Stronger with Don Saladino: "Building Confidence With World-Class Photographer Peter Hurley"

Air Date: October 28, 2025
Host: Don Saladino
Guest: Peter Hurley (Headshot photographer, coach, founder of Headshot Crew)

Episode Overview

In this lively, heartfelt conversation, Don Saladino welcomes celebrated photographer and entrepreneur Peter Hurley to discuss a topic that transcends photography: building real, lasting confidence. While Peter is renowned for creating some of the world’s most compelling headshots and for his “Headshot Crew” photographer community, the core discussion dives much deeper. Together, Don and Peter unpack how confidence is built, the profound impact of self-image on every area of life, and why most people struggle to see themselves in a positive light—whether they’re in front of a camera, leading a company, or just walking into a gym. Throughout, the conversation is practical, motivational, and peppered with both laughter and hard-won wisdom.

Key Topics & Insights

1. Peter Hurley’s Unconventional Path: From Sailor to Photographer

• [04:31] Grew up sailing and had no idea what his career would be: “I always envied people that knew what they wanted to do… Now I look back and I’m glad I didn’t know. I would have never turned out like this.” (Peter Hurley, 05:46)
• [07:15] Was training for Olympics as a sailor, which led to modeling gigs with DKNY and eventually major campaigns like Ralph Lauren.
  • Serendipity and opportunity: missing a modeling job almost changed his life, but a second chance set him on a direction he could never have planned.
• [10:14] Emphasizes the value of saying “yes” and acting on opportunity, sharing a story where he urged his daughter to attend a fashion show in Paris without hesitation:

  "If you don't jump on that...in my mind, there was no choice but to send her and get her over there.” (Peter, 10:14)

2. Lessons From Failure, Resilience, and Redefining Strength

• [06:16] Academic and athletic setbacks, from almost failing out of college to missing Olympic qualification—Peter’s message is that failure can be a catalyst for growth if you stay open and adaptable.
• The value of mentors: Bruce Weber (iconic photographer) and Bob Proctor (personal growth legend) were transformative influences.

  “I met [Bob Proctor], and he’s like, why aren’t you training for the Olympics?” (Peter, 11:12)

3. The Hidden Demands of Modeling: Confidence Tested & Forged

• [15:00] The modeling industry humbles everyone—casting rooms full of super-fit, super-confident people test the ego and resilience.

  “If you do not have a stomach for it, don’t do it.” (Don, 15:04)

• Both Don and Peter recall doing odd, even embarrassing gigs to make ends meet—building humility and a sense of humor about themselves.

4. Becoming the “Facial Conveyance Strategist”: Psychology Behind the Headshot

Why Most People Hate Photos of Themselves—and How Peter Reverses That

• [27:25] Peter describes his approach as “facial conveyance strategist”—his superpower is “tricking” or coaching people into expressing confidence and approachability.

  “I see the apprehension... Most people are coming to me for a headshot. If you’re going to put your headshot out there, it’s gotta represent your personal brand. And your personal brand is not apprehensive, hopefully.” (Peter, 27:59)

• Cameras “strip away a layer” and reveal or erode confidence, so Peter’s process is about rebuilding it on the spot.

The “Squinch” and the Science of Confident Expression

• [29:06] Peter’s viral technique: “squinching”—narrowing the distance between the lower pupil and eyelid to convey confidence over apprehension.

  “Squinching is narrowing the distance between your lower pupil and your eyelid. And that conveys confidence.” (Peter, 29:51)

• The Tyra Banks “smize” (smile with your eyes) popularized the idea, but Peter’s method and playful direction makes it accessible for everyone.

The Magic in Candid Moments and Genuine Laughter

• [35:14] Peter’s trick: the best images come after moments of real laughter or candor.

  “I actually get the best serious shots when—after—people are cracking up.” (Peter, 36:33)

5. Everyday Applications: Building Confidence Beyond the Camera

• [44:33] Advice for anyone facing nerves—be it the gym, a meeting, or a first date:

  “People are not watching you because they're more concerned with themselves... As an individual, you don’t think about that. But it’s true.” (Peter, 44:33)

• Self-image is crucial:

  "Everybody has a relationship with their appearance, and for most, it’s not great… I want people to be comfortable in their own skin.” (Peter, 38:55)

Practice, Not Perfection

• Confidence is a skill—Peter insists it can be learned and must be practiced, whether in front of a camera or in everyday life.

