver what others don’t dare to. Want clarity amidst chaos? Precision over vagueness? Give us a call and find out how we can amplify your marketing.

- IamJayKay: Sparring partner for Entrepreneurs and Agency owners

With IamJayKay I help Founders and CEOs understand the role of marketing and the marketing team in their company. We answer questions like: 

What does a marketing team need from the CEO?
What does the CEO need from a marketing team?
What does it take to grow and build the best marketing team a company can imagine?
What is needed to support the main goals of the CEO: Staying within budget, making effective decisions, and staying to the vision and mission of the company.

Together, we are building great in-house marketing teams.

- Selling digital products

Providing Interim Marketing Services for Companies like:
Laura Seiler Life Coaching GmbH: (03/21 - 06/22)
- Leading the 14 person marketing team
- Sale of Online course with sell-out of the special edition within 2 hours
- Over sell-out of a closing course.
- Reorganization of the marketing team including tracking and analysis for scaling the various products
-Future-proof conception and set-up of new launch concepts for all digital products.
- Update of all courses to current CRM standards
- Introduction of CRM processes and segmentation.
- Automation of the marketing and sales process

Founder

k-production GmbH

As interim CMO & consultant I have helped companies like E-Buero, Holmes Place, Köhler Papier, MAHLE, Scoyo, Sense Media, Mailbutler, Mieterengel, Medizinio or Kawaloo but also Stratup Hubs like BEAM or BIA to improve their marketing and generate more leads. 

SEO, content marketing, inbound marketing, funnels & email marketing, performance marketing, web analytics, interim management, marketing consulting, and operations.

Founder and Managing Partner

iqento by MAHLE GmbH

Development of the lifestyle brand and retrofit solution in the field of fragrance management together with the automotive supplier MAHLE.  Responsible for product and business strategy development, financing management and the planning and implementation of marketing.
- Conception and implementation of international product presentations, including at the IAA in Frankfurt, Bits & Pretzels in Munich and Collision Conf in New Orleans
- Successful spin-off from the MAHLE Group
- Execution of four financing rounds through convincing product development and presentation as well as effective financing management

Co-Founder Finance and Marketing

The Reach Group GmbH

As Managing Director of Marketing, the focus was on merging four performance marketing agencies into the user-centric The Reach Group GmbH. This included integrating various departments and structures, developing a marketing strategy and coordinating activities across six locations.
- Merging and utilizing synergy effects of differently structured teams from the areas of SEO, SEA and social media
- Generating leads and new business, including through the planning and implementation of high-profile appearances at industry-relevant trade fairs such as Online Marketing Rockstars and DMEXCO

Founder and CEO

PR - Popularity Reference GmbH

Development and management of the company specializing in off-page and content marketing, most recently with 200 employees. Responsible for the strategic direction and the acquisition of prestigious clients.
- Achieved a seven-figure turnover within twelve months; increased to a mid-seven-figure turnover in the following four years by acquiring high-revenue, international Internet groups
- Management of the M&A process for the merger with three other agencies to form The Reach Group GmbH

BiTS Hochschule - Business and Information Technology School

Lecturer

TRG - The Reach Group GmbH

As Managing Partner, head of the main office in Berlin, which was set up specifically for this purpose. Responsible for the management and strategic direction of the analysis, consulting and reporting departments with a focus on German publishers. Also responsible for the organization of back-office processes and accounting.
- Achieved a seven-figure turnover within the first year after foundation by winning strategically important customers such as Axel Springer, Gruhner & Jahr and the travel publisher Falk & Dumont
- Establishment of two successful teams in Berlin and Hamburg
- Attention generation and customer acquisition through participation in events - including a stand at DMEXCO - as well as through the conception and implementation of successful own event series such as the TRG - OM Club

SeoBand

Lead Guitar

BILD digital GmbH & Co KG

Responsible for setting up the newly established SEO & Webanalytics department. The tasks included developing the technical and content-related bild.de SEO strategy as well as recruiting and training suitable employees to successfully implement the strategy.
- Establishing and expanding the effective team of seven members within a few months
- Training the 500 print journalists at BILD Zeitung in online editing and SEO
- Increasing the organic traffic share by 500 percent from five to 30 percent
- Smooth conversion of the web analytics software from Omniture (today: Adobe Analytics) to Webtrekk

Head of SEO & Webanalytics

Strato AG

Responsible for the marketing and further development of the store products together with the manufacturers.

