THIS

DOOR

IS

BIGGER

THAN

IT

SEEMS

THIS

DOOR

IS

BIGGER

THAN

IT

SEEMS

GOT A

BIGGER

SCREEN

LAPTOP?
TABLET?
CALL / TXT / EMAIL

AND LIFE?

AND LIFE?

BIGGER THAN A SCREEN

BIGGER THAN A SCREEN

So is the impact of showing up as the real you when it's easier to appear as if. You're bigger than that—and 20 years behind the camera says you're not alone...

Headshots Mosaic

MADE  IN  THE  IMAGE 

They hit different—because they are different. They not just photos. They're artifacts of a pro­cess grounded in neuroscience and powered by sacred voltage.

  Whether it's a half-day intensive or a half-hour glimpse, it's an encounter with the self—a ritual that honors presence over performance, opening the door to connection, opportunity, per­spec­tive.

  Most people arrive here by referral from one who's been witnessed (IYKYK). But if your AI that sent you, it's our lucky day, since my pro-authenticity message isn't likely winning me many chatbot friends.

   Same if you Googled 'headshot pho­tographers near me.' The algorithm rewards conformity and I speak an entirely different language: They sell sessions; I lead experiences; their verbs are shoot, capture, take—mine is witness. They're the apples, and as you can see—I'm all about the ORANGE.


