Headshot Session: Public Relations Colby Sharple-Terry

With a new position in public relations and communications for the travel industry, this “Pawnee Goddess” (see reference in her interview below) was ready for new headshots.

ABOUT COLBY'S HEADSHOT SHOOT

I've had the pleasure of knowing Colby for almost five years - we're work buddies and friends. She has an energy that you're naturally drawn to. Her warmth and laugh are infectious. All perfect attributes for her new role.

I was thrilled she asked me to photograph her new headshots. I don’t know if I’ve had more fun on a photoshoot. So. Many. Laughs. Which is pretty much all we do when we’re together. Sometimes all it takes is a side-eye look and we’re off.

When choosing a location for our session, I opted for something environmental (or location) over the studio. Creating an ambiance and energy. Something that would feel intimate, but inviting. All these items were found at a local hotel - perfect for a tourism professional.

The Cyrus Hotel here in Topeka couldn't have been a better backdrop. Built just a few years ago, Cyrus is a boutique hotel with an equal flare of vintage and modern (much like Colby). It also offers a number of beautiful backgrounds. Each with its own unique vibe - but it still looks visually consistent and work well together.

INTERVIEW WITH COLBY

(Andrea Etzel) What did you want to be when you were a child?

(Colby) A fashion designer

AE: Who have been your strongest influences in life?

C: The women in my family. The quote “Here’s to strong women; may we know them, may we be them, may we raise them” is a testament to my upbringing. Also, Dolly Parton. (AE: yes!)

(Continues below)

AE: What are you most proud of accomplishing?

C: Besides my children, a standout moment in my life occurred during my freshman year. A student wrote a note saying he wanted to shoot everyone in the school but me. I was the only person that showed him kindness. You see, the year prior I was also a student attending a new school and I was in the same position he was. Yearning for a friend but receiving hate instead. I would like to think I would have shown him kindheartedness regardless, but having a similar experience really opened my eyes to bullying.

AE: What superpower would you like to have?

C: To be able to remember every moment in my life would be pretty amazing.

AE: What is your personal or professional motto?

C: I am enough.

AE: What characteristics do you most admire in other creative women?

C: Confidence and fearlessness.

AE: Which of your traits are you most proud of?

C: My outgoing personality. It’s pretty cool to make friends everywhere you go.

AE: What quote or saying inspires and motivates you to be yourself and do what you love?

C: I’m going with my favorite Parks & Rec quote on this one; “I am a goddess. A glorious female warrior. Queen of all that I survey. Enemies of fairness and equality, hear my womanly roar. - Leslie Knope”

AE: What does the world need more of? Less of?

C: More compassion and a lot less judgment.

Thank you, Colby, for the opportunity to capture the magical person you are!

- Andrea