Do I need a fancy pants studio and a ton of expensive kit to create stunning headshots for my clients? Let me give you the short answer…

No, you don’t. While having a high end studio and the best kit on the market can be beneficial, they are not essential for creating beautiful, professional headshots. What you do absolutely need is a solid understanding of light and how it works, the ability to pose and direct your client effectively, and proficiency with software and editing tools, such as Adobe Lightroom, which I personally use.

The Power of Light

Understanding light is paramount. Whether you're working with natural light streaming through your studio windows or using a well-placed softbox and a reflector (one of my go-to set ups!), the key is to know how to manipulate and control light to flatter your subject. Great lighting can transform an ordinary headshot into something extraordinary. Once you understand light you can develop a consistent style and become known for it, take me for example, I enjoy soft lighting and although I use flash to create headshots I replicate soft natural light and this has become my signature style and whilst I sometimes use a very simple set up for headshots I know exactly how to position the light to flatter my subjects and this skill is what brings my clients through my studio door.

Posing and Direction

Knowing how to pose your client and direct them during the shoot is just as crucial. Many people come to me feeling super anxious, in fact being perfectly honest pretty much everyone feels a degree of trepidation, so it’s important that I know exactly how to move them into a calm state, comfortable and confident subjects will always produce better photos and enjoy the experience so much more.

My clients can trust me to take them through poses and offer complete direction if they want and need it, ensuring that they feel at ease and look their absolute best, understanding posing is a total game changer and makes a massive difference to your output. Some clients study posing technique before their shoot and this is something I encourage as it really does help clients to feel more invested and relaxed.

Editing Mastery

In the digital age, post-processing is where good headshots become great. With tools like Adobe Lightroom, I enhance and polish each image to professional standards. From colour correction to retouching, the final touches are what bring my headshots to life. There is nothing more I love than time in the editing process and I am always learning new technique and honing my skills. My work is subtle, everyone gets a beauty brush to smooth highlights and shadows and I always smooth out the backdrop and pay attention to colour but I don’t overdo it, the key sometimes is knowing when to stop. We’re not in the eighties anymore folks. I want you to look like you, a nice, well lit and polished version of you. Your best self.

Trust in Experience

Operating from my home studio in Hove, I have honed my skills and developed a workflow that guarantees stunning results. My clients can trust that they will receive headshots that are not only high-quality but also reflect their unique style and needs. I always meet my clients prior to the shoot and together we make a shoot plan which details which backdrops we will use, what colours we will wear and how we will light our headshots. My shoots are tethered and full collaboration is very welcome and ensures you leave with what you came for.

For Photography Students

Aspiring photographers, listen up: Don’t be discouraged by the lack of a high-end studio. Start with what you have and focus on mastering the fundamentals. Learn how to use light creatively, practice your posing techniques, and get comfortable with editing software. These skills will serve you far better in the long run than any piece of equipment ever could.

I share insider tips and hands-on techniques for creating stunning headshots without the need for a fancy studio on my insta grid plus free resources here at my website.

CLIENT

Ready to capture your best look yet? Book your session today and let’s create headshots that stand out from the crowd!

My studio is in Hove and I work with clients from Brighton & Hove, London, UK and Worldwide.