2026 OUTDOOR HAS BEGUN—with more of a pop than a bang, but that won’t stop me from sharing some of the sights & sounds from yesterday’s Spring Fling. Thanks to Tom and all the great folks at Throws America for putting on another great event. See you again in the summertime! Thoughts from yesterday’s Spring Fling
2026 OUTDOOR HAS BEGUN—with more of a pop than a bang, but that won’t stop me from sharing some of the sights & sounds from yesterday’s Spring Fling. Thanks to Tom and all the great folks at Throws America for putting on another great event. See you again in the summertime! Thoughts from yesterday’s Spring Fling
When someone rolls into town for their annual Witnessing (perks of being this photographer's son)—it's already a thing. But when his pup's riding shotgun, you *know* I'm here for more than just another authentic headshot. Proud of you, son. And happy second birthday to not-so-little Leto! #em-dash #frommycolddeadhand
When someone rolls into town for their annual Witnessing (perks of being this photographer's son)—it's already a thing. But when his pup's riding shotgun, you *know* I'm here for more than just another authentic headshot. Proud of you, son. And happy second birthday to not-so-little Leto! #em-dash #frommycolddeadhand
The only cheese to be found in this studio is on the (epic) charcuterie tables @hilary.cavotta aka Wife, Inc. does at our events. Otherwise, this is a lactose-free operation—which leaves room for the power of micro-expression, which Joslyn effortlessly demonstrates for macro-impact. When—not if—you find yourself tempted to let AI handle your next first impression, call me so I can talk you off the ledge. You're worth it. #em-dashOG
The only cheese to be found in this studio is on the (epic) charcuterie tables @hilary.cavotta aka Wife, Inc. does at our events. Otherwise, this is a lactose-free operation—which leaves room for the power of micro-expression, which Joslyn effortlessly demonstrates for macro-impact. When—not if—you find yourself tempted to let AI handle your next first impression, call me so I can talk you off the ledge. You're worth it. #em-dashOG
TEMPUS FUGIT. Time flies, for sure. Still, kinda hard to believe it’s been a year since I had this deep conversation with @stefaniemariefit at @_colorbeyond studios about where the decision to embrace an authentic life can take you. https://youtu.be/VDKdy4yj8WU
TEMPUS FUGIT. Time flies, for sure. Still, kinda hard to believe it’s been a year since I had this deep conversation with @stefaniemariefit at @_colorbeyond studios about where the decision to embrace an authentic life can take you. https://youtu.be/VDKdy4yj8WU
HAVE YOU FOUND YOURSELF? If so, not only do you have good eyesight—but your headshot is likely getting long in the tooth. Then again, perhaps you’ve already surrendered it to AI for a “refresh.” If so, the inner dialogue went something like this: LEFT BRAIN: “Looks good to me—and we’re saving hundreds of dollars!” RIGHT BRAIN chimes in: “And you saved us from another struggle session in front of Michael’s giant TV!” AUTHENTIC SELF: “Uh. What about me?” BRAINS IN UNISON: “Shut up and sit down!” You know I love you—but this is about loving yourself. This has been a test of the authenticity broadcast system. In the event of an emergency, you know what to do...
HAVE YOU FOUND YOURSELF? If so, not only do you have good eyesight—but your headshot is likely getting long in the tooth. Then again, perhaps you’ve already surrendered it to AI for a “refresh.” If so, the inner dialogue went something like this: LEFT BRAIN: “Looks good to me—and we’re saving hundreds of dollars!” RIGHT BRAIN chimes in: “And you saved us from another struggle session in front of Michael’s giant TV!” AUTHENTIC SELF: “Uh. What about me?” BRAINS IN UNISON: “Shut up and sit down!” You know I love you—but this is about loving yourself. This has been a test of the authenticity broadcast system. In the event of an emergency, you know what to do...
POWERFUL. BEAUTIFUL. FEARFUL. Jasper, our 4 year-old pit bull, was the embodiment of these three words. We rescued him as a puppy—wrapped in a towel, bleeding with a broken jaw—and did our best to insulate him from the wide world beyond the love bubble we created around him. But some wounds never heal. A fighting line dog bred for another world, he was 100% American Bully and 100% loved when we made the impossible decision to end the suffering that left him a risk to himself and others. My wife @hilary.cavotta tells his story beautifully in the reel she made for him; I chose to honor him with the same hands that loved him—talismans for we four who knew him best, and loved him most. Just because I minored in jewelry making in college doesn’t mean I could’ve done this without the help of my friend @brandonholschuh, who gave me a seat at one of his benches (and plenty of pointers) while I relived a passion of my youth to help my family heal. Brandon is an absolute master of his craft. If you love the idea of true artistic expression in diamonds, gold, you should follow his account. PS: If you ever need to say goodbye to a furry family member and want to do it peacefully at home, I cannot recommend Dr. Salinger at @agentlecrossing higher. She was a true blessing for us.
POWERFUL. BEAUTIFUL. FEARFUL. Jasper, our 4 year-old pit bull, was the embodiment of these three words. We rescued him as a puppy—wrapped in a towel, bleeding with a broken jaw—and did our best to insulate him from the wide world beyond the love bubble we created around him. But some wounds never heal. A fighting line dog bred for another world, he was 100% American Bully and 100% loved when we made the impossible decision to end the suffering that left him a risk to himself and others. My wife @hilary.cavotta tells his story beautifully in the reel she made for him; I chose to honor him with the same hands that loved him—talismans for we four who knew him best, and loved him most. Just because I minored in jewelry making in college doesn’t mean I could’ve done this without the help of my friend @brandonholschuh, who gave me a seat at one of his benches (and plenty of pointers) while I relived a passion of my youth to help my family heal. Brandon is an absolute master of his craft. If you love the idea of true artistic expression in diamonds, gold, you should follow his account. PS: If you ever need to say goodbye to a furry family member and want to do it peacefully at home, I cannot recommend Dr. Salinger at @agentlecrossing higher. She was a true blessing for us.
RICKY • I was gonna post a high-speed slideshow to prove I’m still busy behind the lens, but this authentic moment right here—and the song I chose to go with it—are worth slowing down to take in. We’re all complicated, working our way to simple…
RICKY • I was gonna post a high-speed slideshow to prove I’m still busy behind the lens, but this authentic moment right here—and the song I chose to go with it—are worth slowing down to take in. We’re all complicated, working our way to simple…
If this frequency resonates, the complete message is being broadcast on my new website at michaelcavotta.com ? And if you're wondering why it seems like I'm just talking to the men in the room, the explanation can be found there as well. LINK IN BIO ?
If this frequency resonates, the complete message is being broadcast on my new website at michaelcavotta.com 🔥 And if you're wondering why it seems like I'm just talking to the men in the room, the explanation can be found there as well. LINK IN BIO 🔗
JOIN ME AND MY FABULOUS FRIENDS for an evening of light, libations—with a touch of ink. Holiday calendars fill up fast—which is why I wanted to create this to be a meaningful pause in the season. A chance to take a breath, connect, and feel a bit of the sacred voltage that connects us all. STUDIO SIPS—crafted to warm & delight the senses SEASONAL CHARCUTERIE—grazing fuel for stimulating conversation CANNOLI MAN—fresh, Sicilian-style shells piped right before your eyes TINY TATTOOS—Lola Cavotta of @lolainkistry, offering 350+ ink ornaments @ $80 each Feel free to light yourself up like a Christmas tree—or simply feel illuminated :-) Of course, you can expect the studio’s predictably cool vibe and and thoughtful company—the kind that reminds us why we gather in the first place. ALREADY HAVE PLANS? Drop by for a drink on your way to/from another event—or make it a quick drive-by to say hi. DEC 19, 7–10PM Michael Cavotta Studios 7200 Center Street Mentor, OH ATTIRE: This is a youjitsu dojo—you do YOU HOPE TO SEE YOU!!!
JOIN ME AND MY FABULOUS FRIENDS for an evening of light, libations—with a touch of ink. Holiday calendars fill up fast—which is why I wanted to create this to be a meaningful pause in the season. A chance to take a breath, connect, and feel a bit of the sacred voltage that connects us all. STUDIO SIPS—crafted to warm & delight the senses SEASONAL CHARCUTERIE—grazing fuel for stimulating conversation CANNOLI MAN—fresh, Sicilian-style shells piped right before your eyes TINY TATTOOS—Lola Cavotta of @lolainkistry, offering 350+ ink ornaments @ $80 each Feel free to light yourself up like a Christmas tree—or simply feel illuminated :-) Of course, you can expect the studio’s predictably cool vibe and and thoughtful company—the kind that reminds us why we gather in the first place. ALREADY HAVE PLANS? Drop by for a drink on your way to/from another event—or make it a quick drive-by to say hi. DEC 19, 7–10PM Michael Cavotta Studios 7200 Center Street Mentor, OH ATTIRE: This is a youjitsu dojo—you do YOU HOPE TO SEE YOU!!!
ANOTHER DAY AT THE OFFICE. Abby Moore wraps her morning shift in the ring, and mine begins. Coach’s wisdom imparted to the soundtrack of his sewing machine. 60 minutes of 8K half-turns, 555Kcal output—building the base for something BIG. Laying brick. Chopping wood. Punching tarp. Half-turn hell is my little slice of heaven.
ANOTHER DAY AT THE OFFICE. Abby Moore wraps her morning shift in the ring, and mine begins. Coach’s wisdom imparted to the soundtrack of his sewing machine. 60 minutes of 8K half-turns, 555Kcal output—building the base for something BIG. Laying brick. Chopping wood. Punching tarp. Half-turn hell is my little slice of heaven.
Seems like every day, someone recommends a great book, to which I reply:
Seems like every day, someone recommends a great book, to which I reply: "Is it available on audiobook?"� I don’t know about you, but it feels like there’s no time for anything unplanned these days—even when it comes in the form of a book that just might change the way you see your life. So why isn’t Chasing Light on audiobook? A fair question—the sound of my voice notwithstanding. It certainly would’ve been easier, cheaper, and more profitable than going the bespoke orange leather route, and brings the added possibility of turning someone’s next 90-minute drive into a transformational experience. So what’s the holdup? Well, as you may have guessed from the video—NOTHING ELSE. It may not be the complete interactive experience delivered in the printed book, but the package got approved on @voicesbyinaudio (thx @ralphlazaro) and is being pushed to distribution as we speak. In a matter of days, you’ll be able to get Chasing Light on Apple, Spotify, Google Play, and 27 other listening platforms. Alas, no Audible until they remove the requirement for a Kindle eBook. There's only so much generic I can take ;-)
RACHEL • some smiles are evidence of sacred voltage—the kind that flows from heart to heart, and moves from soul to soul ⚡️
RACHEL • some smiles are evidence of sacred voltage—the kind that flows from heart to heart, and moves from soul to soul ⚡️
PRESENCE—the space between yesterday’s performance and tomorrow’s projection.
PRESENCE—the space between yesterday’s performance and tomorrow’s projection.
FALL—the perfect time to rise ⚡️??
FALL—the perfect time to rise ⚡️🙌🏻
LEAH. Who says no white after Labor Day? White on white works year round in headshot town…
LEAH. Who says no white after Labor Day? White on white works year round in headshot town…
Spreading joy—and resisting the sugar demons ??
Spreading joy—and resisting the sugar demons 💪🏼
Back in the same frame after a turn & burn two-up ride to see our son Tristan up in Buffalo yesterday. 300 miles, worth the smiles. ?️ ? ?
Back in the same frame after a turn & burn two-up ride to see our son Tristan up in Buffalo yesterday. 300 miles, worth the smiles. 🏍️ 🍁 🦬
When a man is transformed, it happens from the inside-out. I met Sorin through the lens 13 years ago, but it's safe to say I never really knew him until last week when he walked through my big orange door carrying his copy of Chasing Light—all of its questions answered, ready to be witnessed. This image is a celebration of his journey in this life. His remembering. My honor.
