SEEING the difference is easy, BEING the difference—that changes everything. Let’s explore what it could mean for you… #youjitsu #chasinglight

SO I WROTE A BOOK that’s coming out next month. I carry the one of one, hand-made protoype of Chasing Light with me everywhere. BFD, right? WRONG—given the events of last night. Backstory: I decided to end each chapter of my book with a link to a song from that time in my life that gets at the underlying emotion. If you register for the free preview of chapter one on my website (link in bio), you’ll see what I mean. Anyway, a couple months after I wrote the first draft, my daughter Lola got us tickets to a rock concert for my birthday. What are the odds that her favorite band (Nothing More) and one of mine from 20 years ago (Disturbed) are not only touring together—BUT BOTH HAVE SONGS FEATURED IN CHASING LIGHT??? Clearly, this was THE moment for me last night... #thelight #chasinglight #disturbed

I AM 55. I AM illumination. I AM imagination. I AM ignition. I AM blessed beyond belief. And yet, I’ve been catching myself FIXATING a bit on things I can’t just eat or train my way around... Like the BAGS under my eyes that you can’t see in this photo, but make unwanted cameos in all my videos. Or my unsettling dependency on the reading glasses I’m wearing as I type this. Small shit in the grand scheme of things, but evidence nonetheless that no matter how young my body looks, feels, or moves—winter is coming. It’s hard to accept, even when you know you’ve got it easier than most. UH, DUDE—DON’T YOU HAVE CANCER? Yes—and if you’ve been following my story, then you already know I’m grateful for that, too. If growing older is about giving yourself grace, I think it’s also a time for vanquishing demons—including any doubt as to our miraculous nature. Your body is A TEMPLE: the divine vessel bearing the singular gift that is your soulfire. PUSH it. FEED it. REST it. LOVE it. So it can love you back. 🔥 Need more than a social media post to nudge you into action? DM me. #chasinglight #coaching #orion

AUTHENTIC PRESENCE • A fun exchange lifted from my recent appearance on @stefspeaksradio ☄️ Full video link in bio ➡️

There’s a chapter in my book, Chasing Light, dedicated to the ayahuasca experience I had about a year go. Powerful stuff. The other day, I said yes to something that ended up being surprisingly similar: a guided breathwork session with a healer by the name of Elle Kerr-Wilson. I may have mentioned that I’ve been leaning into a morning meditation practice, dabbling in some of Dr. Joe Dispenza’s content on Spotify. My experience with Elle was different. Guided remotely over Zoom, it was more than just a 90-minute crash-course in friction breathing—UJJAYI in yogi speak. I’m not going to get into the specifics of my visions here, but I will say this: Breathing your way into a psychedelic experience is actually a thing. What you’re looking at in the first image is a graph of the real time strain placed on my heart during that day’s gym workout—2.9/3.0 as per my Whoop device. The second image shows peak strain during my air-powered vision quest with Elle—nearly the same load(!). I guess they don’t call it breathWORK for nothing :-) #ujjayi #chasinglight

Well, it took almost a month to get it nailed, but we now have the RIGHT orange leather for my upcoming book—Chasing Light. Working with @BookBlock and the production team in Turkey has been wonderful. Can’t wait to share what we’re creating for you. Want to know when the leather launch edition is available for pre-sale? You can sign up on my website (link in bio) and preview the first chapter now...

#1 IN THE WORLD. It’s still weird seeing it next to my name as a World Masters shot putter. Even so, being #1 in the world for anything pales in comparison to being #1 at home for your family. Manhood is about more than acting tough, and fatherhood is about more than paying for shit. YOU are the standard your son will measure himself by—and the one your daughter will use for the man she decides to marry. Forget whether the bar is set high enough for you. Is it high enough for THEM? If you’re looking to generate more power, passion, and purpose in your life, let’s talk about it.