Productmanager E-Commerce

🔆 As a Fractional CMO I help entrepreneurs to define clear marketing goals and implement them effectively with their team. 🏛️ Founder | Punk | Vegan 👉 Request a free marketing plan.

I never fit into the neat boxes people wanted me in.
Teachers said I just needed to ‘apply myself.’ Bosses said I was too obsessive. Friends thought I was chaotic.

The truth? My brain just works differently.
And instead of fighting it, I turned it into my edge.

Now, I help entrepreneurs do the same: channel their energy into systems that break rules, scale empires, and actually work.

I turn marketing into rebellion.

This is for the pathfinders.
The ones who can’t switch off.
The ones who refuse to copy templates and chase trends.

I build marketing systems that scale companies from 7 to 8 figures — without 5k/month minimum budgets, without the BS.

My approach:
⚡ Strip away the fluff
⚡ Automate what works
⚡ Build systems that deliver real ROI

What I do:
✅ Engineer marketing rebellion systems that break past $10M
✅ Create automation frameworks that eliminate chaos
✅ Design strategies that crush industry benchmarks

The proof:
🚀 Led teams of 15+ driving 8-figure growth
🚀 Built systems managing $50M+ in revenue
🚀 Cut CAC by 47% with my frameworks

Fair warning: I don’t sugarcoat.
If you want comfortable advice, I’m not your guy.
But if you want marketing that unleashes your empire - let’s talk.“
.

📍 Based in Cyprus. Breaking marketing templates worldwide.

Founder, Sick Brain & Mastermind at LeadMakers 

dnb Productions

I am dedicated to pushing the boundaries of visual storytelling. 

My team and I strive to deliver exceptional results that exceed our clients’ expectations. Every project is an opportunity to explore new creative avenues and bring innovative ideas to fruition.

My journey began in broadcast production with networks like ESPN and Nickelodeon, where I learned the importance of captivating storytelling. Working with corporate clients such as Shell and BP, I merged visual creativity with strategic communication to produce impactful content.

A memorable moment in my career has been capturing live sports for teams like the Houston Texans and New York Yankees. This experience honed my ability to capture the essence of a moment quickly and precisely—skills that translate seamlessly to corporate events and executive portraits.

Beyond technical roles, my passion lies in crafting narratives through photography. 

Whether it’s a dynamic headshot for a LinkedIn profile, a captivating portrait for a corporate website, or vibrant coverage of a corporate event, I aim to create visuals that leave a lasting impact.

We specialize in executive and corporate event headshots, as well as event booth photography. We understand the need for professional, engaging imagery that reflects your brand’s identity and connects with your audience.

 Our approach is highly collaborative; we work closely with each client to understand their story and how they want to be portrayed. This connection allows us to capture images that resonate with authenticity and depth.

Building this company has been a labor of love, driven by a relentless pursuit of excellence and a passion for innovation. We're committed to telling stories that matter, stories that inspire and provoke thought.

If you’re looking to elevate your next corporate event or need striking headshots that capture your professional essence, let’s connect and create something extraordinary.

Founder, Principal

Douglas N Burns Portraits

My journey as a photographer began with a passion for people and storytelling. 

Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to receive recognition and awards for my work, which has only fueled my dedication to the craft. I founded my own photography business to merge my love for art with my interest in human connection. 

From the start, my goal was to move beyond the basic headshot and create portraits that genuinely capture the essence of the individuals I photograph.

The inspiration to start my venture came from observing a growing need for business portraits that tell a story. Professionals wanted images that conveyed their journeys and personalities, not just their professional appearance. 

I saw an opportunity to fill this gap by offering a more personalized and artistic approach to corporate photography.

Building my business has been a labor of love. I’ve dedicated countless hours to mastering lighting, composition, and posing to ensure each portrait I create is not just a photograph but a piece of art. 

My process is highly collaborative; I work closely with each client to understand their story and how they want to be portrayed. This connection allows me to capture images that resonate with authenticity and depth.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my work is witnessing the impact a powerful portrait can have. A well-crafted image can boost confidence, make a lasting impression, and tell a story that words alone cannot. I'm passionate about helping people present their best selves to the world, whether it’s through a dynamic headshot or a compelling portrait for a corporate website.