When a man is transformed, it happens from the inside-out. I met Sorin through the lens 13 years ago, but it's safe to say I never really knew him until last week when he walked through my big orange door carrying his copy of Chasing Light—all of its questions answered, ready to be witnessed. This image is a celebration of his journey in this life. His remembering. My honor.
THE SECOND SUNDAY IN SEPTEMBER, SUNNY & 75º. It gets different, but it doesn’t get better. On what *might* be the last outing of my Summer Siege, we gathered around the official for the usual rundown, after which I asked my fellow competitors to take a moment and consider how blessed we already were on this day. Taking it a step further, I predicted God would double-down and bless at least one of us with a big throw, and that I was counting on one of us to lead the way there. Turns out that on this day, that someone was me: 16.50m—a lifetime PR and #3 of all-time for M55 masters. ⚡️ Sacred voltage flows on the path of least resistance. DM me if you’re interested in the mens’ workshop I will be leading designed to get you grounded and fully charged.
THE SECOND SUNDAY IN SEPTEMBER, SUNNY & 75º. It gets different, but it doesn’t get better. On what *might* be the last outing of my Summer Siege, we gathered around the official for the usual rundown, after which I asked my fellow competitors to take a moment and consider how blessed we already were on this day. Taking it a step further, I predicted God would double-down and bless at least one of us with a big throw, and that I was counting on one of us to lead the way there. Turns out that on this day, that someone was me: 16.50m—a lifetime PR and #3 of all-time for M55 masters. ⚡️ Sacred voltage flows on the path of least resistance. DM me if you’re interested in the mens’ workshop I will be leading designed to get you grounded and fully charged.
OUT OF SECTOR: Today’s thoughts after another session solving my personal 4D moving equation… What are you working on?
OUT OF SECTOR: Today’s thoughts after another session solving my personal 4D moving equation… What are you working on?
It’s coming up on two years since I was diagnosed with Stage II prostate cancer. From the beginning, I didn’t want to make it part of my identity; I don’t really think about it all that much—and post about it even less. However, I know opening the window into that part of my life has helped some people struggling to decide how best to approach their own situation, so here’s where I am: 18 months into my naturopathic healing protocol, I can report that my August bloodwork reflects the dynamic landscape of a human being striving to balance & blueprint his metabolic engine. Lots of tweaking and testing. The good news is, my PSA is going down again instead of up (currently 6.7), but it’s not a single-variable equation. Some other areas need to be addressed (triglycerides, homocysteine, WBC…). I’ll do a liver cleanse this weekend and see my doc on Monday. That’s the way this game is played—test, tweak, repeat. Have I tried the Ivermectin/Fenbendazole protocol that’s putting Stage IV metastatic cancers into remission? Yes, one round so far. Will likely revisit again in the near future once we get my liver ready to deal with it. In the meantime, I remain symptom-free and feeling great—with no circulating tumor DNA in my bloodstream. At this point, we can say cancer remains a passenger rather than a pilot. As I shared in another post, my “Summer Siege” as a masters track & field athlete is going pretty fantastic. I’m currently ranked #1 in the world in the shot put and #2 in the discus, still side-eyeing the all-time world record. But that’s not what it’s REALLY about. It’s about waking up each day, blessed with the ability to work on a 4D equation moving through space and time. It’s about not resting on what I did yesterday, or worrying about what I might do tomorrow. It’s about knowing there’s more. Not just in terms of distance, but inside of ME. It’s not about what I am, IT’S ABOUT WHAT I AM BECOMING—and the sacred voltage that powers it all. If you’re a man in need of acceleration or support in your own journey to health, fitness, and fulfillment—I’m here to help. DM me.
It’s coming up on two years since I was diagnosed with Stage II prostate cancer. From the beginning, I didn’t want to make it part of my identity; I don’t really think about it all that much—and post about it even less. However, I know opening the window into that part of my life has helped some people struggling to decide how best to approach their own situation, so here’s where I am: 18 months into my naturopathic healing protocol, I can report that my August bloodwork reflects the dynamic landscape of a human being striving to balance & blueprint his metabolic engine. Lots of tweaking and testing. The good news is, my PSA is going down again instead of up (currently 6.7), but it’s not a single-variable equation. Some other areas need to be addressed (triglycerides, homocysteine, WBC…). I’ll do a liver cleanse this weekend and see my doc on Monday. That’s the way this game is played—test, tweak, repeat. Have I tried the Ivermectin/Fenbendazole protocol that’s putting Stage IV metastatic cancers into remission? Yes, one round so far. Will likely revisit again in the near future once we get my liver ready to deal with it. In the meantime, I remain symptom-free and feeling great—with no circulating tumor DNA in my bloodstream. At this point, we can say cancer remains a passenger rather than a pilot. As I shared in another post, my “Summer Siege” as a masters track & field athlete is going pretty fantastic. I’m currently ranked #1 in the world in the shot put and #2 in the discus, still side-eyeing the all-time world record. But that’s not what it’s REALLY about. It’s about waking up each day, blessed with the ability to work on a 4D equation moving through space and time. It’s about not resting on what I did yesterday, or worrying about what I might do tomorrow. It’s about knowing there’s more. Not just in terms of distance, but inside of ME. It’s not about what I am, IT’S ABOUT WHAT I AM BECOMING—and the sacred voltage that powers it all. If you’re a man in need of acceleration or support in your own journey to health, fitness, and fulfillment—I’m here to help. DM me.
THE CENTER TWILIGHT INVITATIONAL. I’ve been looking forward to this event all season. All year, actually. It’s where I PR’d big last summer. What unfolded was another unforgettable evening of competition and comraderie. Many of the same faces gathered in pursuit of excellence, even more cheering us on. Three of us hit PR throws, including fellow masters thrower, Don Groubert (8.43m • 5K M65), and my training partner Abby Moore (19.07m • 4K PRO). As for me, my 16.43 with the 6K cements my position at #1 in the world and #4 all-time as an M55. Age-graded against all throwers 35+ for 2025, you’ll find my name just four down from the masters thrower in the world, Joe Kovacs, at #5. Pretty fucking cool. Hard to adequately express my gratitude here for everything Justin Rodhe has done to help me chase this bit of light God continues to reveal inside me. Same goes for my wife, who supports my crazy training regimen that boils down to an unpaid part-time job with a 1,000+ miles of commuting per month (now made more interesting, thanks to our new Road Glide :-) A PR on a perfect evening, surrounded by friends and family sounds like the perfect way to end the season. Except it’s not over. The Siege resumes on Monday, with a morning practice alongside two Olympians (one former, one future), in preparation for my next competition at The Spire in two weeks where I’m determined to break 17m. If not, maybe I’ll extend the Siege and hit the FL Senior Games again in December ;-) ☄️⚡️?
THE CENTER TWILIGHT INVITATIONAL. I’ve been looking forward to this event all season. All year, actually. It’s where I PR’d big last summer. What unfolded was another unforgettable evening of competition and comraderie. Many of the same faces gathered in pursuit of excellence, even more cheering us on. Three of us hit PR throws, including fellow masters thrower, Don Groubert (8.43m • 5K M65), and my training partner Abby Moore (19.07m • 4K PRO). As for me, my 16.43 with the 6K cements my position at #1 in the world and #4 all-time as an M55. Age-graded against all throwers 35+ for 2025, you’ll find my name just four down from the masters thrower in the world, Joe Kovacs, at #5. Pretty fucking cool. Hard to adequately express my gratitude here for everything Justin Rodhe has done to help me chase this bit of light God continues to reveal inside me. Same goes for my wife, who supports my crazy training regimen that boils down to an unpaid part-time job with a 1,000+ miles of commuting per month (now made more interesting, thanks to our new Road Glide :-) A PR on a perfect evening, surrounded by friends and family sounds like the perfect way to end the season. Except it’s not over. The Siege resumes on Monday, with a morning practice alongside two Olympians (one former, one future), in preparation for my next competition at The Spire in two weeks where I’m determined to break 17m. If not, maybe I’ll extend the Siege and hit the FL Senior Games again in December ;-) ☄️⚡️🔥
AUTHENTICITY. It's not just for headshots—it's for my kind of family photos, too. Honored to have witnessed these moments for one of my favorite clients. Can't wait to install these LARGE format prints when they're done. Interested in larger than life portraits? That makes two of us. Hit me up with your ideas and I'll give you mine...
AUTHENTICITY. It's not just for headshots—it's for my kind of family photos, too. Honored to have witnessed these moments for one of my favorite clients. Can't wait to install these LARGE format prints when they're done. Interested in larger than life portraits? That makes two of us. Hit me up with your ideas and I'll give you mine...
The launch edition of Chasing Light is sold out. Fist bump, high-five, and huzzah if you got one. But what if you missed out? The good news is three-fold: 1) I have more books in stock, 2) I didn’t cheap-out in pursuit of profit and kept the orange leather, and 3) you can get a copy today for $50 + shipping. But wait... Schedule a HEADSHOT+ session between now and October 1 and get a copy for FREE. Ask and you shall receive :-) Don’t tell anyone—this is for you only. On second thought, tell your friends who think they’re getting away with that AI headshot. Order now at michaelcavotta.com ?
The launch edition of Chasing Light is sold out. Fist bump, high-five, and huzzah if you got one. But what if you missed out? The good news is three-fold: 1) I have more books in stock, 2) I didn’t cheap-out in pursuit of profit and kept the orange leather, and 3) you can get a copy today for $50 + shipping. But wait... Schedule a HEADSHOT+ session between now and October 1 and get a copy for FREE. Ask and you shall receive :-) Don’t tell anyone—this is for you only. On second thought, tell your friends who think they’re getting away with that AI headshot. Order now at michaelcavotta.com 📕
I’M STRUGGLING. Felt a bit of a backslide in my throws the last couple weeks, so coach and I are doing a mid-season teardown to re-ground some fundamentals—like a strong, rotational finish. Need it for the shot, co-working it in the disc. After an hour of work with the 8K & 6K balls, still hitting 45m on these German non-reverse stand throws. Ask me why I’m not over 50m in my fulls and I will have no good answer. The siege continues… #siegeengine #mastersthrower
I’M STRUGGLING. Felt a bit of a backslide in my throws the last couple weeks, so coach and I are doing a mid-season teardown to re-ground some fundamentals—like a strong, rotational finish. Need it for the shot, co-working it in the disc. After an hour of work with the 8K & 6K balls, still hitting 45m on these German non-reverse stand throws. Ask me why I’m not over 50m in my fulls and I will have no good answer. The siege continues… #siegeengine #mastersthrower
Hate to use jump cuts, but this post-throw report was a tad too long.
Hate to use jump cuts, but this post-throw report was a tad too long.
RECOVERY DAY: 3.4 miles • 386 cals • 3mph • 1 middle finger • 1 fuck you nazi • WAY more love than hate ??
RECOVERY DAY: 3.4 miles • 386 cals • 3mph • 1 middle finger • 1 fuck you nazi • WAY more love than hate 🇺🇸
I STRUGGLED TODAY. Don’t let the medals fool you. Waking up for today’s USATF Lake Erie Masters meet, I felt “off”—the way people who never get sick know when they’re getting sick. I waited until the last possible moment to open up my Whoop app, as I didn’t want to ruin my shot at a mind over body performance. DEEP in the red—among the lowest HRV scores I’ve ever seen. 90°. Full Sun. One ref crew (bless them). 4 throws shot, 4 throws disc, 4 hours in the crucible. Nope, this is NOT a setup for a dramatic story about overcoming the friction of less than ideal circumstances on a day when your body is whispering betrayal. It’s about showing up with a smile and doing your best, when you know you’re not at your best—hoping to witness someone else’s. Thank you to all of my fellow competitors who pushed their personal envelops (and got a week’s worth of vitamin D in a day). See you in the circle ⭕️
