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Case Study: Marc Pitman, CSP

Learn how Marc Pitman upgraded his authority and confidence with a strategic branding photography session that captured the next-level version of his brand.

 

Marc Pitman’s Authority Upgrade Through Strategic Branding Photography

 
 

 

“John knew what I needed even more than I did.”

 

When your photos are nearly a decade old, it’s not just about being outdated—it’s about sending the wrong message to those you serve.

You know the moment. You’ve evolved, but your photos haven’t. You’re landing new work, speaking to new audiences, building new offers…

…and your visuals are still telling the same old story.

That’s exactly where leadership coach and keynote speaker Marc Pitman, a seasoned speaker, fundraising coach, and author, found himself.


The Challenge: A Growing Brand… And a Hesitation to Step in Front of the Camera

Marc was refining his positioning, building new offers, and formalizing services for a new audience. He knew his photo library couldn’t keep up. The images still looked like him—but the 10-years-ago version. And it was time to fix that.

But there was something else simmering under the surface.

Like many experts, Marc brought a quiet self-consciousness to the table. He wasn’t exactly jazzed about being in front of the camera. He wasn’t sure what to do in front of the camera. And more than anything, he didn’t want to look like he was trying too hard.

The old insecurities we all carry—about our appearance, our bodies, how we’re perceived—were there. But the process we created together didn’t just account for that discomfort. It erased it.

“John was so skilled at setting me at ease I didn’t even think about my body. I was able to just be me.”

That kind of comfort? It doesn’t happen by accident. It happens through a curated mix of strategy and being a human being.


The Solution: Strategic Prep, Thoughtful Planning, and the Right Space

Before the camera ever came out, we got crystal clear on what this shoot needed to do. This wasn’t about looking “professional.” This was about showing the world who Marc actually is—now, today—and giving him assets that would grow with him.

So we built a strategy:

  1. What should these photos say about Marc?

  2. What feelings and perceptions should they evoke in new audiences?

  3. What lifestyle activities needed to be captured in front of the camera?

  4. What types of visual assets were specifically needed for websites, speaker kits, and upcoming offers?

We didn’t stop at wardrobe and shot list.

We chose a location that amplified Marc’s brand: a co-working space in NYC filled with sharp lines, warm textures, and contemporary design that spoke directly to the sophisticated, modern audiences he was now targeting.

He flew in for the shoot. We mapped out every scenario. We focused on what made him unique.

“John’s preparation was better than I expected… He focused in on what made me unique and gave detailed instructions for what to bring with me.”

And when shoot day came? The nerves disappeared. Marc wasn’t obsessing on his perceived imperfections—he was present. Fully himself. At ease.

“We’d prepared so well…I didn’t once think of the things that embarrass me about myself.”


The Results: Confidence, Credibility, and Years of Use

Marc left the session with a powerful new visual foundation. Photos that reflect the authority he’s earned, the ease he exudes, and the trustworthiness his audience feels the moment he steps on stage, into a Zoom meeting or in front of the room.

“Based on the dozens of comments of praise I’ve already received from the photos, the value of working with John far exceeds the investment. I’ll be proudly using these images for years to come.”

The images don’t just look like Marc. They feel like him. And more importantly—they feel like the next level of his brand.

“I highly recommend John to anyone looking to authentically upgrade their assets.”


Outdated photos aren’t just inconvenient—they’re a credibility liability.

Let’s talk about creating visuals that feel like you—and connect with the clients you actually want.