Have you thought about adding headshot photography to your arsenal of skills as a professional photographer, or are you already offering headshots as part of your services and portfolio?
This is a competitive arena for any photographer to operate in, and it requires solid photographic and people skills in order to prosper and become successful.
I sat down to chat with one of the most well-known and respected headshot photographers in the USA, Peter Hurley, who shared some of his experiences and thoughts on what it takes to succeed in the business.
About Our Guest: Peter Hurley
“Hurley” from LOST – Photography by Peter Hurley
Peter Hurley is very well-known in the photography business as an amazing portrait and headshot photographer with a great eye for fashion and impeccable style.
His photography adventures, which started in the exciting worlds of sailing and modelling, have also taken him into the world of advertising, and his clients include Levi’s, Reebok, DKNY, Johnnie Walker and Axe Deodorant to name a few.
Peter is also the author of a new book: “The Headshot: The Secrets to Creating Amazing Headshot Portraits (Voices That Matter)
The Headshot: The Secrets to Creating Amazing Headshot PortraitsBy Peter Hurley
In The Headshot: The Secrets to Creating Amazing Headshot Portraits, Peter shares everything you need to know to get great images of your subjects – whether it’s on assignment, a personal project, or simply shots of family and friends.
Starting with his trademark “recipe” (“white background, flat light, chopped-off heads”) in over a dozen chapters he covers the technical aspects of the shot, lighting, composition, and camera setup. He also shows you how to establish rapport with your subject, as well as driving great expressions. With this book, you’ll be equipped to dramatically improve your headshot photographs.
Episode Summary
Here are some of the great topics we talked about in this episode:
- How Peter got started in the photography business…
- Breaking into the headshot business in New York…
- It really is possible to be seen as “too cheap”…
- What to do if you’re just starting out as a professional photographer…
- The top qualities of successful photographers…
- The importance of solid photography skills before trying to market yourself…
- Some clients want to invest in themselves and will pay more to do that…
- Peter’s top marketing channels…
- Dealing with competition from other portrait photographers…
- The role of “expectation” in your success as a photographer…
- Getting a foothold in your local market as a new photographer…
- The most common mistakes new photographers are making…