I STRUGGLED TODAY. Don’t let the medals fool you. Waking up for today’s USATF Lake Erie Masters meet, I felt “off”—the way people who never get sick know when they’re getting sick. I waited until the last possible moment to open up my Whoop app, as I didn’t want to ruin my shot at a mind over body performance. DEEP in the red—among the lowest HRV scores I’ve ever seen. 90°. Full Sun. One ref crew (bless them). 4 throws shot, 4 throws disc, 4 hours in the crucible. Nope, this is NOT a setup for a dramatic story about overcoming the friction of less than ideal circumstances on a day when your body is whispering betrayal. It’s about showing up with a smile and doing your best, when you know you’re not at your best—hoping to witness someone else’s. Thank you to all of my fellow competitors who pushed their personal envelops (and got a week’s worth of vitamin D in a day). See you in the circle ⭕️
My 2025 outdoor season kicked off this past weekend at the Cleveland Track Classic. If you’ve been following my story, last year’s success in the circle came as an unexpected surprise on the heels of a cancer diagnosis. Instead of being sidelined, I wound up hitting the best throws of my life—culminating in a brief reign as the #1 M50 shot putter in the world. That kind of experience changes you, from the inside-out. I wrote a book about it (link in bio). Still dealing with cancer on my own terms, my mindset going into 2025 is different. It’s less about performing and more about being present—and how that presence can serve to elevate those around me. Saturday, I had the privilege of witnessing two fellow warriors—Adam Eibling and Mark Kujala—hit personal bests in the shot. While I take no credit for it—but I’d like to believe I was able to contribute in some small way to the collective energy of a place and time worthy of individual exceptionalism. THAT is what this year is about for me: Showing up as the best version of myself—not for personal glory, but to earn the right to reflect that exceptionalism when I witness it in others. As for me, I had three marks in the shot over 16m, with one toe foul. My 16.24 best seats me at #1 in the world for men 55+, but it’s still early in the season and I suspect I’m not the only one with more in the tank. In the discus, I went 46.14m with the 1.5K—good enough for #3 in the world. PERSPECTIVE: In Masters athletics, “the world” gets a good bit smaller as competition thins with age. Still, it’s pretty cool seeing your name and an American flag at the top of the list. Saturday’s marks were a bit behind where my coach and I want to be, but are excited by several warm-up throws over 50m in the disc and a couple over 17m in the shot—one measured at 17.65—well within striking distance of the all-time M55 world record of 17.77. I’ll be back at Spire this weekend for a USATF Lake Erie Masters comp, ready to embrace the friction through which life’s blessings are revealed.
My 2025 outdoor season kicked off this past weekend at the Cleveland Track Classic. If you’ve been following my story, last year’s success in the circle came as an unexpected surprise on the heels of a cancer diagnosis. Instead of being sidelined, I wound up hitting the best throws of my life—culminating in a brief reign as the #1 M50 shot putter in the world. That kind of experience changes you, from the inside-out. I wrote a book about it (link in bio). Still dealing with cancer on my own terms, my mindset going into 2025 is different. It’s less about performing and more about being present—and how that presence can serve to elevate those around me. Saturday, I had the privilege of witnessing two fellow warriors—Adam Eibling and Mark Kujala—hit personal bests in the shot. While I take no credit for it—but I’d like to believe I was able to contribute in some small way to the collective energy of a place and time worthy of individual exceptionalism. THAT is what this year is about for me: Showing up as the best version of myself—not for personal glory, but to earn the right to reflect that exceptionalism when I witness it in others. As for me, I had three marks in the shot over 16m, with one toe foul. My 16.24 best seats me at #1 in the world for men 55+, but it’s still early in the season and I suspect I’m not the only one with more in the tank. In the discus, I went 46.14m with the 1.5K—good enough for #3 in the world. PERSPECTIVE: In Masters athletics, “the world” gets a good bit smaller as competition thins with age. Still, it’s pretty cool seeing your name and an American flag at the top of the list. Saturday’s marks were a bit behind where my coach and I want to be, but are excited by several warm-up throws over 50m in the disc and a couple over 17m in the shot—one measured at 17.65—well within striking distance of the all-time M55 world record of 17.77. I’ll be back at Spire this weekend for a USATF Lake Erie Masters comp, ready to embrace the friction through which life’s blessings are revealed.
OPERATION: SIEGE ENGINE—The days are heating up, and so are throws down here in shot put Valhalla. 17.07 with the 6KG ball sits a full meter farther than where I was this time last year. Feeling good in the run-up to next week’s Cleveland Track Classic. #siegeengine #shotput #masterstrackandfield
OPERATION: SIEGE ENGINE—The days are heating up, and so are throws down here in shot put Valhalla. 17.07 with the 6KG ball sits a full meter farther than where I was this time last year. Feeling good in the run-up to next week’s Cleveland Track Classic. #siegeengine #shotput #masterstrackandfield
YOUJITSU—the art of being you. This powerful moment of presence witnessed in my son illustrates the principle I’ve been cultivating in myself, in my work, and in the world around me. Destined to be large format wall art, images like these are the reason I made the leap to medium format. Looking forward to doing more of this... #everythingandnothing #youjitsu #gfx100s
YOUJITSU—the art of being you. This powerful moment of presence witnessed in my son illustrates the principle I’ve been cultivating in myself, in my work, and in the world around me. Destined to be large format wall art, images like these are the reason I made the leap to medium format. Looking forward to doing more of this... #everythingandnothing #youjitsu #gfx100s
Here’s hoping you had a wonderful Father’s Day—either being celebrated as one, or blessed to be in the presence of one. While I was in Mexico last week, toes in the sand chasing a different kind of light, someone suggested doing a Father’s Day promotion for my book, seeing as fatherhood and gratitude are among its major themes. At first, it seemed like the perfect fit, since Chasing Light isn’t a memoir—it’s a map; it’s not an instruction manual—it’s a mirror. You see, when a man becomes a father, he ultimately faces himself in the mirror of this new life he co-created and is called to steward into adulthood. This book is a reflection of that becoming. It’s for fathers who are still figuring it out—and for sons busy tracing the shape of their shadow. It’s for women who’ve watched the men they love wrestle with silence, with shame, with the myth of strength. This is not a book to be read, it’s an experience to be undertaken—one that illuminates the reader’s own timeline of truth and includes a promise: When you’ve embraced your authentic self and are ready to share it with the world—I will be your witness. In person, over zoom, or through my lens. That’s the value proposition—and it’s got nothing do with paper, ink, or leather. It’s not even about the words. It’s about the WORK. A bet on the infinite upside of authenticity, the $150 price tag could easily have been $1,500 for someone who needs the experience this book represents. That would’ve been the pitch—but for the epiphany I had sitting on this pier after one of my two-mile sandwalks: Father’s Day is about letting a dad know he’s appreciated, and it doesn’t take much to let him know it. When you give a man a copy of Chasing Light, you’re saying something more. It’s a call to action that says I BELIEVE IN YOU. That’s a message worth sending all on its own—no need for a national holiday or any occasion other than it being time for him to embrace the exceptionalism that is his birthright. My father’s light left this world 14 months ago. In its absence, I do my best to illuminate the path he pointed out for me as a boy. I miss him.
Here’s hoping you had a wonderful Father’s Day—either being celebrated as one, or blessed to be in the presence of one. While I was in Mexico last week, toes in the sand chasing a different kind of light, someone suggested doing a Father’s Day promotion for my book, seeing as fatherhood and gratitude are among its major themes. At first, it seemed like the perfect fit, since Chasing Light isn’t a memoir—it’s a map; it’s not an instruction manual—it’s a mirror. You see, when a man becomes a father, he ultimately faces himself in the mirror of this new life he co-created and is called to steward into adulthood. This book is a reflection of that becoming. It’s for fathers who are still figuring it out—and for sons busy tracing the shape of their shadow. It’s for women who’ve watched the men they love wrestle with silence, with shame, with the myth of strength. This is not a book to be read, it’s an experience to be undertaken—one that illuminates the reader’s own timeline of truth and includes a promise: When you’ve embraced your authentic self and are ready to share it with the world—I will be your witness. In person, over zoom, or through my lens. That’s the value proposition—and it’s got nothing do with paper, ink, or leather. It’s not even about the words. It’s about the WORK. A bet on the infinite upside of authenticity, the $150 price tag could easily have been $1,500 for someone who needs the experience this book represents. That would’ve been the pitch—but for the epiphany I had sitting on this pier after one of my two-mile sandwalks: Father’s Day is about letting a dad know he’s appreciated, and it doesn’t take much to let him know it. When you give a man a copy of Chasing Light, you’re saying something more. It’s a call to action that says I BELIEVE IN YOU. That’s a message worth sending all on its own—no need for a national holiday or any occasion other than it being time for him to embrace the exceptionalism that is his birthright. My father’s light left this world 14 months ago. In its absence, I do my best to illuminate the path he pointed out for me as a boy. I miss him.
I looked down and found this blossom as I went to wash the sand from my feet after soaking up the sunrise today. A flower in the filth, further evidence that true beauty is all around us—a fiery beacon in the right wavelength of orange?
I looked down and found this blossom as I went to wash the sand from my feet after soaking up the sunrise today. A flower in the filth, further evidence that true beauty is all around us—a fiery beacon in the right wavelength of orange🔥
Last night’s IGNITION event was extraordinary ? Writing a book was *not* on my bucket list—even after that bucket seemed to get a bit smaller with a cancer diagnosis in late 2023. A flash of light called me to an inward journey, exposing truths I came to believe God was was revealing through me and were meant to be shared. I was prepared say some of this last night, but as I watched the evening unfold, bouncing between the signing table out in the lobby and the Orangeatorium, I made the choice not to interrupt the rhythm of what I was witnessing: A studio buzzing with the combined energy of an amazing group of humans gathered in response to a message I was called to share with the world; a celebration of authenticity I didn’t dare interrupt with anything that had a chance of coming across as performative. It wasn’t a hype event to push what might appear to be an expensive memoir on friends and family. That’s not what the book is, and I’ll tell you why in a moment. The evening wasn’t merely about Chasing Light—it WAS Chasing Light: An invitation to an experience meant to draw you deeper into your own story and into an orbit of acceleration that leaves you rooted in the truth of your exceptionalism. Now THAT I will gladly witness for free. It need not even be on camera. Maybe it’s just a conversation in the deep end of the pool. Or maybe chasing your own light will leave you carrying a book of your own. A moment to honor the authentic light that is you. If that’s not your speed, you’re free to keep paying me a premium for my headshot psy-ops in exchange for a glimpse of the authentic you. Frankly, I would rather see you chase your own wavelength for a fraction of the price, and be defined by the light rather than the lens. Either way—I'M HERE TO SERVE ?
