22 Comments
User's avatar
Kenny D's avatar

Heya -- it's been a while, hope things are starting to settle after your folks' passing. Difficult to push forward sans the people who by definition were always our personal engines. Anyhow, I'm getting to be someone who doesn't believe in coincidences, so had to respond to this post b/c it turns out I'm a pro photographer (among other things) and headshot specialist. Happy to help with your pix if you like. It would give us an opportunity to talk about some old times, and drink ourselves some beers. If not, no worries. I remain President of the Northern VA RTR fan club. All the best, my friend. -Ken D

Expand full comment
Mary McKnight's avatar

Okay...what????? Headshot specialist? Hmmm....things settling...wish I could say that was true. I suffer everyday, the two constants in my life, not always good, not always easy, but gone. You're not going to make me hold a fake rose, are you???

Expand full comment
Kenny D's avatar

🤔 Never done one without a fake rose...

Expand full comment
Mary McKnight's avatar

Love those!!

Expand full comment
Mary McKnight's avatar

The fake rose...I feel a Haiku coming on. Gotta work on that one.

Expand full comment
Kenny D's avatar

Expression: maybe instead of pensive, steely resolve with a slight scowl?

Expand full comment
Mary McKnight's avatar

Oh, yeah, that's the pose...with a dead rose. Very symbolic and open to interpretation. Hee/hee

Expand full comment
Mary P.'s avatar

How about using all of the pictures your little lovely students take of you for a headshot collage ?

Expand full comment
Mary McKnight's avatar

Love this!!!! Thank you, Mary.

Expand full comment
Ro's avatar

I like the idea of your students being involved!

Expand full comment
Mary McKnight's avatar

Yes, yes, goodness knows it will be fun and funny.

Expand full comment
K.J. Wilsdon's avatar

I personally like the photo of Maria you have in your article 🤣.

Expand full comment
Mary McKnight's avatar

Yes, this is the look...this is the Headshot for me.

Expand full comment
Susan's avatar

I love your dry sense of humor, Mary! I laughed quite a bit while reading your piece just now. I love photography and my very favorite subject is people. Often times my favorite photos are candid; people have no idea I am photographing them, hence their looking so natural and relaxed in them. My best is advice to go with what is natural for you. You are fortunate that your PR team is so great in letting you choose what you want to do with your headshot. I am really looking forward to your book and now seeing your photo on the back cover as well!

Expand full comment
Mary McKnight's avatar

Susan, thank you! Best compliment ever to me, "I laughed quite a bit while reading your piece..." Ahhh...the back cover, time will tell, won't it?

Expand full comment
Susan's avatar

Yes it will! And many of us are now curious about which photo you will choose!

Expand full comment
Wendy Parciak's avatar

Having just gotten a photo for a new driver's license, I cringe at the thought of headshots. You keep throwing down those roses and do what feels most natural to you!

Expand full comment
Mary McKnight's avatar

Love this, "...throwing down the roses..." Thank you, Wendy!

Expand full comment
Xander x51's avatar

Long as you have that soft caring smile everything else will work out. Can't wait for the book! Maybe I can talk you into a signed copy.

Expand full comment
Mary McKnight's avatar

No talking into necessary-it's a given.

Expand full comment
Jocelind Julien's avatar

Lights, camera, close my eyes. These are my portraits. As a child, I was afraid of the dastardly flash bulb, so, instinctively I would squeeze my eyes closed at the precise moment that flash bulb blew up! I’ve gotten a little better, although I do catch myself closing my eyes 80% of the time! I love the idea of having your students take your picture! And, I can’t wait until your book is released!!

Expand full comment