Wednesday, January 21, 2026 | By: Cynthia Bennett Photography, LLC
Some people simply make every room brighter — and Melissa Rivera is one of those people.
I had the pleasure of working with Melissa during our time together at the Consumer Product Safety Commission, where she stood out not only for her talent but also for her energy, intelligence, and genuine warmth. Melissa is a multi-talented social media specialist and public affairs professional, and she also happens to be an exceptional voice-over artist, lending her voice to many of our Spanish-language translations. (I had the pleasure of editing her Spanish translation of our Recall Roundup series and truly — she has an amazing voice!)
Beyond her professional skill set, Melissa is the kind of colleague everyone hopes to work with: enthusiastic, pleasant, funny, smart, and endlessly adaptable. She brings heart and clarity to everything she does, whether she’s crafting messaging, engaging audiences, or stepping behind the mic.
Personal branding portrait of Melissa seated in our bright Alexandria photography studio, ideal for communications and media professionals.
When Melissa stopped by our Alexandria studio, we took advantage of the moment with a relaxed, quick photo session. The goal was simple — capture authentic, polished headshots that reflect who she is: approachable, confident, and dynamic.
We created a small but versatile collection of images that can work seamlessly for:
Professional bios and social media profiles
Public affairs and communications roles
Voice over and media-related branding
Personal websites and speaking opportunities
And because no great session is complete without a little personality, my dog Melo even made a cameo appearance — adding an extra layer of warmth and fun to the experience.
Lifestyle branding images from Melissa's professional headshot session at our Alexandria studio.
Behind-the-scenes moment from Melissa's photo session in Alexandria, VA, featuring a candid interaction with Melo, my friendly little Bichon.
For social media specialists, public affairs professionals, and voice over talent, your image is often the first introduction. A strong headshot should feel professional and human — polished without being stiff, confident without feeling forced.
Melissa’s session is a perfect example of how even a short, well-directed shoot can produce images that feel genuine, versatile, and ready for real-world use.
If you’re looking for someone who can bring both professional presence and authentic personality to the camera, Melissa truly embodies that balance.
L. Professional studio headshot of Melissa, showcasing her warm smile and approachability.
R. Authentic portrait of Melissa, capturing the energy and confidence of a modern public affairs professional. (nice hat!)
If you’re a communications professional, voice over artist, or creative professional in the DC, Northern Virginia, or Alexandria area and need updated headshots or branding images that reflect who you really are, I’d love to work with you.
Book your professional headshot session today and let’s create images that support your career — and your confidence.
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