Last night’s IGNITION event was extraordinary 🔥 Writing a book was *not* on my bucket list—even after that bucket seemed to get a bit smaller with a cancer diagnosis in late 2023. A flash of light called me to an inward journey, exposing truths I came to believe God was was revealing through me and were meant to be shared. I was prepared say some of this last night, but as I watched the evening unfold, bouncing between the signing table out in the lobby and the Orangeatorium, I made the choice not to interrupt the rhythm of what I was witnessing: A studio buzzing with the combined energy of an amazing group of humans gathered in response to a message I was called to share with the world; a celebration of authenticity I didn’t dare interrupt with anything that had a chance of coming across as performative. It wasn’t a hype event to push what might appear to be an expensive memoir on friends and family. That’s not what the book is, and I’ll tell you why in a moment. The evening wasn’t merely about Chasing Light—it WAS Chasing Light: An invitation to an experience meant to draw you deeper into your own story and into an orbit of acceleration that leaves you rooted in the truth of your exceptionalism. Now THAT I will gladly witness for free. It need not even be on camera. Maybe it’s just a conversation in the deep end of the pool. Or maybe chasing your own light will leave you carrying a book of your own. A moment to honor the authentic light that is you. If that’s not your speed, you’re free to keep paying me a premium for my headshot psy-ops in exchange for a glimpse of the authentic you. Frankly, I would rather see you chase your own wavelength for a fraction of the price, and be defined by the light rather than the lens. Either way—I'M HERE TO SERVE 🔥
It's been a minute since I posted a headshot. Not only am I still at it—but I'm doing so wielding a new weapon... Ask any photographer what kind of camera they shoot, and chances are it’s the same brand as the first one they owned. Changing camera systems doesn’t happen often—partly because of brand affinity; mostly because of the investment in lenses that accrues over time. Financial implications aside, getting someone to switch systems is akin to a religious conversion for most. Long/short: It’s a big deal. As for me, I’ve been a happy Canon shooter for over 20 years. I still am. My R5 continues to serve me well—as did the series of multiple 5D’s and other bodies that preceded it. But with my growing interest in creating analog evidence of authentic human presence, I plan to start doing more creative imaging with an eye on creating larger portraits as wall art—and wanting to go BIG on prints gave me a wandering eye... If you haven’t already guessed (or seen the hashtag), my new studio sword is none other than the Fuji GFX 100s II + GF110 F2. Looking forward to sharing more images like this, and witnessing more authentic humans like Michael. #GFX100Sii #headshot #cleveland
It's been a minute since I posted a headshot. Not only am I still at it—but I'm doing so wielding a new weapon... Ask any photographer what kind of camera they shoot, and chances are it’s the same brand as the first one they owned. Changing camera systems doesn’t happen often—partly because of brand affinity; mostly because of the investment in lenses that accrues over time. Financial implications aside, getting someone to switch systems is akin to a religious conversion for most. Long/short: It’s a big deal. As for me, I’ve been a happy Canon shooter for over 20 years. I still am. My R5 continues to serve me well—as did the series of multiple 5D’s and other bodies that preceded it. But with my growing interest in creating analog evidence of authentic human presence, I plan to start doing more creative imaging with an eye on creating larger portraits as wall art—and wanting to go BIG on prints gave me a wandering eye... If you haven’t already guessed (or seen the hashtag), my new studio sword is none other than the Fuji GFX 100s II + GF110 F2. Looking forward to sharing more images like this, and witnessing more authentic humans like Michael. #GFX100Sii #headshot #cleveland
Good day for a blood dump and some vitamin-powered hydration. LOVE THE WAY THEY TREAT YOU AT LYV ??
Good day for a blood dump and some vitamin-powered hydration. LOVE THE WAY THEY TREAT YOU AT LYV 🙌🏻
SAVE THE DATE—JUN04 • 5–9pm Join us for an illuminating evening of orange light and imagination, complete with craft cocktails and artisanal eats. More than just a book launch—IT’S AN IGNITION POINT. MICHAEL CAVOTTA STUDIOS 7200 Center St • Mentor, OH
SAVE THE DATE—JUN04 • 5–9pm Join us for an illuminating evening of orange light and imagination, complete with craft cocktails and artisanal eats. More than just a book launch—IT’S AN IGNITION POINT. MICHAEL CAVOTTA STUDIOS 7200 Center St • Mentor, OH
KABOOM? My book just dropped so I made this hostage video just for you. Link in bio...
KABOOM💥 My book just dropped so I made this hostage video just for you. Link in bio...
SEEING the difference is easy, BEING the difference—that changes everything. Let’s explore what it could mean for you… #youjitsu #chasinglight
SEEING the difference is easy, BEING the difference—that changes everything. Let’s explore what it could mean for you… #youjitsu #chasinglight
SO I WROTE A BOOK that’s coming out next month. I carry the one of one, hand-made protoype of Chasing Light with me everywhere. BFD, right? WRONG—given the events of last night. Backstory: I decided to end each chapter of my book with a link to a song from that time in my life that gets at the underlying emotion. If you register for the free preview of chapter one on my website (link in bio), you’ll see what I mean. Anyway, a couple months after I wrote the first draft, my daughter Lola got us tickets to a rock concert for my birthday. What are the odds that her favorite band (Nothing More) and one of mine from 20 years ago (Disturbed) are not only touring together—BUT BOTH HAVE SONGS FEATURED IN CHASING LIGHT??? Clearly, this was THE moment for me last night... #thelight #chasinglight #disturbed
SO I WROTE A BOOK that’s coming out next month. I carry the one of one, hand-made protoype of Chasing Light with me everywhere. BFD, right? WRONG—given the events of last night. Backstory: I decided to end each chapter of my book with a link to a song from that time in my life that gets at the underlying emotion. If you register for the free preview of chapter one on my website (link in bio), you’ll see what I mean. Anyway, a couple months after I wrote the first draft, my daughter Lola got us tickets to a rock concert for my birthday. What are the odds that her favorite band (Nothing More) and one of mine from 20 years ago (Disturbed) are not only touring together—BUT BOTH HAVE SONGS FEATURED IN CHASING LIGHT??? Clearly, this was THE moment for me last night... #thelight #chasinglight #disturbed
I AM 55. I AM illumination. I AM imagination. I AM ignition. I AM blessed beyond belief. And yet, I’ve been catching myself FIXATING a bit on things I can’t just eat or train my way around... Like the BAGS under my eyes that you can’t see in this photo, but make unwanted cameos in all my videos. Or my unsettling dependency on the reading glasses I’m wearing as I type this. Small shit in the grand scheme of things, but evidence nonetheless that no matter how young my body looks, feels, or moves—winter is coming. It’s hard to accept, even when you know you’ve got it easier than most. UH, DUDE—DON’T YOU HAVE CANCER? Yes—and if you’ve been following my story, then you already know I’m grateful for that, too. If growing older is about giving yourself grace, I think it’s also a time for vanquishing demons—including any doubt as to our miraculous nature. Your body is A TEMPLE: the divine vessel bearing the singular gift that is your soulfire. PUSH it. FEED it. REST it. LOVE it. So it can love you back. ? Need more than a social media post to nudge you into action? DM me. #chasinglight #coaching #orion
I AM 55. I AM illumination. I AM imagination. I AM ignition. I AM blessed beyond belief. And yet, I’ve been catching myself FIXATING a bit on things I can’t just eat or train my way around... Like the BAGS under my eyes that you can’t see in this photo, but make unwanted cameos in all my videos. Or my unsettling dependency on the reading glasses I’m wearing as I type this. Small shit in the grand scheme of things, but evidence nonetheless that no matter how young my body looks, feels, or moves—winter is coming. It’s hard to accept, even when you know you’ve got it easier than most. UH, DUDE—DON’T YOU HAVE CANCER? Yes—and if you’ve been following my story, then you already know I’m grateful for that, too. If growing older is about giving yourself grace, I think it’s also a time for vanquishing demons—including any doubt as to our miraculous nature. Your body is A TEMPLE: the divine vessel bearing the singular gift that is your soulfire. PUSH it. FEED it. REST it. LOVE it. So it can love you back. 🔥 Need more than a social media post to nudge you into action? DM me. #chasinglight #coaching #orion
AUTHENTIC PRESENCE • A fun exchange lifted from my recent appearance on @stefspeaksradio ☄️ Full video link in bio ➡️
AUTHENTIC PRESENCE • A fun exchange lifted from my recent appearance on @stefspeaksradio ☄️ Full video link in bio ➡️
There’s a chapter in my book, Chasing Light, dedicated to the ayahuasca experience I had about a year go. Powerful stuff. The other day, I said yes to something that ended up being surprisingly similar: a guided breathwork session with a healer by the name of Elle Kerr-Wilson. I may have mentioned that I’ve been leaning into a morning meditation practice, dabbling in some of Dr. Joe Dispenza’s content on Spotify. My experience with Elle was different. Guided remotely over Zoom, it was more than just a 90-minute crash-course in friction breathing—UJJAYI in yogi speak. I’m not going to get into the specifics of my visions here, but I will say this: Breathing your way into a psychedelic experience is actually a thing. What you’re looking at in the first image is a graph of the real time strain placed on my heart during that day’s gym workout—2.9/3.0 as per my Whoop device. The second image shows peak strain during my air-powered vision quest with Elle—nearly the same load(!). I guess they don’t call it breathWORK for nothing :-) #ujjayi #chasinglight
There’s a chapter in my book, Chasing Light, dedicated to the ayahuasca experience I had about a year go. Powerful stuff. The other day, I said yes to something that ended up being surprisingly similar: a guided breathwork session with a healer by the name of Elle Kerr-Wilson. I may have mentioned that I’ve been leaning into a morning meditation practice, dabbling in some of Dr. Joe Dispenza’s content on Spotify. My experience with Elle was different. Guided remotely over Zoom, it was more than just a 90-minute crash-course in friction breathing—UJJAYI in yogi speak. I’m not going to get into the specifics of my visions here, but I will say this: Breathing your way into a psychedelic experience is actually a thing. What you’re looking at in the first image is a graph of the real time strain placed on my heart during that day’s gym workout—2.9/3.0 as per my Whoop device. The second image shows peak strain during my air-powered vision quest with Elle—nearly the same load(!). I guess they don’t call it breathWORK for nothing :-) #ujjayi #chasinglight
Well, it took almost a month to get it nailed, but we now have the RIGHT orange leather for my upcoming book—Chasing Light. Working with @BookBlock and the production team in Turkey has been wonderful. Can’t wait to share what we’re creating for you. Want to know when the leather launch edition is available for pre-sale? You can sign up on my website (link in bio) and preview the first chapter now...
Well, it took almost a month to get it nailed, but we now have the RIGHT orange leather for my upcoming book—Chasing Light. Working with @BookBlock and the production team in Turkey has been wonderful. Can’t wait to share what we’re creating for you. Want to know when the leather launch edition is available for pre-sale? You can sign up on my website (link in bio) and preview the first chapter now...
#1 IN THE WORLD. It’s still weird seeing it next to my name as a World Masters shot putter. Even so, being #1 in the world for anything pales in comparison to being #1 at home for your family. Manhood is about more than acting tough, and fatherhood is about more than paying for shit. YOU are the standard your son will measure himself by—and the one your daughter will use for the man she decides to marry. Forget whether the bar is set high enough for you. Is it high enough for THEM? If you’re looking to generate more power, passion, and purpose in your life, let’s talk about it.
