Business Spotlight: Elle Consulting (Executive Coach)
BEHIND THE LENS WITH; Laura Beechwood - The Elle Group, Executive Coach
This session came at a meaningful turning point. During our consultation, New Canaan based Executive Coach Laura shared that while she’s been coaching quietly through referrals for several years, she recently decided it was time to step into it more publicly. This meant it was time to face the fact that she needed professional images.
As we talked, what stood out most were the experiences she casually referenced, the kind you don’t hear every day. Laura spent more than two decades helping grow a startup into a global manufacturing company, holding leadership roles in a male-dominated industry, and eventually becoming a patent holder for a MAJOR product almost everyone has used at one point in their lives, and co-owner. She spoke openly about the challenges, the missteps, and the strategies she learned along the way, not to be bragging, but as context for why she now works with other women leaders.
This branding session was about capturing a powerful, outgoing woman who genuinely wants to share what she’s learned and create space for other women to succeed alongside her. It was a memorable session that I think will stick with me for years to come!
Behind The Lens: Crafting the Photoshoot
Laura arrived excited and ready to jump in! She was very willing to trust-the-process which can be a lot easier to say than actually do! I’m always so honored when that naturally happens as it brings an easy kind of energy to the studio. I shared my vision board with her and she LOVED the different looks and expressions I had planned for the day. I share images on a screen in real-time and that was something she really seemed to appreciate, especially when I managed to surprise her in the best way by creating an image she said made her look like Jane Fonda. That moment is captured in the behind-the-scenes video you can watch above!
Because her audience spans a wide range from older Gen Z to more established executives, we intentionally created a mix of images that would appeal to various demographics. From youthful and approachable to polished and sophisticated, the goal was to give her a collection that feels versatile, current, and true to herself!
Photographer: Samantha Dueck
Hair and Makeup: LaToya Santos Beauty
Wardrobe: Style by Risso
Studio Assistant: Olivia V.
Samantha Dueck is a Connecticut-based personal branding and headshot photographer with over 15 years of experience working with entrepreneurs, professionals, and creatives. Known for her consultation-driven approach, she focuses on understanding the person behind the brand before ever picking up the camera. Samantha is a two-time speaker at the Lens & Light Photography Summit, has appeared on numerous podcasts, and mentors photographers through education and community-building.