Starting Over: Liz Thornton’s Journey to a New Career Image in Stone Oak

At 48, Liz Thornton found herself facing a new kind of challenge. After nearly two decades of working as an administrative assistant in San Antonio’s fast-paced business scene, her position was suddenly cut due to corporate downsizing. With no warning and little time to prepare, Liz was left without a job—and without a plan.

But what she did have was resilience.

Living in the thriving Stone Oak area, Liz was no stranger to the hustle of professional life. She had built a reputation as someone who could manage a busy office, coordinate schedules, handle executive communications, and keep everyone on track—all while maintaining her own grace under pressure. Yet for the first time in years, she had to start over, not just with job applications but with redefining her own professional identity.

“I was recently laid off and needed a new headshot for my job search,” Liz said. “Everything felt like it was shifting beneath my feet. My resume needed to be updated, my cover letters refreshed, and my LinkedIn profile just didn’t feel like it matched who I was anymore.”

When Liz reached out to Richard’s Photography in San Antonio, Texas, she wasn’t just looking for a pretty picture. She wanted something authentic—something that would represent the seasoned, composed, and capable woman she was. A headshot, yes—but also a portrait of her strength and perseverance.

“It had been so long since I’d taken any kind of professional photo,” she admitted. “The last one I had was from at least ten years ago, and I didn’t even recognize that person anymore. My style, my face, my confidence—it had all evolved.”

That insight is exactly what led us to create a portrait session that was built around Liz, not just her profession. When she arrived at our Stone Oak studio, she brought a few wardrobe options—simple but professional pieces, like a navy blazer, soft blouse, and modest accessories. She wanted the focus to be on her expression and energy, not her outfit.

We started the session with a few seated poses to get her comfortable, then moved into standing shots with natural lighting to bring out her features. What became immediately clear was how much life experience Liz brought to every frame. Her posture, her eyes, the subtle confidence in her smile—it was all there, just waiting to be captured.

During breaks, we chatted about how the San Antonio job market had changed, the rise of remote work, and what it felt like to be navigating a mid-life career change. “I’ve been everything to everyone else,” Liz said. “Now I’m finally asking: what do I want to do next?”

In Stone Oak, Liz had already started networking with local professionals, attending meetups and exploring roles beyond traditional admin work. She was interested in training, office culture consulting, even customer relationship management roles. “I have the people skills, the organization, the experience. I just need to show up like I belong in the room,” she said.

That’s what her headshots were for—showing up strong, composed, and completely present.

The final portraits told a clear story. Liz didn’t look like someone who was starting over. She looked like someone who knew who she was—and who was ready for whatever came next. We selected images that highlighted her professionalism without feeling stiff, and we made sure there were enough variations so she could tailor different photos to resumes, websites, and social platforms.

She chose a crisp studio backdrop for her primary headshot—neutral, clean, and corporate-ready. Then we layered in a few shots with natural light from our window setup to soften the mood, perfect for social media and email signatures.

It’s stories like Liz’s that remind us why portrait work is so important. It’s not just about light, lenses, or wardrobe—it’s about empowering someone to take control of how they’re seen. Especially in transitional times like career changes or personal reinvention, a headshot becomes part of your story.

At Richard’s Photography in San Antonio, Texas, we’ve worked with hundreds of women like Liz—women who aren’t just updating their photos, but redefining themselves. Whether you’re an executive, entrepreneur, teacher, or team leader, the right portrait gives your goals a visual anchor.

Are You Ready to Start Your Next Chapter?

If you’re like Liz—navigating change, seeking clarity, or simply wanting to look and feel your best—let us help you create images that tell your story. Our studio in Stone Oak is dedicated to professional headshots and portraits that speak to who you are now, not who you used to be.