Photo Collage of the Student, Speakers, and Staff for The 3rd Annual, "We Got Next Career Summit"
Why headshots are more than photos: they're passports to future opportunities.
For three consecutive years, JFP Studios has partnered with PeacePlayers United States' Brooklyn division to provide high-quality headshots for youth participants—an initiative deeply aligned with the organization's mission of bridging divides through sports and access to education.
As a NYC-based photographer and branding strategist, I saw an opportunity not just to take pictures, but to help young people take charge of their image and future.
The Challenge
In the first year, the hurdle wasn’t just logistics. It was about showing the team at PeacePlayers the deeper value of professional headshots.
Many youth-serving organizations focus heavily on programming and overlook how critical professional imagery can be for job applications, LinkedIn profiles, or simply seeing oneself in a powerful light. Getting buy-in for a full-scale headshot station took vision and trust.
Photo of a student at the career summit
The Solution
Each year, we've refined the experience into something seamless and empowering:
- Professional background and lighting setup on-site
- Pose direction tailored to each student
- Instant image review via laptop so youth feel confident and seen
- Retouched, high-resolution headshots delivered digitally within 5 business days
Photo of one of the male student athletes at the career summit
Photo of Author, Shauna-Kay Brown
Photo of Speaker, Christopher Samuels
The Results
The growing demand speaks volumes: the number of registered participants increased year over year, and the headshot experience is now a cornerstone of the annual career readiness day.
In 2025 alone, we photographed 21 youth, each leaving with a portrait they could use for internships, scholarship applications, or professional profiles.
The Impact
This is about more than good lighting. It's about representation, readiness, and confidence. Every time a student sees a professional photo of themselves, they begin to reimagine what’s possible. These images help bridge the gap between sports-based mentorship and real-world opportunity. For many, it’s the first time they've seen themselves represented in a professional context.
Client Perspective
Alesha Smith, Director of PeacePlayers Brooklyn, continues to entrust JFP Studios with this annual contribution because of the seamless execution, empathy-led approach, and consistent value added to the event experience.
Looking Ahead
As youth-based organizations continue to find creative ways to empower their communities, professional headshots offer an unexpected yet impactful touchpoint.
At JFP Studios, we believe visual storytelling is a strategic tool—especially when it helps the next generation step confidently into their futures.
Photo of Alesha Smith, Director of Peace Players Brooklyn
Snapshot of The Client Gallery
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