From the boardroom to homes, I strive to craft portraits that showcase individuality and expertise in a natural and captivating way. 

Every portrait is an opportunity to connect, to tell a story, and to celebrate the unique qualities that make each person remarkable. 

It is this passion for people and storytelling that drives me every day and fuels my photography journey.

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

Manager, Broadcast Studio Scoring 

Culturally Creative Travel

We understand that vacation planning can be time-consuming and overwhelming. With busy lives and demanding schedules, finding the perfect getaway can feel impossible.

That's where we come in. Our mission is to give you back your valuable time and take the stress out of vacation planning, allowing you to focus on what truly matters – enjoying your well-deserved break.

We go to great lengths to create and find the perfect vacation package, presenting only the best travel options that align with your interests, budget, and schedule. 

Our dedication to personalized service ensures that each journey is meticulously planned and flawlessly executed, offering you an unforgettable travel experience.

Our Specialties:

- Luxury Travel: Indulge in the finest experiences with our luxury travel packages. From opulent accommodations to exclusive access and personalized services, we create bespoke itineraries that cater to the most discerning travelers. 

- Family Reunions: Strengthen bonds and create lasting memories with our customized family reunion packages. We design engaging itineraries that cater to all ages, ensuring that every family member has a memorable experience. 

- Corporate Training Events: Elevate your corporate events with our expertly planned training retreats. We specialize in organizing corporate training events that blend professional development with unique travel experiences. 

- Customized Itineraries: Whether you're planning a group trip or an individual adventure, our customized itineraries are designed to meet your specific needs and interests

Why Us?

- Personalized Service: Every detail of your vacation is tailored to your preferences.

- Stress-Free Planning: We handle the logistics, so you can focus on enjoying your trip.

- Memorable Experiences: We create vacations that are enjoyable, enriching, and transformative.

Let us help you create the vacation you've always imagined.

Co-Founder, Principal

🔍 I’m Douglas, a native Texan, world traveler, and proud dog dad to Peanut. My journey behind the lens began with a childhood fascination, sparked by the captivating images in National Geographic Magazine. This passion blossomed in college, where I honed my skills and developed a profound appreciation for visual storytelling.

As an Award-Winning Corporate Photographer, I bring over 20 years of professional experience to every project. I've enhanced the brand identity of more than 800 professionals, helping them communicate their unique value through compelling imagery.

𝗪𝗛𝗢 𝗜’𝗩𝗘 𝗛𝗘𝗟𝗣𝗘𝗗

My work has taken me across the globe, contributing to prestigious projects with National Geographic TV, ESPN, BBC, Fox News, CNN, and notable personalities like Dr. Phil, Yao Ming and George Foreman. Each experience has enriched my understanding of people, enabling me to create photographs that capture moments and evoke emotions.

𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗜 𝗗𝗢

📸 Corporate Photographer: I specialize in stunning corporate headshots that convey professionalism and authenticity. My on-site photo studio ensures consistency across your team, using custom digital and traditional backgrounds, and personalized coaching to bring out the best in each individual, resulting in a cohesive visual representation of your brand.

𝗛𝗢𝗪 𝗪𝗘 𝗖𝗔𝗡 𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗞 𝗧𝗢𝗚𝗘𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗥

🌟 𝗧𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗿𝗽𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘁𝘀:  We bring the studio to you, ensuring a seamless experience capturing your brand's essence. The results are immediate, with instant viewing and image selection on-site, followed by professional editing and secure online delivery.

🌟 𝗗𝘆𝗻𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗰 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘁 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝘁𝗵𝘀: Ideal for businesses with a widespread workforce, our headshot booth ensures stunning and uniform headshots. Participants benefit from private proofing galleries and instant email delivery. The booth sponsor receives the comprehensive lead list and has the option to brand the individual private galleries for an additional touch point to the participants, with zero administrative work for you.

🌟 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: I offer private consulting workshops to help businesses refine their visual storytelling. These sessions cover headshot techniques to brand imaging strategies, providing personalized guidance to elevate your company’s visual impact.

Through my lens, I strive to capture the unique essence of individuals and brands, creating images that resonate and inspire.