#1 IN THE WORLD. It’s still weird seeing it next to my name as a World Masters shot putter. Even so, being #1 in the world for anything pales in comparison to being #1 at home for your family. Manhood is about more than acting tough, and fatherhood is about more than paying for shit. YOU are the standard your son will measure himself by—and the one your daughter will use for the man she decides to marry. Forget whether the bar is set high enough for you. Is it high enough for THEM? If you’re looking to generate more power, passion, and purpose in your life, let’s talk about it.
Yes, you can get an AI headshot for $50. Yes, there’s a photographer out there who will do it for $100. So why do people pay Cavotta like he’s a $500/hr attorney? Because he is the lens that stands between you and a jury of your fears—freeing you from the prison that is your lesser self. CASE CLOSED?
Yes, you can get an AI headshot for $50. Yes, there’s a photographer out there who will do it for $100. So why do people pay Cavotta like he’s a $500/hr attorney? Because he is the lens that stands between you and a jury of your fears—freeing you from the prison that is your lesser self. CASE CLOSED💥
Is your darkness where your light resides? ? A moment lifted from my recent sit down with the amazing @stefaniemariefit ?? at @_colorbeyond studios Full YouTube link in bio
Is your darkness where your light resides? 💥 A moment lifted from my recent sit down with the amazing @stefaniemariefit 💪🏼 at @_colorbeyond studios Full YouTube link in bio
When you vacation, are you embracing life—or escaping it?
When you vacation, are you embracing life—or escaping it?
Yes, this is a bit of a tease. Stay tuned, people ??☄️
Yes, this is a bit of a tease. Stay tuned, people 🔥🎶☄️
After being diagnosed with prostate cancer in November of 2023, I chose a dance over a knife fight. The metabolic health wizards at @optionsnaturopathic showed me a path, but I had to be willing to walk it. Uphill. Both ways. No way I could be doing this without the trust and support of a wife I clearly don’t deserve. 15 months later, on <30 net carbs a day and a regimen of fingerprint supplementation, I’ve not only remained symptom-free—I’m healthier in EVERY measurable way. PSA marker continues trending down from my pre-diagnosis high; liquid biopsies still negative for circulating tumor DNA. Through it all, I’ve learned so much about myself, about life, about my place in it—so much so, I had to write a book (more on that soon). This isn’t me declaring “victory”—it’s me expressing the deepest possible gratitude for living the miracle of a resonant mind, body, and spirit. As you can see, I’m not living with cancer—I’m THRIVING WITH IT. I’ve been telling people for years, if I’m not busy behind a camera or inside someone’s head, I’m probably sweating my ass off somewhere acting half my age. And along comes DexaFit, outing me as a liar. It’s not half my age—it’s actually 47% :-)
After being diagnosed with prostate cancer in November of 2023, I chose a dance over a knife fight. The metabolic health wizards at @optionsnaturopathic showed me a path, but I had to be willing to walk it. Uphill. Both ways. No way I could be doing this without the trust and support of a wife I clearly don’t deserve. 15 months later, on <30 net carbs a day and a regimen of fingerprint supplementation, I’ve not only remained symptom-free—I’m healthier in EVERY measurable way. PSA marker continues trending down from my pre-diagnosis high; liquid biopsies still negative for circulating tumor DNA. Through it all, I’ve learned so much about myself, about life, about my place in it—so much so, I had to write a book (more on that soon). This isn’t me declaring “victory”—it’s me expressing the deepest possible gratitude for living the miracle of a resonant mind, body, and spirit. As you can see, I’m not living with cancer—I’m THRIVING WITH IT. I’ve been telling people for years, if I’m not busy behind a camera or inside someone’s head, I’m probably sweating my ass off somewhere acting half my age. And along comes DexaFit, outing me as a liar. It’s not half my age—it’s actually 47% :-)
Had a great time throwing with a great group of guys today at the Florida Senior Games. Not gonna lie, I made myself right at home in the sun—in my signature short-shorts, no less. lol Medal aside, the true gold I brought home today lies in the authentic connections I made with a few of the athletes I may have inspired to learn something new, push beyond their comfort zones, and reach for more. More than anything, this day reassured me of my belief that winning in life isn’t measured in meters—it’s measured in the impact we make when we show up, connect, and inspire as the authentic self.
Had a great time throwing with a great group of guys today at the Florida Senior Games. Not gonna lie, I made myself right at home in the sun—in my signature short-shorts, no less. lol Medal aside, the true gold I brought home today lies in the authentic connections I made with a few of the athletes I may have inspired to learn something new, push beyond their comfort zones, and reach for more. More than anything, this day reassured me of my belief that winning in life isn’t measured in meters—it’s measured in the impact we make when we show up, connect, and inspire as the authentic self.
8K moving like 7K on last day of prep for my first M55 outing at FL Senior Games. Looking forward to a little vitamin D as I put a period on what’s been an amazing 2024 season. So many blessings, so many lessons. ☄️???
8K moving like 7K on last day of prep for my first M55 outing at FL Senior Games. Looking forward to a little vitamin D as I put a period on what’s been an amazing 2024 season. So many blessings, so many lessons. ☄️🙌🏻🎶
Shit uttered today whilst walking ? instead of ??
Shit uttered today whilst walking 🐕 instead of 🇺🇸
Another gorgeous Fall day here in shot put Valhalla—another session on the far side of 17m with the 6K / 15m+ with the 7.25K. Working the corner on entry, eager to see what’s waiting for me when it’s time to uncork the finish… Life is good, God is great. #bringmethehorizon #m55masters
Another gorgeous Fall day here in shot put Valhalla—another session on the far side of 17m with the 6K / 15m+ with the 7.25K. Working the corner on entry, eager to see what’s waiting for me when it’s time to uncork the finish… Life is good, God is great. #bringmethehorizon #m55masters
Thoughts from today’s flag walk ??
Thoughts from today’s flag walk 🇺🇸
‘Tis the Season at the studio…come get some candy ? #allabouttheorange #laddertree #myfavoriteseason #orangeisthenewblack
‘Tis the Season at the studio…come get some candy 🎃 #allabouttheorange #laddertree #myfavoriteseason #orangeisthenewblack
Caught a great smile from of a Quaker client with this one :-)⁠ ⁠ Shooting with me more about posing questions than posing people. Sure, I could tell you my secret to getting authentic expressions on camera—but then I'd have to shoot you • #noposers #neuroscience #sleightofmind
Caught a great smile from of a Quaker client with this one :-)⁠ ⁠ Shooting with me more about posing questions than posing people. Sure, I could tell you my secret to getting authentic expressions on camera—but then I'd have to shoot you • #noposers #neuroscience #sleightofmind
There's driven, and then there's KIM • #focus #impact #headshot
There's driven, and then there's KIM • #focus #impact #headshot
Your path of lease resistance is your road to maximum impact.⁠ ⁠ It’s true for electricity—and it's true for you, too.⁠ ⁠ Authenticity is the frictionless expression of the authentic self. ⁠ ⁠ Anything you do to add resistance to your existence is energy lost that could’ve been used to make an impact.⁠ ⁠ The less you fight yourself, the farther you’ll go • #youjitsu #pearls #elevate
Your path of lease resistance is your road to maximum impact.⁠ ⁠ It’s true for electricity—and it's true for you, too.⁠ ⁠ Authenticity is the frictionless expression of the authentic self. ⁠ ⁠ Anything you do to add resistance to your existence is energy lost that could’ve been used to make an impact.⁠ ⁠ The less you fight yourself, the farther you’ll go • #youjitsu #pearls #elevate
JB ★ might as well stand for James Bond with this kind of warm swagger • ⁠ ⁠ ⁠ Link in bio to book • #clevelandheadshot
JB ★ might as well stand for James Bond with this kind of warm swagger • ⁠ ⁠ ⁠ Link in bio to book • #clevelandheadshot
What happens when another client experiences the why behind the what that I do...⁠ ⁠ Link in bio to book • #clevelandheadshot #fivestar #YQ #coaching
What happens when another client experiences the why behind the what that I do...⁠ ⁠ Link in bio to book • #clevelandheadshot #fivestar #YQ #coaching
BARBARA ★ Some clients come to me for headshots; others for headwork. Either way, my process is about distilling the essence of your exceptionalism, allowing you to see past your inner critic and show up as the authentic you •⁠ ⁠ Curious? DM me and I'll send you the 3 Word Challenge for free... #authenticity #3WORDS
BARBARA ★ Some clients come to me for headshots; others for headwork. Either way, my process is about distilling the essence of your exceptionalism, allowing you to see past your inner critic and show up as the authentic you •⁠ ⁠ Curious? DM me and I'll send you the 3 Word Challenge for free... #authenticity #3WORDS
ORANGE. It's not just a color—it's a vibe • Vette wheel in Orange Crush tinted metallic by the one and only @wheelcraft • ⁠ ⁠ #sacredhue #allabouttheorange
ORANGE. It's not just a color—it's a vibe • Vette wheel in Orange Crush tinted metallic by the one and only @wheelcraft • ⁠ ⁠ #sacredhue #allabouttheorange
THE SAN DIEGO SENIOR GAMES—what a great way to end the 2024 season! With my wife at my side and friends old and new cheering me on, I broke 16 meters at my third meet this season. The guys crewing the event congratulated me on the gold medal throw, but were pulling for 17m after watching me hit 16.5m (54’) twice in warm-ups. Gotta admit it would’ve been nice to finish 2024 ranked #2 in the world of 50+ 6kg shot putters instead of #3, but knowing there could be another meter in the tank gives me even more to look forward to. Training for 2025 starts today :-) Shout out to my coach, Justin Rodhe, without whose guidance this season’s success would not have been possible. He’s built an amazing community down at The Center in Rootstown, OH and I’m grateful to be a part of it. I’d also like to thank Code Chiro for keeping me moving half my age, and Options Naturopathic, for helping me prove a stage II cancer diagnosis can be the beginning of something, rather than the end. Know someone who could use some support in that department? My big orange door is always open...
THE SAN DIEGO SENIOR GAMES—what a great way to end the 2024 season! With my wife at my side and friends old and new cheering me on, I broke 16 meters at my third meet this season. The guys crewing the event congratulated me on the gold medal throw, but were pulling for 17m after watching me hit 16.5m (54’) twice in warm-ups. Gotta admit it would’ve been nice to finish 2024 ranked #2 in the world of 50+ 6kg shot putters instead of #3, but knowing there could be another meter in the tank gives me even more to look forward to. Training for 2025 starts today :-) Shout out to my coach, Justin Rodhe, without whose guidance this season’s success would not have been possible. He’s built an amazing community down at The Center in Rootstown, OH and I’m grateful to be a part of it. I’d also like to thank Code Chiro for keeping me moving half my age, and Options Naturopathic, for helping me prove a stage II cancer diagnosis can be the beginning of something, rather than the end. Know someone who could use some support in that department? My big orange door is always open...
Shooting with me is more about posing questions than posing people. Sure, I could tell you my secret to getting authentic expressions on camera—but then I'd have to shoot you • #noposers #neuroscience #sleightofmind
Shooting with me is more about posing questions than posing people. Sure, I could tell you my secret to getting authentic expressions on camera—but then I'd have to shoot you • #noposers #neuroscience #sleightofmind
JESSICA ★ ⁠ ⁠ #headshot #personalbranding #cleveland
JESSICA ★ ⁠ ⁠ #headshot #personalbranding #cleveland
Link in bio to book • #clevelandheadshot ⁠
Link in bio to book • #clevelandheadshot ⁠
TRISTAN ★ the expression says it all •
TRISTAN ★ the expression says it all •
What happens when another client experiences the why behind the what that I do...⁠ ⁠ Link in bio to book • #clevelandheadshot #fivestar #YQ #coaching
What happens when another client experiences the why behind the what that I do...⁠ ⁠ Link in bio to book • #clevelandheadshot #fivestar #YQ #coaching
ASHLEY ★ Some clients come to me for headshots; others for headwork. Either way, my process is about distilling the essence of your exceptionalism, allowing you to see past your inner critic and show up authentically in the world •⁠ ⁠ ⁠ Curious about my headwork? DM me and I'll send you the 3 Word Challenge for free... #authenticity #3WORDS
