Maicol Osorio shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Maicol, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
Most people don’t actually understand what a headshot is. They think a portrait or a waist-up photo counts, but it doesn’t. A real headshot captures you at your best. It conveys confidence through the lens, shows people you care about how you show up, and that moment in time captures their attention with your presence. That’s the difference between just looking good and truly being seen. It’s not about filters or perfection.
Many people also believe they can take a selfie or use an AI app to create one. The problem with selfies is the lighting, the angles, and the distractions you don’t even notice. They distort how you actually look. The problem with AI is the opposite. It looks too perfect and too unreal. It triggers something in the human mind that says something is off, and people scroll away. Neither captures who you are, and they don’t feel real. You can’t fake confidence. The camera always knows.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Maicol Osorio, a portrait and headshot photographer based in West Palm Beach. My work focuses on helping professionals, creatives, and teams show up with confidence and credibility. Every session is about presence, not perfection. I want people to see the version of themselves that feels real, grounded, and powerful.
I trained under Peter Hurley, the top headshot photographer in the world, and built my studio around that same level of precision and connection. What makes my work different is how much time I spend helping people drop the mask. Once that happens, the image becomes more than a photo. It becomes a tool for trust.
Right now, I’m focused on helping more local professionals and companies understand how a strong headshot impacts perception, opportunity, and personal brand.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who taught you the most about work?
My mother. That’s the simple answer. When my father passed away and our home burned down, we had nothing. We were homeless, but I watched my mother fight to rebuild everything. Her drive and conviction shaped the way I see work and life. We had hard times, but she never gave up. That resilience is what taught me to keep pushing forward, no matter what. It’s the foundation of my work ethic and the reason I don’t stop until something is done right.
What’s something you changed your mind about after failing hard?
I learned that failure isn’t the opposite of success. It’s part of it. You need those moments when things fall apart because that’s where you learn what it really takes to move forward. When everything comes easy, you don’t build discipline or resilience. Failing hard teaches you what you’re willing to sacrifice, how much you can handle, and how badly you want it.
When you fail, you’re going to beat yourself up. You’re going to cry, get angry, and question everything. That’s okay. That’s human. What matters is what you do next. It’s that moment when you choose to pick yourself up again instead of giving up. That’s where growth happens.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies the photography industry tells itself is that better gear or expensive setups make better photographers. They don’t. A great camera can’t create connection. It can’t direct confidence or make someone feel seen. That comes from the person behind the camera and the trust they build with the person in front of it.
Another lie is that perfection sells. The truth is, people don’t connect with perfection. They connect with what feels real. Overediting, overposing, and chasing trends might look good for a moment, but it strips away what makes an image powerful. A great headshot isn’t about chasing perfection. It’s about capturing presence. That’s what people remember.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Yes. The image itself is enough. When I create a portrait that feels real, when someone looks at it and finally sees themselves the way they want to be seen, that’s the reward. Praise doesn’t change the feeling you get when you know you’ve done something right. The satisfaction comes from the work itself, the process, the connection, and the result. I give everything my best because that’s the standard I set for myself, not because someone else notices it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.maicolphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maicolheadshots/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mosorio/
- Twitter: https://x.com/photosbymaicol
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maicolheadshots
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/maicol-photography-west-palm-beach
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5T777NpTLCwS7yyyv8qweQ
Image Credits
I own all the rights to the images I used.