📸 Ready to start your journey?

╰┈➤ Click on the link in my bio.

Douglas N Burns

Most people tense up the second they see a camera.

You can see it in the stiff posture, the forced smile, the sudden drop in energy.

My job? Get them to forget it’s there.

That’s where the real work happens. 

It’s not about clicking the shutter. 

It’s about reading the energy in the room, 

making small talk that actually matters, 

and giving direction that feels less like posing and more like guiding someone into their best self.

I check the gear. 

I adjust the lighting. 

But those things only get you halfway.

Nothing beats connection.

If you want real confidence to shine through

if you want a headshot that actually looks like you on your best day

it’s all about trust with the person in front of the lens.

And that part has nothing to do with the camera.

(27) Feed | LinkedIn

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Enhancing Your Brand’s Visual Storytelling with Stunning Corporate Headshots | Award-Winning Houston Corporate Photographer | 20+ Years that Elevates Brand Identity for 800+ Professionals including CNN, Fox News, ESPN

Everyone thinks running a creative business is all big moments and bright lights.

The reality? 

It's a lot less glamorous than it looks from the outside.

It's about showing up, every day, and doing the stuff nobody sees. 

The boring work. 

The tiny improvements. 

The follow-ups, the emails, the early alarms.

This year reminded me just how true that is.

Here are the three biggest lessons that stuck with me:

𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗮𝗻’𝘁 𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗲 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗼𝘀.

If your back end is messy, your client experience will be too. 

Systems, processes, and automation aren’t just nice to have, 

they're what buy back your time and keep the work moving forward.

𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗻𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗮𝗱𝘀.

No matter how polished your website or how much you spend on marketing, 

the best work keeps coming from people, referrals, introductions, and the reputation you build one job at a time.

𝗠𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘂𝗺 𝗯𝗲𝗮𝘁𝘀 𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻.

Motivation is great when you have it, but it fades. 

What lasts is getting up and doing the work, especially on the days you don’t feel like it. 

Over time, that momentum is what moves everything forward.

Creative businesses are built in the unglamorous moments. 

That’s where the real growth happens.

Anyone else feel this?

No alternative text description for this image

Ever notice how the clients who grow your business aren't usually the ones who fill your inbox with endless proposal requests?

I've spent over twenty years behind the camera, 

meeting every kind of professional and executive you can imagine. 

I've fielded long RFPs, detailed proposal rounds, and bucketloads of “we’ll get back to you.” 

But when I look back, the real growth in my business has come from a specific kind of client. 

They're not the ones who make you jump through hoops. 

They're the ones who trust your expertise and come to you because they actually want results.

Those are the relationships that last. 

They’re the clients who stick around for years, refer you to their colleagues, and show up every time their brand or team needs a refresh.

My most transformational projects never started with a 10-page questionnaire or a bidding war. 

They started with a real conversation about goals, trust, and how visual storytelling can move their business forward.

I get it, sometimes procurement has its own process, and I respect that. 

But the difference is clear: 

The high-value clients see you as a partner, not just another vendor. 

They want to talk about the story behind the headshot, the why behind the branding. 

They care about how their people show up in the world, and they know a strong image opens doors.

Here's what I’ve learned:

- The best results come from real collaboration, not endless back-and-forth.

- The photos that transform a brand are always built on trust, not paperwork.

- Clients who value your craft are the ones who send referrals, come back for updates, and become part of your own professional story.

If you ever feel stuck chasing every proposal and feeling like just another item in someone’s comparison chart, take a step back. 

The real business builders are looking for a partner, not just a price.

This is true in every industry, but it’s front and center in photography. 

Images are personal. 

Trust is everything. 

And the people who "get it" are the ones you want to work with long-term.

Have you seen the same thing on your side of the business? 

Which clients actually move the needle for you?

Sometimes, the best trips aren’t planned for work or for play

they’re for saying yes when your spouse needs backup.

This weekend, I tagged along with Kathy for the overnight preview of MSC's first ship to set sail from Galveston. 

She’s there to meet with the sales team and tour the ship. 

I’m there to support her and to see what kind of fun we can find together along the way.

Turns out, mixing business with a bit of adventure is a tough combo to beat.

We managed to sneak in a little downtime and explored every corner of the ship, just the two of us. 

