Chef Curt Sassak photographed by Kelly Williams.
Professional photography isn’t just about creating a good headshot. For entrepreneurs and small-business owners, the right images can help communicate who they are, what they do, and the personality behind their business.
I photographed chef Curt Sassak when he was promoting his culinary services in Dallas. With decades of experience working in hotels, resorts, and restaurants, Curt brought plenty of personality to the session—and that was something I wanted the photographs to capture.
Photography That Shows More Than a Profession
When I photograph someone who is the face of a business, I want the images to communicate more than a job title.
Curt described himself as energetic and witty, and those qualities were an important part of the experience he wanted to provide his clients. His business wasn’t simply about teaching someone how to prepare a dish. He wanted his cooking classes to be educational, relaxed, and fun.
That kind of personality is exactly what personal branding photography can help communicate.
A Conversation With Chef Curt Sassak
When we originally created these photographs in 2017, I asked Curt about his approach to cooking and teaching.
What sets you apart from other chefs?
Curt: I excel at communicating information in an easy-to-understand manner, and I’m also patient. I am high energy and witty by nature, so when I conduct a class, I strive to keep the atmosphere light, educational and, most importantly, fun.
Why did you recommend multiple cooking lessons rather than just one?
Curt: If I teach you how to make a few specific dishes, then that is all you learn. If we do a series of classes, I can give you the building blocks and teach you to think on your own. Cooking is like math; you cannot progress to more advanced levels unless you have a solid foundation to build upon.
What did you enjoy about group cooking lessons?
Curt: I find when you get a small group together and have a class of some sort, it can be a lot of fun. I treat it more as one would treat “ladies’ night” or “guys’ night,” where everyone gets together in an informal atmosphere where you can relax in the comfort of your own home.
What were some of your most popular requests?
Curt: Food and wine pairing classes, cheese and wine pairing classes, cooking classes, catered events and holiday meal classes.
Photographing the Person Behind the Business
One reason I like looking back at sessions like this is that they illustrate something that’s still central to my work today.
When you are the face of your business, your photographs need to do more than document what you look like.
They can show personality. They can show what it’s like to work with you. And they can give potential clients a sense of the person behind the company before they ever meet you.
That’s especially valuable for consultants, entrepreneurs, chefs, coaches, creatives, attorneys, and other professionals whose personal reputation is closely connected to their business.
Personal Branding Photography in Dallas
Today, my personal branding sessions are designed around how the photographs will actually be used—from websites and social media to marketing, speaking engagements, publications, and advertising.
We can create a combination of polished portraits and more natural lifestyle images to give you a versatile library of photographs rather than relying on a single headshot.