In 1985, while studying photography at Claude Watson School for the Arts in Toronto, I was mesmerized by the most outstanding portrait photograph I have ever seen: National Geographic Magazine’s cover of June 1985 – the Afghan Girl by Steve McCurry. Little did I know that 30 years later, my mission would be to recreate the feeling of the Afghan Girl in every headshot, by capturing the spirit inside everyone who I have the honour to photograph.

In the 1990’s, I worked with troubled youth and their families for the Ministry of Children and Families, the Vancouver School Board and various non-profit societies. During those 14 years as a youth worker and family therapist, I always wondered about working with people at their best rather than at their worst.

Counselling taught me to interact with my clients as if it was a session, bringing out their best throughout each interaction. Today, my clients have a mini-session, just like family therapy, but it’s fun, easy and always produces great results. My dream came true through Art of Headshots Studio.

Carlos is the Headshot Photographer for Vancouver and founder of Art of Headshots Studios.