What Kind of Car Are You? The Porsche and Monte Carlo SS Energy Behind My Photography Brand | Woodbury MN Photographer
At the Cottage Grove Women in Business Summit on November 13, 2025, emcee Lady Paula from Princess Paula Consulting opened the day with a meaningful presentation called “Be the Ferrari.” Paula is one of my personal branding clients, (and I’m honored to call her friend!) so I have actually photographed her with a toy Ferrari for this particular keynote presentation. Paula invited the entire room to ask ChatGPT what kind of car we are based on our personality and uniqueness. Using the car metaphor was a key point to own your own identity, stop trying to appeal to everyone and start attracting the people who truly want what you bring to the table, and the key reminder that there is more than enough to go around for all. Talk about putting yourself in check…there it is!
This was the photo I took during Princess Paula’s branding session in the spring of 2025 at my studio in Woodbury, MN. She brought in her own “model” of a Ferrari., and planned to use it for a keynote slide title image.
Brilliant idea, dare I say life-changing message! If you are in need of an emcee or keynote speaker for your organization….Princess Paula is your gal!
Most people got a quick laugh when she said to go ask ChatGPT about what kind of car you are. Instead of a laugh, I got a brand revelation.
Because I talk to ChatGPT every day. (I call it “Chat” for short.) It knows my business brand voice, my values, the passion I have for what and WHY I do what I do, and the heart behind my photography. So when I asked Chat the question, I expected a thorough answer. I did not expect one that would feel like someone handed me my own brand identity on four wheels and a stick shift.
The Answer: Chat thinks I Am A Porsche
When I read this, I thought of Joey on Friends and said out loud, “Hey! It’s Porsche-a!” But then I read on.
Chat went on to explain. Not the loud, flashy type Porsche you see in movies. The sophisticated, intentionally designed Porsche that carries presence without forcing it. The kind that turns heads because of confidence, not volume.
This reflected exactly how I show up in my work. That was kind of exciting!
Porsche Energy Mirrors My Studio Experience
Intentional artistry
Elevated direction
Luxury rooted in care
Attention to detail
A space where clients feel embraced and empowered
That felt like truth. But there was another part of me that Chat did not know yet.
Enter My All Time Favorite Car: The 1985 Monte Carlo Super Sport
Specifically the black Monte SS with the red stripe. The one that looks like pure attitude on four wheels.
Grit, nostalgia, fire, and rebellion wrapped in sleek metal.
It is the car that shaped my taste long before I ever knew what branding was. It is my childhood dream car.
It is still the car that makes my heart skip a beat.
So I told Chat about my love of this 80s vehicle, and asked if that would change the car it chose for me. And what Chat came back with was the perfect reflection of my inner and outer brand. A full fusion if you will.
Porsche On the Outside. Monte SS In My Soul.
That is the fusion. That is my identity! That is my photography brand in a nutshell.
Porsche represents the craft.
Precision.
Refinement.
Thoughtful direction.
A luxurious experience built with intention.
Monte SS represents the fire.
Boldness.
Grit.
Authenticity.
A little wild and a whole lot of heart.
It is the combination of luxury and rebellion that makes my work stand apart.
It is what allows me to photograph each client that hires me with unapologetic honesty and elevated artistry.
The Universe Delivered a Full Circle Moment
In October 2025, I went to a small one-day festival in my hometown called “On the Road Again”. It is a booya competition, and car show-huge celebration and long standing tradition. A rather hot sunny day for October too. No expectations, just a fun fall outing, met my best girl friends there as well as saw plenty of familiar faces.
And then I saw it. A pristine black 1987 Monte Carlo SS as part of the car show! She didn’t have red stripes on the side, but was equally a sight to see! I felt a thrill of joy, like a kid in a candy store. The car had a sign inside with the owner listed. Without thinking, I yelled the owner’s name. Loudly in the crowd of thousands.
He said “Yeah!?”
“Um, your car is amazing!” I seriously felt like I met a rockstar in person. I told him my story about my love affair with the 85 Monte SS all these years. It’s cool when someone else shares that same love. I mean I know ZERO about cars but I know what I like.
“Thanks! Do you want to sit in it?”
I’m dying inside. YES of COURSE I want to sit inside! This was the bucket list item I didn’t think I’d ever check off.
Sitting in my all-time dream car…the Monte Carlo Super Sport
It was pure magic. A childhood dream meeting adult clarity. (Joe Greene, you are the best!)
A reminder of the spark inside me and the fire I bring to my clients every day.
How This All Connects to My Photography Work
This whole conversation was never really about cars. It was about identity and the power of owning who I am, knowing what I bring to the table, and to confidently refer to others when the request might go beyond what is in my lane.
Here is what this fusion means for my clients.
You get Porsche level mastery.
• Polished experience
• Intentional posing
• Expert guidance
• A studio built around comfort and confidence
You also get Monte Carlo SS energy.
• Bold storytelling
• Raw connection
• Emotional truth
• Unapologetic celebration of who you are
When people hire me, they are not just getting portraits.
They are getting power.
They are getting legacy.
They are getting a version of themselves that feels both elevated and fiercely real.
If You Want Portraits That Reflect Your Own Fire
I would be honored to photograph you.
Your life. Your grit. Your softness. Your resilience. Your story. You bring your truth.
I will bring the Porsche precision and the Monte SS soul.
Together, we will create portraits that will outlive both of us. Thank you, Lady Paula, and to every speaker at the Women in Business Summit for your wisdom and inspiration!
Fondly,
Monda the Photographer
