Congratulations to the LaVine group on being named a Forbes best wealth management team!
The advisors at LaVine Wealth Management Group seek to understand their client’s financial goals and how they view their legacy. Finding financial strategies built to each client’s unique and ever-changing situation is key to their mission.
The LaVine group is part of Stifel, one of the nation’s leading financial services firms.
A professional headshot is an investment in your personal brand— it shows the world your professionalism and confidence. But HOW you get your headshot makes a big difference.
AI-generated headshots are convenient and cheap— but AI lacks what a professional photographer can provide.
I tested an AI headshot (from a selfie of my son) compared to a headshot I took of my son in my studio. Here’s what I found.
Authenticity
AI-generated headshots are created using an algorithm. In contrast, a professional photographer captures your personality and essence in a real-world setting, resulting in a more relatable and trustworthy image. In the AI headshot of my son, something is “off”— I can tell it’s not quite his face.
Professional headshot taken in studio by me
AI-generated headshot by HeadshotPro
People connect with genuine, authentic images. Professional photographers are able to make you feel comfortable and evoke natural expressions, and nuances, letting your true personality shine. As it’s been said, “AI can’t replicate soul.”
Technique
A professional photographer is trained in lighting, composition, and posing. They know how to shape light, showcase your best attributes, capture flattering angles, and make real-time adjustments during the shoot. In addition, photographers use professional editing tools to retouch images in a natural looking way. AI cannot compete with a skilled photographer.
Tailored to You
A progressional photographer will ask about your needs and preferences, and how you plan to use your images- whether it’s for LinkedIn, your website, or a dating app. The right photographer will seek to understand your industry, your audience and the message you want to convey.
Versatility
A professional photographer can capture a variety images that tell the story of your business, brand, and passions. Some of the people I have photographed include: a physical therapist treating a patient, an accountant consulting with her client, an author holding her newly released book, a lawyer with his bike which he uses to commute to his office, an entrepreneur on his sailboat, a florist arranging a bouquet of flowers, and an artist with some of his artwork. These images —used on a website, LinkedIn, or marketing materials—show more facets of your personality than a classic headshot.
Style
A professional photographer can provide wardrobe advice, tailored to you and your industry. I work with a personal stylist to guide my clients on their clothing choices. My hair and makeup artist can enhance your image as well.
Bottom line: a professional photographer outperforms AI when it comes other headshots. Your headshot is an investment in your personal brand. It conveys authenticity, professionalism, and confidence—qualities that AI simply can’t replicate.
You know that old guitar in your parents’ attic?
It might be worth something. Just ask Megan.
Megan is an appraiser of pop culture, Hollywood, and rock and roll memorabilia as well as fine art and other hard-to-value assets.
Megan conducts appraisals for insurance, asset separation, estate sales, and donations (including items donated to The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, The National Comedy Center, The Woody Guthrie Center, and The Country Music Hall of Fame.)
She got her start in the memorabilia world in Los Angeles. She’s appraised hundreds of items with very interesting, and sometimes quirky, histories. You can learn more about her work at mahnmiller.com.
When she isn’t researching, you can find Megan deep in the pages of a novel, petting her cats, or playing with craft supplies.
Headshots focus on your face, not fashion.
But what you wear and how you wear it can elevate your look. Here are 5 tips to help you look professional, confident, and amazing in your next headshot.
Show Confidence
Wear what you feel confident in!
You want your headshot to convey confidence and approachability. If you feel confident, that will show.
Go Classic
When choosing what to wear for your headshot, think timeless and classic, not trendy.
Solids photograph well. Patterns should be subtle, not busy. Avoid bold patterns and logos.
Color psychology shows that color can affect perception and evoke emotion. Pink is playful and kind, blue is calm and evokes trust, red shows energy. When in doubt, wear neutrals or wear your brand color. Monochrome outfits draw focus to the face, which is nice.
I typically take closeup and full-length shots, so make sure what you are wearing on bottom— pants, skirt, shoes— complements the entire look. And check that your clothes are wrinkle-free. I keep a steamer in the studio just in case.