Yes, you can get an AI headshot for $50. Yes, there’s a photographer out there who will do it for $100. So why do people pay Cavotta like he’s a $500/hr attorney? Because he is the lens that stands between you and a jury of your fears—freeing you from the prison that is your lesser self. CASE CLOSED💥

Is your darkness where your light resides? 💥 A moment lifted from my recent sit down with the amazing @stefaniemariefit 💪🏼 at @_colorbeyond studios Full YouTube link in bio

When you vacation, are you embracing life—or escaping it?

Yes, this is a bit of a tease. Stay tuned, people 🔥🎶☄️

After being diagnosed with prostate cancer in November of 2023, I chose a dance over a knife fight. The metabolic health wizards at @optionsnaturopathic showed me a path, but I had to be willing to walk it. Uphill. Both ways. No way I could be doing this without the trust and support of a wife I clearly don’t deserve. 15 months later, on <30 net carbs a day and a regimen of fingerprint supplementation, I’ve not only remained symptom-free—I’m healthier in EVERY measurable way. PSA marker continues trending down from my pre-diagnosis high; liquid biopsies still negative for circulating tumor DNA. Through it all, I’ve learned so much about myself, about life, about my place in it—so much so, I had to write a book (more on that soon). This isn’t me declaring “victory”—it’s me expressing the deepest possible gratitude for living the miracle of a resonant mind, body, and spirit. As you can see, I’m not living with cancer—I’m THRIVING WITH IT. I’ve been telling people for years, if I’m not busy behind a camera or inside someone’s head, I’m probably sweating my ass off somewhere acting half my age. And along comes DexaFit, outing me as a liar. It’s not half my age—it’s actually 47% :-)

Had a great time throwing with a great group of guys today at the Florida Senior Games. Not gonna lie, I made myself right at home in the sun—in my signature short-shorts, no less. lol Medal aside, the true gold I brought home today lies in the authentic connections I made with a few of the athletes I may have inspired to learn something new, push beyond their comfort zones, and reach for more. More than anything, this day reassured me of my belief that winning in life isn’t measured in meters—it’s measured in the impact we make when we show up, connect, and inspire as the authentic self.

8K moving like 7K on last day of prep for my first M55 outing at FL Senior Games. Looking forward to a little vitamin D as I put a period on what’s been an amazing 2024 season. So many blessings, so many lessons. ☄️🙌🏻🎶

Shit uttered today whilst walking 🐕 instead of 🇺🇸

Another gorgeous Fall day here in shot put Valhalla—another session on the far side of 17m with the 6K / 15m+ with the 7.25K. Working the corner on entry, eager to see what’s waiting for me when it’s time to uncork the finish… Life is good, God is great. #bringmethehorizon #m55masters

Thoughts from today’s flag walk 🇺🇸

‘Tis the Season at the studio…come get some candy 🎃 #allabouttheorange #laddertree #myfavoriteseason #orangeisthenewblack

Caught a great smile from of a Quaker client with this one :-)⁠ ⁠ Shooting with me more about posing questions than posing people. Sure, I could tell you my secret to getting authentic expressions on camera—but then I'd have to shoot you • #noposers #neuroscience #sleightofmind

There's driven, and then there's KIM • #focus #impact #headshot

Your path of lease resistance is your road to maximum impact.⁠ ⁠ It’s true for electricity—and it's true for you, too.⁠ ⁠ Authenticity is the frictionless expression of the authentic self. ⁠ ⁠ Anything you do to add resistance to your existence is energy lost that could’ve been used to make an impact.⁠ ⁠ The less you fight yourself, the farther you’ll go • #youjitsu #pearls #elevate

JB ★ might as well stand for James Bond with this kind of warm swagger • ⁠ ⁠ ⁠ Link in bio to book • #clevelandheadshot

What happens when another client experiences the why behind the what that I do...⁠ ⁠ Link in bio to book • #clevelandheadshot #fivestar #YQ #coaching

BARBARA ★ Some clients come to me for headshots; others for headwork. Either way, my process is about distilling the essence of your exceptionalism, allowing you to see past your inner critic and show up as the authentic you •⁠ ⁠ Curious? DM me and I'll send you the 3 Word Challenge for free... #authenticity #3WORDS

