Mary Fosky shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Mary, 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?
One common misunderstanding is that Headshot Queen is just about taking “professional” photos—but at its core, what I do is rooted in art. While I run a successful studio and bring over a decade of experience as a professional photographer and entrepreneur, I am, first and foremost, an artist. Art influences everything I do—from the way I compose a shot to the small details I notice in everyday life, like how light hits a face or the way color tells a story.
My creativity isn’t limited to the studio—it shows up when I’m cooking, decorating, even doodling in the margins of my notebook. Photography, especially portrait work, is deeply emotional for me. I don’t just aim to capture a likeness—I’m emotionally invested in helping people feel seen. Every session is personal, and that emotional connection drives me to create images that are not only polished and professional, but meaningful. I think that depth and artistry often go unnoticed when people first hear “headshots,” but it’s truly what sets my work apart.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Mary Fosky, and I’m the founder of Headshot Queen—a portrait studio based in Casselberry, Florida, dedicated to helping individuals look confident, authentic, and polished in front of the camera. You may also know me as the photographer behind Mary Fosky Photography, my long-standing wedding and engagement photography brand that’s taken me across the East Coast documenting love stories with heart and artistry.
With over a decade of professional experience, I’ve learned that my real superpower is creating a space where people feel at ease—so their truest, most radiant selves can shine through. As an artist at heart, I see beauty in the details: the way someone’s smile softens when they feel comfortable, how light sculpts a face, or how expression can say what words cannot. That creative, emotionally connected approach is the foundation of everything I do.
At Headshot Queen, we specialize in modern headshots for professionals, creatives, entrepreneurs, and actors—as well as dating profile photos and personal portrait sessions. Each session is thoughtfully tailored to the individual, whether it’s a quick and efficient Express Session or a more in-depth Signature Headshot experience, or an all inclusive Elite Headshot collection. For clients seeking something truly unique, we provide fully customized set design, including curated textures, prop cultivation, special order or hand-painted backdrops, everything that brings their vision to life.
My goal is to make the experience effortless and empowering—from detailed prep guides to wardrobe support to expert posing and expression coaching. Whether it’s for LinkedIn, casting calls, or dating apps, I want every client to walk away with images they’re proud to share and an experience they genuinely enjoyed.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a child, I was led to believed that being an artist wasn’t a viable path—that it wasn’t something you could grow up to “do” for a living. Artists were often described as starving, and few adults encouraged my creativity as a career. But despite that, my head was always in the clouds and my hands were constantly busy—with crayons, pastels, watercolors, acrylics, charcoal, or a camera. I knew from a young age that I wanted to create. I wanted to capture the beauty I saw in the world.
I still remember one of my first photos—a black-and-white image of my pet duck. The film couldn’t capture the iridescence of his white, navy, and baby blue feathers, so I hand-colored the print to better reflect what I saw. That desire to preserve and enhance the beauty of everyday moments has followed me ever since.
In college, I painted constantly. My first apartment had vaulted ceilings, and I set a goal to fill every wall with my canvases—and I did. That same year, I bought my first domain: QueenoftheUniverse. I couldn’t afford to renew it at the time, but the name still makes me smile. After becoming a mother, my instinct to document life only grew stronger. I picked up my camera again—and I haven’t put it down since. While I still occasionally reach for a paintbrush or charcoal, photography has become my medium of choice. And now, I no longer believe I have to choose between being an artist and being successful. I’ve built a business that allows me to be both.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes—absolutely. After eight years of being a weekend warrior—working full-time as a Senior Manager in Healthcare by day and photographing clients on weekends and most evenings—I finally took the leap to pursue photography full-time. That was three years ago, in June.
That first year was hard. I didn’t hit my booking goals. I questioned everything—my talent, my marketing, my online presence. I seriously considered giving it all up and returning to the corporate world for the comfort of a steady paycheck. But deep down, I knew I wasn’t done. I wasn’t ready to let go of the dream I had built piece by piece for nearly a decade.
So I made a plan. I refined my brand, got clearer on who I wanted to serve, and marketed to a more specific audience. I picked up a part-time job to relieve some of the financial pressure—and gave myself the space to keep growing. I’m so glad I didn’t give up. That season taught me grit, humility, and how to run a business, not just take beautiful photos.
Now, here I am—expanding, thriving, and celebrating the opening of my own studio. It’s been a journey, but it’s mine, and I’m proud of it.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies is the idea that photographers shouldn’t charge “too much” because it’s “just pictures.” If you’ve ever been in a Facebook community group, you’ve probably seen the infamous posts: “Looking for a photographer who doesn’t cost an arm and a leg.” Spoiler alert: those aren’t my clients—and I don’t accept body parts as payment anyway.
While I do offer affordable options, what I provide is far more than a quick snap of a camera. There’s thoughtful preparation before every session, attention to detail during the shoot, expert direction to help people feel confident, and careful curation and retouching afterward. I bring over a decade of experience to every session—and my ideal client understands and values that.
Photography is not just about the final image; it’s about creating an experience that allows someone to feel seen, celebrated, and proud of how they present themselves to the world. That’s not something you can—or should—bargain shop for.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Are you tap dancing to work? Have you been that level of excited at any point in your career? If so, please tell us about those days.
I’m not tap dancing to work—I’m doing a jeté. (For those who didn’t take ballet, that’s a leap from one foot to the other.) And honestly, that’s how I feel every day. I’m excited for every session, even the ones that present a challenge. I truly love what I do.
There’s something incredibly fulfilling about helping someone see themselves in a new light—whether it’s a professional stepping into a new role, an actor chasing their dream, or someone just wanting to feel confident in front of the camera for the first time. Every session is different, every client is unique, and that keeps me inspired. I don’t take for granted that I get to wake up and create for a living.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.headshotqueen.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/headshotqueenorlando
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/headshotqueenorlando
Image Credits
Photo of Mary – Captured by JESSICA VAN DER MAREL, Edited by Mary Fosky
All Headshot Photos by (c) Mary Fosky, Headshot Queen 2025