Accessorize
When it comes to accessories, less is more. Too much can be distracting. A simple piece of jewelry, a watch, fun socks, or a pop of color in your shoes adds style and personality.
Male clients often ask “Should I wear a tie?” My answer: It depends. That decision is often industry-driven. Wearing a tie sends a message of respect and trust. So if you are in an industry where that message is paramount, bring a tie. That said, it is still acceptable to wear a jacket and button-down shirt without a tie.
Check the Fit
Make sure your clothes fit well before photo day! You don’t want to find out your shirt is too snug or too loose in the studio.
Ask the Stylist
Our stylist Candee can help you look effortlessly stylish for your photo session. Reach out for a consult at www.styledbycandee.com.
Stacy helps families gain confidence to live generously and achieve financial freedom for retirement.
As a wealth advisor, she helps people align their money with their vision, mission and values. Stacy guides families to what matters: stability, generosity and ultimately, legacy.
Stacy is passionate about seeing more wealth in the hands of women by bringing women into the money conversation. She is the 2025 president of the Minnesota chapter of NAWBO, an organization that advocates for and empowers women in business.
When she’s not working, Stacy enjoys the outdoors — whether it’s hiking, cycling, snowshoeing, or traveling with her husband.
Becky serves as president of the Wayzata West Metro Chamber of Commerce.
The best part of her job?
“Working with a small but mighty team who have fun and serve the communities I love!”
When she’s not promoting and supporting local businesses, Becky enjoys dog walks, family time, movie date nights with popcorn, and dining out with friends.
Emily is an attorney with a Minneapolis law firm. She advocates for her clients in family law matters such as divorce and custody disputes.
The best part of her job? Connecting with people, solving problems and protecting families.
Outside of the office, Emily likes taking yoga and barre classes, walking around the lakes with friends, and cooking dinner with her fiancé.
After seeing a need for eco-conscious and non-toxic candles, Bahar founded Bella Organic Candles.
Bahar used her science background in engineering to concoct a candle wax that is food based- no paraffin or harmful ingredients.
And the fragrance is intoxicating! The juniper fir candle makes my home smell like Christmas. The vanilla chai latte candle is calming and luxurious.
Because they are handmade, Bella candles are customizable in scent, color, size and shape. They make great gifts!
In her free time, Bahar enjoys being with her family, going to the gym, practicing the French language, playing piano and of course, relaxing at home with a flickering candle nearby.
Dr. Abbie is a naturopathic doctor who practices holistic medicine. She works with patients to discover and treat the root causes of disease.
Dr. Abbie sees all types of patients and has a special interest in working with women and children. She enjoys watching kids grow into healthy lifestyle habits.
In her free time, Dr. Abbie enjoys hanging out with her husband and their two dogs, relaxing with a cup of hibiscus tea, listening to country music, and cheering for her hometown team, the Packers.
Caden founded a company that works to improve integrative chronic disease recovery methods. His interest in the life sciences stems from his younger brother’s battle with kidney cancer.
Caden also works for a venture capital firm that invests in med tech growth stage companies.
In his free time, Caden enjoys the outdoors — snowmobiling in the winter, wakeboarding in the summer. And he “never turns down an opportunity to go cliff jumping.”
A true entrepreneur, Caden doesn’t shy away from risk. Especially when the reward is innovation that improves lives.
Maija is an attorney with a New York-based law firm and she came in for a fresh headshot for their website.
Her firm focuses on antitrust cases where business competition and consumer protection are at stake.
Maija specializes in discovery, which is gathering evidence for trial. She enjoys the challenge of finding information that will be pivotal at trial and lead to justice.
Brooke is an elementary school teacher. She loves building relationships with students and watching them grow throughout the year.
The tattoo on Brooke’s arm reminds her to Be Curious. As an educator, she is instilling curiosity and a love of learning in young people. Brooke’s work with children is an investment in the future. For that, she deserves an A+!
On weekends, Brooke enjoys playing pickleball, listening to country music, and spending time with friends and family, including her identical twin sister.