ORANGE. It's not just a color—it's a vibe • Vette wheel in Orange Crush tinted metallic by the one and only @wheelcraft • ⁠ ⁠ #sacredhue #allabouttheorange

THE SAN DIEGO SENIOR GAMES—what a great way to end the 2024 season! With my wife at my side and friends old and new cheering me on, I broke 16 meters at my third meet this season. The guys crewing the event congratulated me on the gold medal throw, but were pulling for 17m after watching me hit 16.5m (54’) twice in warm-ups. Gotta admit it would’ve been nice to finish 2024 ranked #2 in the world of 50+ 6kg shot putters instead of #3, but knowing there could be another meter in the tank gives me even more to look forward to. Training for 2025 starts today :-) Shout out to my coach, Justin Rodhe, without whose guidance this season’s success would not have been possible. He’s built an amazing community down at The Center in Rootstown, OH and I’m grateful to be a part of it. I’d also like to thank Code Chiro for keeping me moving half my age, and Options Naturopathic, for helping me prove a stage II cancer diagnosis can be the beginning of something, rather than the end. Know someone who could use some support in that department? My big orange door is always open...

Shooting with me is more about posing questions than posing people. Sure, I could tell you my secret to getting authentic expressions on camera—but then I'd have to shoot you • #noposers #neuroscience #sleightofmind

JESSICA ★ ⁠ ⁠ #headshot #personalbranding #cleveland

Link in bio to book • #clevelandheadshot ⁠

TRISTAN ★ the expression says it all •

What happens when another client experiences the why behind the what that I do...⁠ ⁠ Link in bio to book • #clevelandheadshot #fivestar #YQ #coaching

ASHLEY ★ Some clients come to me for headshots; others for headwork. Either way, my process is about distilling the essence of your exceptionalism, allowing you to see past your inner critic and show up authentically in the world •⁠ ⁠ ⁠ Curious about my headwork? DM me and I'll send you the 3 Word Challenge for free... #authenticity #3WORDS

The studio aptly known as HEADSPACE was designed to bring people into my world. It's a spatial projection of the way my mind works, and a physical manifestation of the frequency I run on. It's not just a color—it's a vibe • #sacredhue #retromod #allabouttheorange

TRINITY ★ every conversation you are party to begins with an unspoken statement about YOU. Are you controlling the narrative, or just rolling with it? • SAY IT!!! — Sam Kinnison

One of the upsides of being a photographer is having photographer friends—people you have more in common with than just photography. People who may see the world at a different focal length or shutter speed, but are searching for truth nonetheless. People like pro sports shooter Tim Phillis, who grabbed this killer series of stills of me prepping for the San Diego Senior Games this coming weekend. I’ve always been a sucker for high-contrast B&W images. In this case, I guess the tack-sharp facial expressions are the price of admission if you want to be front row at the vein show lol 2024 has been a year of surprises, beginning with my cancer diagnosis (discussed in a recent post if you missed it) back in January. Needless to say, I did NOT have being the #1 mens 50+ shot putter in the USA or #3 in the world on my bingo card. Hoping to end the 2024 season with one last PR, but I’m just as stoked about a trip down memory lane with my wife (lived in OC ’99-’01) and catching up with old friends. Last, it’s safe to say the authentic life I’m living is a testament to something more than just nutrition, discipline, and a positive mindset. Just a hot take for now—more on that as it comes into focus.