Between her meetings, we found time to relax, share a few laughs, and make some memories neither one of us expected when we packed our bags.

For me, supporting Kathy isn’t just about being helpful. 

It’s about showing up and grabbing those moments together, even when life is busy.

Sometimes, the best stories happen when you’re there for someone else and you both step into something new.

Who knew “support crew” could be this much fun?

Getting noticed at a trade show? Easier said than done.

But the right strategy doesn’t just pull a crowd

it gets the right people actually talking to you.

A headshot booth is a magnet. 

Sure, everyone wants a new LinkedIn photo. 

But here’s the real magic: 

every person stepping in for a headshot leaves with your branding on their mind and in their inbox.

You’re not giving out another swag bag that ends up in the hotel trash. 

You’re giving them something they’ll use for years. 

That’s memorable.

And on your side? You get real connections. 

Not just a badge scan, but people who actually want to be in touch. 

Suddenly, “let’s follow up” is easy, because you’ve already given them value before the sales pitch even starts.

When a headshot gets shared online, your brand goes along for the ride.

That’s how “free headshots” flip from a giveaway into real marketing ROI.

Trade shows shouldn’t be about who has the flashiest booth. 

They should be about who people remember and who they reach out to later.

Want actual leads, not just foot traffic? 

Start with a camera, a backdrop, and a reason for people to stop and stay.

Ever watched a whole team see themselves in a new light?

After a recent headshot project, I sent the gallery link to the client. 

The HR manager replied:

"These look like the version of our team we want clients to meet first."

That’s what it’s all about.

A unified headshot experience isn’t just about flattering angles and good lighting. 

It’s about giving a team a visual identity that feels true to who they are; confident, polished, and connected.

When people see themselves represented well, something shifts. Morale goes up. 

There’s a sense of pride.

And when clients see a team represented well, trust builds. 

They feel like they already know who they’ll be working with.

Simple idea, big impact.

Here’s to the companies investing in their people and in the brand that represents them.

A good headshot isn’t just for show. 

It works for you before you ever say a word.

The right photo says “I belong here.” 

It builds trust, credibility, and confidence fast. 

That’s not decoration. 

That’s strategy.

Whenever I’m behind the camera, I’m thinking about what you want your image to say. 

Your personality. Your story. 

The details that make you stand out in a crowded market.

Anyone can take a quick photo and call it a day. 

But intentional photography makes people stop and pay attention.

It’s your first impression, handed out to every client and decision maker before you’ve even met.

If you want your brand to speak for you, start with the photo.

Use your image to move your audience, not just fill space.

Ever notice how everyone says they want something different, but it all boils down to the same thing?

Today I talked with a CPA deep in healthcare M&A, then turned around and met with a marketing strategist. 

Two totally different worlds. 

Different industries, 

different personalities, 

different day-to-day headaches.

You’d expect their expectations from photography to be miles apart.

But here’s what surprised me: 

both told me almost the exact same thing.

They're tired of the noise. 

They just want results.

They don't care about fancy filters, complicated setups, or trendy edits. 

They want images that make them look confident, trustworthy, and professional. 

They want to be taken seriously. 

They want their brand to look as bold as their ambitions.

That hit home for me. 

Because no matter who walks into my studio, the goal never changes

helping people show up as their best selves, 

and making sure their headshot or portrait actually does the work.

Here’s what I’ve learned after 20+ years, working with everyone from Fortune 500 execs to brand-new entrepreneurs:

It’s not about chasing trends.

It’s not about pretending to be someone you’re not.

It’s about showing people who you are, with absolute clarity.

That’s why I built my business around one thing: creating images that speak for you before you say a single word.

No clutter. 

No fluff. 

Just photos that make you look like a leader.

Because in the end, everyone wants the same thing

something real that actually works.

If your photo doesn’t open doors or start conversations, what’s the point?

Are you still settling for images that don’t do you justice?

Grateful for the clients, partners, and friends who keep the work meaningful.
Wishing you a peaceful Thanksgiving.

from DNB Productions Hey friends, The best light isn’t always the brightest — it’s the kind that reminds us where we stand and who stands with us. I’m

Open article: Happy Thanksgiving by Douglas N Burns • 1 min read

Almost at the end of 2025.