ASHLEY ★ Some clients come to me for headshots; others for headwork. Either way, my process is about distilling the essence of your exceptionalism, allowing you to see past your inner critic and show up authentically in the world •⁠ ⁠ ⁠ Curious about my headwork? DM me and I'll send you the 3 Word Challenge for free... #authenticity #3WORDS
The studio aptly known as HEADSPACE was designed to bring people into my world. It's a spatial projection of the way my mind works, and a physical manifestation of the frequency I run on. It's not just a color—it's a vibe • #sacredhue #retromod #allabouttheorange
The studio aptly known as HEADSPACE was designed to bring people into my world. It's a spatial projection of the way my mind works, and a physical manifestation of the frequency I run on. It's not just a color—it's a vibe • #sacredhue #retromod #allabouttheorange
TRINITY ★ every conversation you are party to begins with an unspoken statement about YOU. Are you controlling the narrative, or just rolling with it? • SAY IT!!! — Sam Kinnison
TRINITY ★ every conversation you are party to begins with an unspoken statement about YOU. Are you controlling the narrative, or just rolling with it? • SAY IT!!! — Sam Kinnison
One of the upsides of being a photographer is having photographer friends—people you have more in common with than just photography. People who may see the world at a different focal length or shutter speed, but are searching for truth nonetheless. People like pro sports shooter Tim Phillis, who grabbed this killer series of stills of me prepping for the San Diego Senior Games this coming weekend. I’ve always been a sucker for high-contrast B&W images. In this case, I guess the tack-sharp facial expressions are the price of admission if you want to be front row at the vein show lol 2024 has been a year of surprises, beginning with my cancer diagnosis (discussed in a recent post if you missed it) back in January. Needless to say, I did NOT have being the #1 mens 50+ shot putter in the USA or #3 in the world on my bingo card. Hoping to end the 2024 season with one last PR, but I’m just as stoked about a trip down memory lane with my wife (lived in OC ’99-’01) and catching up with old friends. Last, it’s safe to say the authentic life I’m living is a testament to something more than just nutrition, discipline, and a positive mindset. Just a hot take for now—more on that as it comes into focus.
One of the upsides of being a photographer is having photographer friends—people you have more in common with than just photography. People who may see the world at a different focal length or shutter speed, but are searching for truth nonetheless. People like pro sports shooter Tim Phillis, who grabbed this killer series of stills of me prepping for the San Diego Senior Games this coming weekend. I’ve always been a sucker for high-contrast B&W images. In this case, I guess the tack-sharp facial expressions are the price of admission if you want to be front row at the vein show lol 2024 has been a year of surprises, beginning with my cancer diagnosis (discussed in a recent post if you missed it) back in January. Needless to say, I did NOT have being the #1 mens 50+ shot putter in the USA or #3 in the world on my bingo card. Hoping to end the 2024 season with one last PR, but I’m just as stoked about a trip down memory lane with my wife (lived in OC ’99-’01) and catching up with old friends. Last, it’s safe to say the authentic life I’m living is a testament to something more than just nutrition, discipline, and a positive mindset. Just a hot take for now—more on that as it comes into focus.
READ ON SUBSTACK (link in bio) https://conversationforadults.substack.com/p/refracted?utm_source=profile&utm_medium=reader2
READ ON SUBSTACK (link in bio) https://conversationforadults.substack.com/p/refracted?utm_source=profile&utm_medium=reader2
There—I said it • #itscontagious
There—I said it • #itscontagious
BRIANNA ★ the magic is as effortless as it feels • #doyou #realtorheadshot #cleveland
BRIANNA ★ the magic is as effortless as it feels • #doyou #realtorheadshot #cleveland
The answer says a lot about a person, no? • #noposers #neuroscience #headwork
The answer says a lot about a person, no? • #noposers #neuroscience #headwork
MENNO ★ for most, a senior picture is an awkward rite of passage. Me? I prefer portraits of power and possibility •⁠ ⁠ #seniorportrait #bw #manhood
MENNO ★ for most, a senior picture is an awkward rite of passage. Me? I prefer portraits of power and possibility •⁠ ⁠ #seniorportrait #bw #manhood
JB ★ everyone doesn't always come in having done the headwork that can amplify my headshot process, but sometimes the #3WORDS are revealed nonetheless •
JB ★ everyone doesn't always come in having done the headwork that can amplify my headshot process, but sometimes the #3WORDS are revealed nonetheless •
CANCER ISN'T MY SUN SIGN—but for the last 9 months, it's been my teacher. I promised I would start sharing a bit more of my life outside the studio, so away we go...⁠ ⁠ Back in January, I caught a Stage II prostate cancer diagnosis (Gleason 3+4 favorable). I was given the usual treatment options, and after a bit of soul searching and deep conversations with my wife, I decided to double-down on my belief that food is medicine and movement heals. ⁠ ⁠ From there, the world worked in the curious way that it does when your mind is open to
CANCER ISN'T MY SUN SIGN—but for the last 9 months, it's been my teacher. I promised I would start sharing a bit more of my life outside the studio, so away we go...⁠ ⁠ Back in January, I caught a Stage II prostate cancer diagnosis (Gleason 3+4 favorable). I was given the usual treatment options, and after a bit of soul searching and deep conversations with my wife, I decided to double-down on my belief that food is medicine and movement heals. ⁠ ⁠ From there, the world worked in the curious way that it does when your mind is open to "coincidence." I partnered with the right doctors and embraced a metabolic approach to healing that has driven positive changes in my bloodwork and cancer markers month over month: PSA dropping instead of climbing; zero circulating cancer DNA in my bloodstream.⁠ ⁠ I decided to share this photo of me the other day training for my side hustle as a USA Track & Field Masters athlete (more on that another day), not just because I look like a total unit (lol)—but because I don’t look like a cancer patient. I don’t feel like one, either.⁠ ⁠ How is that possible? It starts with not treating myself like one. Instead, I wake up every day and do what I can to supercharge my metabolism and immune system so I can heal myself faster than the cancer can hurt me. That’s how the program was sold to me initially, but it didn’t take long to become a believer. The byproduct? A leaner, cleaner, and—dare I say—more impactful version of me. ⁠ ⁠ Maybe it was the ayahuasca experience I had last year that prepared a space for my mind to process what my body needed. I don't know. Whatever the reason, the gratitude I feel for everything I have in this life is palpable—and that includes the cancer. This is why I embrace it as a teacher rather than battle it like an invader. I don’t know how long the road ahead is or what I’ll encounter along the way, but I can tell you this with absolute certainty: I’m exactly where I belong. ⁠ ⁠ Are you? I’m here if you ever need someone to talk about it.⁠ ⁠ ⁠ PS: For those who may be wondering—yes, I am indeed a Scorpio. 🦂
DAVID ★ suits need not be stiffs • #yourhonor #powertie #guiltyascharged
DAVID ★ suits need not be stiffs • #yourhonor #powertie #guiltyascharged
My studio may be all about the orange, but this shot is all about Jasper •⁠ ⁠ #tangerine #retromod #pittie
My studio may be all about the orange, but this shot is all about Jasper •⁠ ⁠ #tangerine #retromod #pittie
KELSEA ★ your first professional headshot doesn't have to look like one •⁠ ⁠ ⁠ #realtorheadshot #cleveland #headshotwhisperer
KELSEA ★ your first professional headshot doesn't have to look like one •⁠ ⁠ ⁠ #realtorheadshot #cleveland #headshotwhisperer
When a client experiences the why behind the what that I do...⁠ ⁠ Link in bio to book • #clevelandheadshot #youjitsu #YQ #coaching
When a client experiences the why behind the what that I do...⁠ ⁠ Link in bio to book • #clevelandheadshot #youjitsu #YQ #coaching
Even an actor's star shines brighter when it's powered by the authentic self •⁠ ⁠ #authenticity #actorheadshot #cleveland
Even an actor's star shines brighter when it's powered by the authentic self •⁠ ⁠ #authenticity #actorheadshot #cleveland
SPENCER ★ still waters run deep—and authenticity even deeper • #K9 #thinblueline #vfr
SPENCER ★ still waters run deep—and authenticity even deeper • #K9 #thinblueline #vfr
LYNN ★ do you—no one else can do it for you • #confidence #consciouscandid #clevelandheadshot
LYNN ★ do you—no one else can do it for you • #confidence #consciouscandid #clevelandheadshot
Some clients come to me for headshots; others for headwork. Either way, my process is about distilling the essence of your exceptionalism (YQ) and witnessing it precisely where it can be most elusive—on camera.⁠ ⁠ Curious about my headwork? DM me and I'll send you the 3 Word Challenge for free... #authenticity #3WORDS
Some clients come to me for headshots; others for headwork. Either way, my process is about distilling the essence of your exceptionalism (YQ) and witnessing it precisely where it can be most elusive—on camera.⁠ ⁠ Curious about my headwork? DM me and I'll send you the 3 Word Challenge for free... #authenticity #3WORDS
KYLE ★ like you own the muthafunkin' room • #shwyf #bullseye #clevelandheadshot
KYLE ★ like you own the muthafunkin' room • #shwyf #bullseye #clevelandheadshot
Shooting with me more about posing questions than posing people. Sure, I could tell you my secret to getting authentic expressions on camera—but then I'd have to shoot you • #noposers #neuroscience #sleightofmind
Shooting with me more about posing questions than posing people. Sure, I could tell you my secret to getting authentic expressions on camera—but then I'd have to shoot you • #noposers #neuroscience #sleightofmind
Just picked up a returning client from the airport for a turn & burn YQ Intensive (headwork + headshot). It’s been 6 years since I last witnessed this dude through my lens, and it’s great to have him back.
Just picked up a returning client from the airport for a turn & burn YQ Intensive (headwork + headshot). It’s been 6 years since I last witnessed this dude through my lens, and it’s great to have him back.
JEWELL★ when you got it, you got it • #kidactor #fearless #dramaqueen ⁠ ⁠ ⁠ For booking, see link in bio • #clevelandheadshot #canonshooter
JEWELL★ when you got it, you got it • #kidactor #fearless #dramaqueen ⁠ ⁠ ⁠ For booking, see link in bio • #clevelandheadshot #canonshooter
Some clients come to me for headshots; others for headwork. Either way, my process is about distilling the essence of your exceptionalism and witnessing it precisely where it can be most elusive—on camera.⁠ ⁠ Curious about my headwork? DM me and I'll send you the 3 Word Challenge for free... #authenticity #3WORDS
Some clients come to me for headshots; others for headwork. Either way, my process is about distilling the essence of your exceptionalism and witnessing it precisely where it can be most elusive—on camera.⁠ ⁠ Curious about my headwork? DM me and I'll send you the 3 Word Challenge for free... #authenticity #3WORDS
ADAIAH ★ and just like that, she lit up the room • #innerlight #nourish #photobranding
ADAIAH ★ and just like that, she lit up the room • #innerlight #nourish #photobranding
ORANGE. It's not just a color—it's a vibe • #sacredhue #retromod #allabouttheorange⁠ ⁠
ORANGE. It's not just a color—it's a vibe • #sacredhue #retromod #allabouttheorange⁠ ⁠
ROBBIE ★ it's always a good time to reconnect with your authentic self •⁠ ⁠ ⁠ Link in bio to book • #clevelandheadshot #goldstarmom #shakehandswithyourface
ROBBIE ★ it's always a good time to reconnect with your authentic self •⁠ ⁠ ⁠ Link in bio to book • #clevelandheadshot #goldstarmom #shakehandswithyourface
When a client experiences the why behind the what that I do...⁠ ⁠ Link in bio to book • #clevelandheadshot #fivestar #YQ #coaching
When a client experiences the why behind the what that I do...⁠ ⁠ Link in bio to book • #clevelandheadshot #fivestar #YQ #coaching
BONEY ★ I get asked all the time, 50%, then yes—you wear them in your headshot. But in this case, the answer was even simpler: #fuhgeddaboudit⁠ ⁠ Link in bio to book • #clevelandheadshot #badassery #clevelandtattooartist" aria-labelledby="" onerror="handleImageLoadError(this)"/>
BONEY ★ I get asked all the time, "Should I wear my glasses?" The answer's simple: If the odds of encountering you with glasses on at any given moment are >50%, then yes—you wear them in your headshot. But in this case, the answer was even simpler: #fuhgeddaboudit⁠ ⁠ Link in bio to book • #clevelandheadshot #badassery #clevelandtattooartist
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SAME WAVELENGTH