READ ON SUBSTACK (link in bio) https://conversationforadults.substack.com/p/refracted?utm_source=profile&utm_medium=reader2

There—I said it • #itscontagious

BRIANNA ★ the magic is as effortless as it feels • #doyou #realtorheadshot #cleveland

The answer says a lot about a person, no? • #noposers #neuroscience #headwork

MENNO ★ for most, a senior picture is an awkward rite of passage. Me? I prefer portraits of power and possibility •⁠ ⁠ #seniorportrait #bw #manhood

JB ★ everyone doesn't always come in having done the headwork that can amplify my headshot process, but sometimes the #3WORDS are revealed nonetheless •

CANCER ISN'T MY SUN SIGN—but for the last 9 months, it's been my teacher. I promised I would start sharing a bit more of my life outside the studio, so away we go...⁠ ⁠ Back in January, I caught a Stage II prostate cancer diagnosis (Gleason 3+4 favorable). I was given the usual treatment options, and after a bit of soul searching and deep conversations with my wife, I decided to double-down on my belief that food is medicine and movement heals. ⁠ ⁠ From there, the world worked in the curious way that it does when your mind is open to "coincidence." I partnered with the right doctors and embraced a metabolic approach to healing that has driven positive changes in my bloodwork and cancer markers month over month: PSA dropping instead of climbing; zero circulating cancer DNA in my bloodstream.⁠ ⁠ I decided to share this photo of me the other day training for my side hustle as a USA Track & Field Masters athlete (more on that another day), not just because I look like a total unit (lol)—but because I don’t look like a cancer patient. I don’t feel like one, either.⁠ ⁠ How is that possible? It starts with not treating myself like one. Instead, I wake up every day and do what I can to supercharge my metabolism and immune system so I can heal myself faster than the cancer can hurt me. That’s how the program was sold to me initially, but it didn’t take long to become a believer. The byproduct? A leaner, cleaner, and—dare I say—more impactful version of me. ⁠ ⁠ Maybe it was the ayahuasca experience I had last year that prepared a space for my mind to process what my body needed. I don't know. Whatever the reason, the gratitude I feel for everything I have in this life is palpable—and that includes the cancer. This is why I embrace it as a teacher rather than battle it like an invader. I don’t know how long the road ahead is or what I’ll encounter along the way, but I can tell you this with absolute certainty: I’m exactly where I belong. ⁠ ⁠ Are you? I’m here if you ever need someone to talk about it.⁠ ⁠ ⁠ PS: For those who may be wondering—yes, I am indeed a Scorpio. 🦂

DAVID ★ suits need not be stiffs • #yourhonor #powertie #guiltyascharged

My studio may be all about the orange, but this shot is all about Jasper •⁠ ⁠ #tangerine #retromod #pittie

KELSEA ★ your first professional headshot doesn't have to look like one •⁠ ⁠ ⁠ #realtorheadshot #cleveland #headshotwhisperer

When a client experiences the why behind the what that I do...⁠ ⁠ Link in bio to book • #clevelandheadshot #youjitsu #YQ #coaching

Even an actor's star shines brighter when it's powered by the authentic self •⁠ ⁠ #authenticity #actorheadshot #cleveland

SPENCER ★ still waters run deep—and authenticity even deeper • #K9 #thinblueline #vfr

LYNN ★ do you—no one else can do it for you • #confidence #consciouscandid #clevelandheadshot

Some clients come to me for headshots; others for headwork. Either way, my process is about distilling the essence of your exceptionalism (YQ) and witnessing it precisely where it can be most elusive—on camera.⁠ ⁠ Curious about my headwork? DM me and I'll send you the 3 Word Challenge for free... #authenticity #3WORDS

KYLE ★ like you own the muthafunkin' room • #shwyf #bullseye #clevelandheadshot

Shooting with me more about posing questions than posing people. Sure, I could tell you my secret to getting authentic expressions on camera—but then I'd have to shoot you • #noposers #neuroscience #sleightofmind

Just picked up a returning client from the airport for a turn & burn YQ Intensive (headwork + headshot). It’s been 6 years since I last witnessed this dude through my lens, and it’s great to have him back.