For me, this is the real crunch time.

The last shoots, last edits, and making sure every detail lines up for clients before the clock resets.

If you're winding down for the holiday weekend, that's not wasted time.

Rest, recharge

let your brain breathe. 

January always shows up fast, and being ready matters more than any all-nighter in December.

I use this quiet stretch to plan, organize, and clear a path for a sharper start.

Wrap up what you can, let go of what you can't, and get set for what's next.

Finishing strong starts now.

Every December, company calendars fill up fast—parties, client mixers, year-end get-togethers.

But here's something most teams miss.

Those gatherings are the perfect chance to upgrade your team's image for the new year.

Think about it:

You're already together, everyone's in good spirits, and you want the memories to last.

Now imagine a simple, on-site headshot setup at your holiday event.

No awkward scheduling. 

No one-off photo sessions.

Just fast, clean, professional portraits—captured while everyone’s already looking their best.

The result?

Consistent photos for the whole team. 

Better LinkedIn profiles. 

Fresh bios for 2026. 

Stronger brand presence heading into January.

I’m booking on-site headshot setups through mid-December.

Ready to let your holiday event do double duty?

Message me if you want the details.

Living in Houston, I think it might actually be illegal NOT to love sports.

Everywhere you go, it’s jerseys, game-day chatter, and “Did you see the Astros last night?” 

I’ve heard more about draft picks than I ever learned in high school.

Here’s my confession:

I respect the dedication, the thrill, the big plays. 

I even admire the way sports fans can recite stats from 1987 like it’s yesterday.

But when it comes to actually watching the game? 

I’ll take a hard pass.

Give me a camera over a foam finger any day.

While everyone else is keeping up with the score, I’m eyeing the light on the patio, thinking about how I’d frame a portrait right there. 

My idea of overtime is waiting for the sunset to hit just right.

Sometimes I feel like the odd one out. 

The only time I’ve ever rushed the field was to catch someone’s best angle during a headshot session.

Here in Houston, you might not find me glued to the TV on game night. 

But if you ever need a great shot of you in your favorite jersey, I’ll be the one behind the lens, not cheering in the stands.

Someone’s got to capture those victory smiles.

I never expected a portrait project to get under my skin like this.

When you spend time with volunteer firefighters, you see something different. 

You see grit, yes

but also quiet moments most people never notice.

You see families putting dinner on pause, kids waiting at the door, and neighbors dropping everything when the siren sounds.

These folks aren’t in it for the paycheck. 

They don’t do it for headlines or hero stories.

They show up because someone has to. 

Because the community counts on them.

Every portrait I take is an attempt to honor that spirit. 

To show the human side behind the uniform

the tired eyes, the cracked smiles, the muddy boots on the station floor.

I want these stories to reach more people. 

If you know someone at a volunteer fire department in the greater Houston area, I’d love to connect and shine a light on their crew.

Let’s give their dedication the spotlight it deserves.

I’ve learned more about teamwork from firefighters than from any business book.

When you’re on a fire crew, there’s no time for ego or confusion. 

Everyone knows their job. 

Everyone trusts the person next to them. 

If things change, you adapt together.

That’s exactly the mindset I bring to every production day.

It’s not about following a script. 

It’s about being prepared, staying calm, and communicating.

On a shoot, things can go sideways fast. 

Lighting fails. 

Schedules shift. 

Something unexpected always happens.

But if you trust your crew and everyone is clear on their role, 

you can keep moving, keep creating, and get the job done safely and with great results.

The best teams don’t just follow the plan. 

They adapt together and have each other’s backs.

That’s how you get the shot.

Most photographers treat their camera like it's the whole job.

I used to do the same until I realized photography is a business, not just an art.

That shift changed everything.

I stopped guessing and started running my work like a real business. 

I began asking, "What problem am I solving for my client?" 

That question became my roadmap.

I built systems for workflow, pricing, and client protection. 

No more winging it.

I chose to focus on services that actually scale

on-site headshots and branding photography for business clients. 

My goal: solve real problems, not just take pretty pictures.

I started shooting work that clarifies, connects, and stands out. 

Not just "nice images," but images with purpose and real business impact.

This industry moves fast. 

If you're not intentional about running your business, you'll get left behind.