6. Strategies for Projecting Confidence and Approachability

Peter’s “Headshot Law of Three”:

• Confidence
• Approachability
• Genuine Laughter (Peter, 35:14)

Practical Tips:

• Find your best side—experiment with photos and mirrors.
• Body comes first: posture, health, comfort in your skin.
• Clothing impacts confidence; wear what makes you feel good.
• Practice expressions and “soft smiles” in the mirror.
• Get feedback from experts—don’t DIY something as important as your professional image if you can help it.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On Seizing Opportunity:

“If you don’t jump on that...there was no choice but to send her and get her over there.”
—Peter Hurley, 10:14

On Self-Image:

"Everybody has a distinct relationship with their appearance...if you have a negative perception of that going through life, it’s so unnecessary.”
—Peter Hurley, 40:35

On the Power of Candid Laughter:

"I actually get the best serious shots when—after—people are cracking up.”
—Peter Hurley, 36:33

On Self-Comparison and Confidence:

“We’re concerned about things that aren’t happening, and we’re pointing out things that other people aren’t even seeing.”
—Peter Hurley, 50:31

On the Impact of Practice:

“Some people are born with it...but I think most aren’t. And these things have to be practiced.”
—Don Saladino, 38:06

Interactive Q&A Highlights

[54:07] Question from Taylor (Texas, Real Estate Agent): “Is confidence learned or natural? Where does it come from?”

• Confidence can absolutely be taught, says Peter. His own journey in front of cameras started with zero confidence, and he learned through trial, error, and coaching.
• “First of all, the number one thing that you can do is really find a good photographer…You want a high-quality image that conveys confidence and approachability.” (Peter, 54:58)

Don’s Advice for Relatability & Building Trust:

“No one wants to buy from someone who looks cocky... I’d rather give my business to someone really warm, inviting, and genuine.” (Don, 56:06)

Audience Engagement:

Taylor is encouraged to send in his progress photos after taking the advice—solidarity and support from Don and Peter.

Actionable Takeaways

1. Confidence is a Skill, Not a Trait:
   You can build it—with practice, mentorship, and by putting yourself repeatedly in situations that stretch your comfort zone.

2. How You Present Yourself Matters:
   Whether on a business card, social media, or in a meeting, your energy and approachability are as important as your skills.

3. Self-Image Is Everything:
   Work on the way you talk to yourself about your appearance—list your positive attributes and challenge unfair comparisons.

4. Preparation Beats Perfection:
   The most confident, memorable people (and photos) are often those that let their guard down, stop overthinking, and allow their real personality to shine.

5. Practical: Master the “Squinch” and Soft Smile:
   Try narrowing your eyes just slightly and show a real, gentle smile. Focus on conveying presence and genuine warmth.

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 04:31 — Peter’s background: modeling, sailing, and the power of saying “yes”
• 10:14 — The importance of grabbing opportunities (story about his daughter & Paris)
• 15:00 — Humility, resilience, and confidence in the modeling industry
• 27:25 — The “facial conveyance strategist” approach: coaching confidence for photos and life
• 29:06 — Squinching & reading expressions
• 35:14 — The headshot “magic formula”: confidence, approachability, and laughter
• 38:55 — Self-image, comparison, and learning to like yourself
• 44:33 — Advice for handling nerves: “People are not watching you…”
• 54:07 — Audience Q&A: Can confidence be learned? (Taylor in Houston)

Overall Tone

The episode is equal parts motivational and practical, filled with light-hearted banter, frank stories of struggle, and actionable wisdom. Both Don and Peter keep it conversational, relatable, and forward-looking, emphasizing progress over perfection and always rooting their advice in lived experience.

Bottom Line:
No matter your profession, background, or current self-image, confidence is built—one authentic, sometimes awkward, sometimes hilarious step at a time. Surround yourself with coaches, mentors, and honest feedback, and never overlook the power of sincere approachability and a good laugh—especially when the spotlight’s on you.