Former NBA Referee Turned Therapist
Lauren Holtkamp spent nearly a decade on the biggest stages in professional sports as an NBA referee—recognized for her confidence, poise, and ability to lead under pressure.
Today, she has transitioned into a deeply meaningful new path as a therapist, helping individuals build self-awareness, emotional clarity, and healthier relationships. Her practice, Wilder Heart Therapy, focuses on embracing vulnerability, navigating life transitions, and guiding clients toward reconnecting with themselves.
AP Media Company was brought in to create the foundational photography that would represent who she is now—a grounded, compassionate therapist with a powerful, resilient story.
The Objective
Lauren needed imagery that:
Reflected the emotional tone of her new brand: warm, grounded, human
Communicated trust, empathy, and professional credibility
Showed a softer, more approachable side of someone previously known for authority and command
Could be used across her website, professional profiles, and speaking engagements
Aligned visually with the Wilder Heart Therapy aesthetic
Her website (wilderhearttherapy.net) emphasizes authenticity, warmth, spaciousness, and emotional depth.
Our photography had to carry that same energy.
Our Approach
Pre-Session Brand Alignment
We studied Wilder Heart Therapy’s brand language and visual tone:
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Soft neutrals
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Natural light
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Minimalist, open compositions
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Human-first messaging
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Emphasis on presence and emotional space
We translated these elements directly into the photography plan.
Portrait Session: A New Professional Identity
We captured Lauren in a calm, inviting visual environment that reflects her new work:
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Soft lighting to communicate warmth and safety
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Clean background tones that match Wilder Heart Therapy’s palette
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Gentle, natural expressions instead of strong directive posing
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Professional yet deeply approachable posture
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Variations suitable for therapy website sections, directories, and press
This session was intentionally crafted to introduce her not as “the referee,” but as the therapist.
Final Deliverables
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Professional portrait series aligned with the Wilder Heart Therapy brand
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Lifestyle & identity-focused images for website use
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Images for directories, speaking engagements, and press kits
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Archived photos connecting her NBA work to her new narrative
All photos were color graded to match the therapy website’s soft, neutral tones and calming aesthetic.
The Impact
The imagery now appears across Wilder Heart Therapy’s website, helping prospective clients feel:
Welcomed
Safe
Connected
Confident in her expertise and life experience
By visually bridging Lauren’s past and present, the photography supports her brand message:
“Healing begins when we have space to reconnect with ourselves.”
Her portraits have become a central part of her rebrand—helping her introduce this next chapter with clarity, professionalism, and emotional resonance.