If you’re a photographer (or any creative pro) asking, "What next?" here are three questions to get moving:

- What business problem am I solving for my ideal client?

- Can my workflow scale without burning me out?

- Am I building a reputation for more than just "nice images" for real results?

Right now, I’m building my foundation to create a client-focused brand that balances creativity and sustainable growth. 

The strategy isn’t perfect yet, but the momentum is real.

If you’re in the visual business and want to talk systems, pricing, or how to turn your craft into a business engine, reach out.

Let’s raise the bar for our industry.

Most people think headshots are just about those few seconds in front of the camera.

They’re missing the real story.

It’s all about the environment you set up before you even raise the camera. 

The lighting. 

The mood. 

The way the whole room feels. 

That’s what makes the difference between an average photo and a great one.

This week's corporate session was a reminder of this. 

We kept it simple

clean lighting, smooth workflow, steady rhythm. 

Each person stepped in, felt comfortable, and left looking like the best version of themselves.

Nothing fancy. 

Just the real work it takes to make a team look consistent and confident, shot after shot.

That’s the part no one ever sees in the final image.

When people feel comfortable, the images show it every time.

As Thanksgiving week rolls in, I’ve been thinking about what I’m most grateful for in my work this year.

It really boils down to three things.

First, the clients who trust me with their people and their brand. 

That trust isn’t something I take for granted. 

Every shoot is a reminder that what I do matters to someone’s story.

Second, the relationships. 

The conversations, introductions, and projects that turn into real connections. 

This business is about more than photos. 

It’s about people.

And third, the chance to keep creating. 

I get to do work that actually moves the needle for companies and their teams. 

That still feels like a privilege, even after all these years.

If you’re deep in end-of-year planning, or just trying to keep things moving, I hope you find a little space to pause and reset this week.

Here’s to finishing strong and heading into 2026 with a fresh perspective.

A new trend is showing up in boardrooms, not just in photo studios.

It’s not just “We need new headshots.”

More companies are treating their team photos as a business strategy.

Here’s what I’m seeing in the field:

Recruiting? 

Candidates want to see real people not blurry thumbnails from 2017.

Marketing? 

When every headshot looks like it belongs to the same company, customers notice. 

It builds trust.

Client relationships? 

People want to work with people. 

If your team looks present, real, and coordinated, you’re already a step ahead.

Employer brand? 

That first impression happens way before the call. 

Your team’s visuals set the tone.

But this is where most businesses miss the mark:

Strong team images aren’t about chasing perfection.

It’s about clarity and consistency. 
- Same lighting.
- Same background.
- Same framing.
- Authentic expressions.

When your team shows up with that kind of unity, it sends a message: “We’re not just individuals, we’re a team. We’re intentional.”

A lot of Houston companies are already planning for 2026.

If your team photos aren’t part of that planning, you’re leaving trust on the table.

Logos open doors, but faces build the brand.

Ever noticed how some company About pages look a bit... all over the place?

Different lighting. 

Different crops. 

Some headshots shot on an iPhone, others in a studio. 

It’s not just about looks—it tells a story.

When your leadership team’s portraits feel disconnected, so does your brand story.

Consistency in headshots does more than just look good. 

It quietly builds trust.

People pick up on these small details, even if they can’t explain why. 

The message? 

This is a team that pays attention, cares about first impressions, and knows who they are.

This one simple change leads to real results:

- Easier recruiting (you look like a team people want to join)

- Smarter marketing (your story looks polished from every angle)

- Stronger brand identity (customers remember what feels genuine and intentional)

It sounds simple, but it’s not just a “nice to have.” 

It’s a brand investment that pays off everywhere your people show up online.

Tiny detail, big impact.

The Call and the Quiet explores the space between action and stillness — portraits of those who meet chaos with calm precision.

This is the beginning of a long-term series honoring the men and women who stand ready when the alarm sounds.

Where duty meets humanity Hey friends, This new series honors the men and women who run toward heat, chaos, and danger with calm precision. Each portr

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Douglas N Burns

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The Battle

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Douglas N Burns

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Performance Score.css-goub6s{font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);font-weight:500;color:var(--chakra-colors-gray-600);display:block;margin-top:var(--chakra-space-1);}Douglas N Burns's LinkedIn Performance

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