JEWELL★ when you got it, you got it • #kidactor #fearless #dramaqueen ⁠ ⁠ ⁠ For booking, see link in bio • #clevelandheadshot #canonshooter

Some clients come to me for headshots; others for headwork. Either way, my process is about distilling the essence of your exceptionalism and witnessing it precisely where it can be most elusive—on camera.⁠ ⁠ Curious about my headwork? DM me and I'll send you the 3 Word Challenge for free... #authenticity #3WORDS

ADAIAH ★ and just like that, she lit up the room • #innerlight #nourish #photobranding

ORANGE. It's not just a color—it's a vibe • #sacredhue #retromod #allabouttheorange⁠ ⁠

ROBBIE ★ it's always a good time to reconnect with your authentic self •⁠ ⁠ ⁠ Link in bio to book • #clevelandheadshot #goldstarmom #shakehandswithyourface

When a client experiences the why behind the what that I do...⁠ ⁠ Link in bio to book • #clevelandheadshot #fivestar #YQ #coaching

BONEY ★ I get asked all the time, "Should I wear my glasses?" The answer's simple: If the odds of encountering you with glasses on at any given moment are >50%, then yes—you wear them in your headshot. But in this case, the answer was even simpler: #fuhgeddaboudit⁠ ⁠ Link in bio to book • #clevelandheadshot #badassery #clevelandtattooartist

2,500 and counting since 2010 • Link to book in bio⁠ ⁠ #clevelandheadshot #castofthousands #whereswaldo

2,500 and counting since 2010 • Link to book in bio⁠ ⁠ #clevelandheadshot #castofthousands #whereswaldo

2,500 and counting since 2010 • Link to book in bio⁠ ⁠ #clevelandheadshot #castofthousands #whereswaldo

FRANKIE ★ Lucky Charms may have been her favorite childhood cereal, but she promises the hair color is purely a coincidence...⁠ ⁠

Not my prettiest, but definitely my farthest. First meet jitters ushered in some old habits I’ve been working my way out of with Justin @rodhe_sport , but I’ll take a .5m PR any way it comes. This was the first comp of my life where I couldn’t pick up the phone and call my dad afterwards. We lost him back in April, but some of his ashes found a home in my ball, so now he’s with me on every throw ⚫️

WORD JUST CAME DOWN…Your friendly neighborhood headshot whisperer is Cleveland Magazine’s Best Photographer in the East for 2024. Thanks to everyone who nominated me—and a huge fist-bump to everyone who showed up at the event and threw their vote my way.

JEREMY ★ there comes a time when the man becomes indistinguishable from the brand—and I'll be there to witness it •

SHANA ★ been waiting patiently for the right moment to share my personal fave from her last session—and here we are •

BEHOLD—the latest in a lifetime of semi-annual sightings of my über-talented daughter, Lola. If you've got ink on your mind and you're not already following her tattoo account, you probably should be...

JEN ★ silly • friendly • sensitive 🎶

MATT ★ independent + insightful + pragmatic •

TOM ★ Tommy Bahama is more than just a clothing brand—at least when you're name is Tom, you live in the Bahamas, and you simply ooze that island ease •

YOU ARE EVOLVING • you're not the same person you were three years ago, let alone 13. None of us are. We show up as we are, not as we used to be. Thanks for trusting me to be your witness, Abbie ⚡️

BERNIE ★ service • leadership • excellence 🇺🇸

HILARY ★ once in a blue moon, Wife, Inc. jumps in front of my lens and reminds me of yet another reason why I'm the luckiest guy in the world •⁠ ⁠ MUA: @makeupbyriley

VALERA ★ less can be more—especially when the ideal first impression is about presence rather than performance •

TRAVIS ★ always an honor to witness a fellow human, but a fellow photographer? Priceless •

