Hey, mid-lifers! Looking for inspiration to make that career leap you’ve been dreaming of? Meet Toni Whitlock, a client of mine who decided to go into acting after working as a tax analyst and then an educator for many years. We chatted while I photographed her headshots and environmental portraits. Clearly, she has what it takes to succeed (and more): charisma, presence, determination and beauty. Toni, congrats on your new role as the young Nicki’s grandmother in Nicki Minaj’s upcoming television series. Toni’s handsome husband Guy Whitlock, another client, also recently returned to acting after a career as an attorney and educator. He immediately began landing principal roles. Bam! What a power couple!

Brett Deutsch is co-owner and chief photographer of Headshots NYC, Gotham Family Photos and Deutsch Photography. Formally trained at the New York Institute of Photography, the School of Visual Arts and Pomona College, plus nearly 20 years of photography in New York City and on all 7 continents. His work can be found on The New York Times. Time Out London. Dallas Morning News. Backstage, and on countless websites, newsletters, annual reports and other publications.