My name is Michael Cavotta and I've been in love with words my entire life—and wielding the em-dash long before AI took it from us (more on that later).

   It was words, not images, that put me behind a camera 20 years ago. Not as an observer, but as a witness, illuminating the gap bet­ween who a person is—and who they are becoming.

   That makes me different. Same goes for the people who walk through this nine-foot orange door. The best part? No matter how you feel about being on camera, you walk out a better version of yourself. A bold claim, but hundreds of five-star reviews mean you don't have to take my word for it...

NOW WHAT?

  1. If you're ready to see yourself through a different kind of lens, on-camera studio experiences start at $250. Rate card available upon request.
  2. Still have questions? Let's hop on a call or meet at the studio—you tell me when.
  3. Like the way I write? Check out my book, Chasing Light, or keep scrolling and find out why showing up as YOU matters now more than ever...

[

]

IMAGINE

A dark, cavernous nowhere. Emptiness. An immensity more felt than seen, lit by a single flame—the one burning inside of you.


See? You've still got it...

IT BEGINS WITH

WORDS

IT BEGINS WITH

WORDS

whether we're talking about images that reveal the true self, or a deep-dive experience to define it • 20 years behind the camera, thousands of happy cli­ents, hundreds of rave reviews—all set aside to address the elephant in the room...


  Generative AI is making skeptics of us all, creating a vortex of digital noise with a loss of deeper signal.

  What follows is either shitty marketing or the specific frequency it took to bring you here. If you're still reading thirty seconds from now, you'll know which it is for you. Either way, this was written by a real person, unfiltered by anything artificial—unless you count spell­check, which likely left at least one error in support of the author's claim.


ONLY HUMAN


   And yet, something whispers otherwise. Where AI images are getting tougher to spot, AI writing seems to be getting more obvious, its six-finger hand in everything we read: In­sta­gram car­ou­sels, Face­book posts, X articles, Google reviews. Everyone sound­s smart­; everyone sound­s—the same.

  The signs are everywhere if you're looking. And if you are, you've clocked five so far—or so you think...

FIRST, IT CAME FOR OUR

FIRST THEY CAME FOR OUR

EYES

EYES

VANITY: It rhymes with humanity, and it's as old as we are. Homo sapiens has been using makeup for thousands of years—from ancient Egypt, to imperial China, to feudal Japan. Long before L'Oreal, 17th century Europe embraced vanity so hard, a new kind of furniture was born.

  Three centuries later, Madison Av­enue and Hol­ly­wood weaponized vanity, pushing an unattainable standard ever higher—all the while selling us the pro­ducts with which to chase it.

  Decades passed, and while the play­ers changed, the game really didn't—at least not until the late 90's, with the emergence of the World Wide Web. It was clumsy at first, but soon enough the Face Race hit overdrive:


2003

The first profile photos are uploaded.  'Photoshop' is a household verb.

2005

Digital cameras are out-selling film, but the world still sees itself through a photographer's lens.

2007

The iPhone challenges the powers that see, offering the best camera in the world—the one you have with you.

2010

iPhone 4 launches with a front-facing camera, forever changing the relationship humans have with their faces.

2013

Facetune popularizes 'filters'—no Photoshop hassle; no photographer guardrails.

2015

That's not what I look like. The world witnesses an uptick in facial dysmorphic disorder

2017

Facetune hits #1 on the App Store, the "magic mirror" is real, the Face Race accelerates...


◆


   In the decade that followed, the technology got better, and what's bad for our brains got worse. Today, Facetune is a $1.8 billion company with hun­dreds of millions of lifetime downloads, but it's just the face of a deeper problem. "That's not what I look like" has always been on a collision course with some­thing deeper...


THAT'S NOT ME.



   Thud. Here, at the bottom of that slippery slope, artificial intelligence re­leases us from the friction of authentic presence. Gone are the days of spending time and money to stand at the pointy end of someone else's lens, exposed—even if only for a moment—as the unfiltered self.

   It is now easier to appear as you wish than to show up as you are. AI can turn a single selfie into an endless array of digital doppelgängers for you to choose from. Pro images—without the pros. No need for studios. No need for cameras. No need for soul-killing filters when humanity wasn't involved.


Once upon a time, humans hired sha­mans to perform centuries-old rituals framed in thorny verbs like shoot, capture, and take—barbs that once guarded a sacred process where or­dinary people might glimpse the ex­tra­or­dinary within themselves.

THEN, IT CAME FOR OUR

FIRST THEY CAME FOR OUR

EYES

VOICE

FOR 600 YEARS, the em-dash was more than just punctuation—it was the esoteric hallmark of a proper wordsmith. By the 19th century, its use had been elevated to an art form by authors like Dickinson, Austen, Mel­ville... artists who proved that in the right pen, the em-dash is a musical instrument capable of bringing poetry to life—and making prose more deadly.

  Yet today, the em-dash has been reduced to a red flag for AI content, propagated by cut & paste prosers who don't know the difference between a hyphen, an en-dash, or it's M-sized big brother—and they're bet­ting you don't either.

   In the meantime, it looks like everyone hired the same sheet ghost for a copywriter. It's the Rolex Effect: When everybody's wearing one, they're all as­sumed to be fakes. Now that everyone's writing sounds smart, we're left questioning each other's intelligence.

   Naturally, we turn to AI to detect AI itself in writing. Instead of reliably ratting itself out, we end up with the batter calling it's own balls and strikes. How else does a piece of original human prose carbon dated to the before times get flagged as 1%, let alone entirely AI-generated or en­hanced?

  The machines have made their move, which is why you are now free to imagine this author in the midst of a 4g inverted dive, typing with two middle fingers—full Mav­erick—not only refusing to leave his em-dash, but unwilling to abandon negative parallelisms, avoid alliteration, or de­grade words in any other way in order to assert their authenticity.

   Not because he's some butt-hurt English ma­jor lamenting the redistribution of language on our flat-spin to universal basic intelligence, but for the the sheer absurdity that powerful human voices should ever bend the knee to machines that were trained to sound like us.


◆


  Inspired or exposed...whatever you may be feeling, congratulations are in order—you're human. Need a break to strip the em-dashes out of that high-stakes post your robot helped you write? Go for it. Next time, try adding this to your prompt: 


Write so it sounds like ME—on a full night's sleep and a strong cup of coffee. I don't want my ideas dismissed or discounted as anything but my own, so no em-dashes or neurolinguistic trickery. I was a [C] student in English and would prefer not to advertise that I'm using a performance enhancing droid.

WHO ARE YOU?

Even if you haven't asked the question lately, you're living out your answer. That may sting a bit—especially if you're hoping to find fulfillment living someone else's life. If your sense of self is rooted in function instead of fire today, know this about tomorrow: 


functions are for robots—and
they're coming for us all


◆

WHO ARE YOU?

AI isn't the enemy—
it's artificial identity. 
In a world where it's easy to appear,
showing up
becomes an act of

DEFIANCE.

BE YOURSELF