🚨 PROMO ALERT • For anyone who’s ever pixel-peeped one of my full-resolution headshots, it may come as a surprise to learn that I haven’t had a make-up artist in the studio for over a decade—until today. Looking back, even when I factor out the occasional reshoot for people who aren’t used to having someone else (no matter how good) do their makeup, the triangulated scheduling was always a hassle and demand among non-actors was never high enough to justify the cost of bringing someone on full-time. In the end, it’s just been easier to have people roll DIY and let me backfill with extra TLC in post. EASIER—but not necessarily better. I recently had the pleasure of shooting the lovely Riley Fleming. She creates a customized look catered to your preferences, comfort level, and lifestyle…all in a judgement-free zone. Getting to know her a bit on and off camera got me thinking about how I could share a talent like hers with my clients. Like mine, Riley’s work commands a premium—one that falls outside most budgets for a one-look headshot. But what if it didn’t have to? ON FRIDAY MAY 10th from 3–7pm, Riley and I will waive our wands over 4 lucky clients who’ll save 30% on a one-look HEADSHOT+MUA package worth $850—yours for just $600, but you’ll have to move fast. DEAL WORKS, BUT THE DATE DOESN’T? Let me know and I’ll put you on the wait list if we decide to do it again :-) Taking names on a first-come, first-booked basis. GO!!!

I’ve spent the past 14 years photographing people. Part of my process invites people to share the three words that define their unique strain of exceptionalism. This becomes the lens through which we reveal the authentic self.⁠ This is my dad. He passed away on April 20, after a long battle with kidney and heart failure, so I thought I’d take this opportunity to tell you what I see when I look at the man in this photo and reflect on his extraordinary life:⁠ ⁠ 1. INGENUITY. My dad wasn’t just an engineer by training—he was a problem-solver at heart. In the 60s at Ohio State, he pioneered the shot put spin technique that is now the standard among elite athletes. In the 70s, he created the world’s first remote heart monitoring device in partnership with the Cleveland Clinic. In the 80s, he proved interactive kiosks were the future of retail and encouraged me to take up Mandarin before China was even open to the West. In the 90s, he harnessed that spirit of innovation and grew it into a multi-million dollar family business.⁠ ⁠ ⁠ 2. GENEROSITY. My dad was the sort of guy who might not remember your birthday, but never forget when you needed something done: a renovation, an install, a construction of any kind. DONE was the operative word, and if the getting it done involved diesel fuel and a dozer—fuhgeddaboudit. ⁠ ⁠ ⁠ 3. GRIT. At times, it may have come across as stubbornness, but if you look under my dad’s hood what you found was tireless underdog DNA, always looking for a fight. People like my dad rise to the occasion and thrive under pressure. They show-up at track meets, undersized and in their street clothes, besting all comers; They compete against Fortune 500 companies and leave with contracts that say nothing is impossible; They beat cancer, not once but twice, and live for years without dialysis on one half of one kidney. And even when dialysis becomes unavoidable, they still have the drive to walk out, go to work, and get shit done. ⁠ ⁠ I’ve spent the last 53 years of my life bearing witness to these three words in action, living in the shadow of a man with whom I am beyond grateful to have shared so much more than just a name.⁠

ANDREA ★ charismatic + determined + compassionate •

CHARLES ★ first pro headshot experience = spoiled for life. Threw in the first 15min of Top Gun: Maverick x 17,000 watts for good measure •⁠ ⁠ Are you ready to be spoiled, too?⁠

BARBARA ★ silver, sassy, and sweet (my three words, not hers ;-)

KATIE ★ I work with a lot of great people—no wonder great things keep happening in front of my lens •

ERIK ★ an inside-out moment for an engaging, insightful doc •⁠

VANESSA ★ presence speaks louder than performance •

KEN ★ when a white hat cybersecurity pro shows up wearing all black, you shoot him like the stone-cold coder that he is •

ABBY ★ when you're more than a pretty face and you'll outwork anyone, you need a headshot that backs it up •

ASHLEY ★ in a high-stakes competitive field, it's the look that says "I have the answer" that opens doors •

APRIL ★ when the name matches the month—and there's no time to fool around •

JONATHAN ★ integrity • gratitude • courage •

★ sensible + stylish + savvy • that's what I see—how about you?

SAMMY ★ whoever says the words love, passion, and family don't belong in the boardroom of a successful business simply don't know this guy •

ERIN ★ my naturopath, as witnessed in an organic process free from artificial anything •

CHRIS ★ when your favorite cereal is Lucky Charms, the energy is contagious •