Cara is multifaceted.
As vice president of operations of a manufacturing solutions company, Cara manages business growth and efficiency.
She also has an entrepreneurial spirit and is launching a podcast for women this fall. The podcast will be a space for conversations about defining your life purpose, trusting your soul, and sharing the journey with others.
In addition to being a businesswoman, Cara is a mom of 3 boys. You’ll find her cheering them on at their soccer games. In her free time, she likes to travel, read, and spend time in nature.
Have you seen the show Criminal Minds?
That’s Lexi’s dream job: being a forensic psychologist.
A fresh college graduate, Lexi is aiming to use her psychology degree and behavioral analysis skills the workplace. Her new headshot will help in the job search.
In her free time, Lexi enjoys trying out new restaurants, watching movies, going fishing, and doing arts and crafts.
With her strong work ethic and friendly personality, she will be an asset to her new employer.
[Update: Lexi got the job!]
Ben came into the studio for a model headshot.
Ben plans to major in business or finance in college. When he isn’t studying, working his sales job, or modeling, you’ll find him on the golf course. His favorite golfer is Bryson DeChambeau because “he’s fun to watch”.
He also enjoys wake surfing, lifting weights, playing poker with friends, and hanging out with his dogs.
But the cornerstone of his life is faith and family. He knows what really matters and it guides every decision he makes.
Elayna is professional dancer and dance instructor preparing for a move to New York City. She came in for actor headshots for auditions.
Dancing since she was 5, Elayna loves the way movement transcends language and has the power to tell a story. Jazz is her favorite dance genre.
When she’s not in the studio, you’ll find Elayna enjoying the outdoors, reading a book (this summer she read “East of Eden”), sipping an iced latte at a coffee shop, or spending time with family and friends.
She is looking forward to making new connections in New York, going to the theater (“An American in Paris” is her favorite show), and making her mark in the performing arts world.
Break a leg, Elayna!
Kristi is a paralegal at a woman-owned law firm which represents clients in family matters such as divorce or custody disputes.
Although she has been in law for 20 years, Kristi says she still learns something new every day. “I enjoy learning about the law,” she said.
As a breast cancer survivor, Kristi is resilient and she knows how to persevere. She brings this attitude to her work each day as she advocates for clients and fights for families.
To relax, Kristi enjoys spending time with her family, sitting by the pool, boating, vacationing in Florida, and listening to country music.
James is the housing director at The Link, a Minneapolis nonprofit that works with youth and young families to overcome homelessness, poverty, and social injustice. James is passionate about guiding young people to better lives.
In his free time, he enjoys yard work (even shoveling snow!) and riding his motorcycle.
As VP of Human Resources for a cybersecurity firm, Meghan helps drive organizational growth and foster a culture of excellence. She came in for a fresh headshot as part of a company website update.
In her free time, Meghan loves being on the lake and supporting her kids’ school and sport activities.
She also enjoys music and recently saw the Beach Boys in concert. Her favorite tunes though are anything from the Brat Pack era like Sinatra.
With her positive outlook and fierce ambition, I think Meghan would agree:
“The best is yet to come and won’t that be fine?”
~ Frank Sinatra
With her dynamic personality and purple mohawk, Dr. Amelia lives the mantra: Be Yourself.
Dr. Amelia is a communication consultant focused on professional development and leadership training. She is passionate about empowering women.
That’s why she wrote the book “Hello Ms. Perfect: Navigating the Path of Perfection and Claiming Your Identity” which will launch this fall.
She also is opening The Women Collective later this summer, a retail experience and platform for women to showcase their product-based businesses.
In her free time, you can find her lounging in the pool, sipping an Americano, or watching her son play hockey. She also enjoys concerts. Her family recently went to see Noah Kahan and she “dragged” her husband to New Kids on the Block (and had a blast).
Dr. Amelia embraces authenticity in herself and others. When I explained that I retouch photos, she asked me to not remove the scar on her head where she had melanoma. She’s keeping it real.
Her passion for elevating communication, inspiring change, and embracing authenticity is making an impact — one woman at a time.