When is the last time you’ve heard of a lawyer who is determined to put fun first? Enter Toni Halleen, an attorney and co-founder at Schaefer Halleen law firm and professional speaker living the goal of infusing amusement into everything she does. Toni even put her mission on stage with her 2003 production “Soulless Bloodsucking Lawyers,” the Most Attended Show in the Minnesota Fringe Festival and voted Best Musical.

So, you can imagine the blast Toni and I had capturing her spark and letting our hair down. From the first moment she sashayed in the studio door to her absolute possession of the camera, Toni unleashed her huge personality and love of Starbursts!

Irreverent, Inspiring Toni Halleen Turned Up the Spunk on the Studio Floor

Yes, Starbursts fell from the ceiling, Toni toyed with slinkies and we even incorporated vintage typewriters. Anything goes at my photoshoots! Especially fun!

Toni’s aim as a professional speaker is to shake loose any inhibitions and she demonstrates that tenfold, with zero self-consciousness. Her natural smile and nature also belie her fierce intelligence. Since 1989, she has taught and trained professionals in her field, which led to the inception of her zesty, entertaining company: Fun with Law. Her Think on the Spot™ seminars embody a festive agenda with an engaging approach designed to melt the intense pressure many of her students face.

As Toni writes in her blog, the primary goal of any presenter is to connect with their audience. I could feel the determination emanating from her behind the lens. Sure, she was my subject, but she returned the same fire to me, and this is why her pictures pop, why her smile is relaxed and not forced.

I know it’s hard to be on the other side, and even though we know “smiling for the birdie” shouldn’t cause tension, it does sometimes.

Toni was a great study in learning how to channel that charm. And it was a quite the job picking her winning pic. She’s got them all up on her website. So, you can click the link and see for yourself. She wasn’t the first person to play with props, but her props might be the most delicious I have used yet!

I like to think an unorthodox approach to taking headshots is what makes the final product so unique. But that is just a part of the story. Toni demonstrates this with ease. She is the latest in a long line of clients who have let their personalities commandeer the spotlight. My job isn’t done until I see eyes sparkling and smiles crinkling up the corners of grinning mouths. Toni took little coaxing and she taught me a few things about inviting character out to play. Sometimes, my job is simply to observe and snap. To let the unforced qualities come to life all on their own. This was certainly the case with Toni.

Working with people who share innovative views on traditional methods and getting to the heart of what makes a person a stand out in their industry never fails to move me in surprising ways. Thank you for allowing me to be in your glow, Toni, even if just for one magical session. You are an imaginative guest I will never forget! Especially the next time I remember to honor the importance of play in a workday…or the next time I indulge in a handful of Starbursts.