What is Headshot Photography?
A head shot or headshot is a modern (usually digital) portrait whose focus is on the person. The term is applied usually to professional profile images on social media. These images are also used on online dating profiles, about us pages, or corporate websites. Promotional pictures of actors, models, and authors are also commonplace online.
We offer both Natural light and studio lit commercial and theatrical headshots from our Liverpool Studio. This is ideal for actors, actresses, presenters, and all types of performers & business professionals.
Our efficient and flexible studio setup allows us to have numerous backdrops set up simultaneously. This means we can work pretty quickly and without pausing during your session. Sessions can run from 45 minutes to 2 hours, and within that time, we can usually offer images from a choice of over 100 shots.
When it comes to producing a high-quality headshot that stands out from the crowd, you need the help of a professional photographer, experienced in working with people both in-studio and on location. We take the time to understand the reason for your headshot session and what you are looking to achieve. More importantly, what you want your images to say on your behalf.
If you are looking to get noticed with your professional images or corporate photography, are asking the question “where can I get professional work photos near me” and are based in Liverpool, Manchester, Cheshire and the North-west – we can help.
"I had a wonderful photography experience with Leon. Very professional and I would highly recommend for anyone who needs beautiful head shots.." - Jennifer Hayashi Danns, Author
Are Headshots for Actors and Professionals only?
Not at all, we don’t just provide professional headshots for business and commercial customers. On a daily basis we are the photographer for headshots provided to actors, authors, singers, entertainers, youtubers, lecturers, academics and doctors. We also provide many pictures that get used by our clients on their social media and dating profile pages. So next time you are searching for a “photographer for headshots near me” remember they are not exclusively for professionals. We aim to provide you with a selection of top-quality professional headshots that will give you confidence. They will also help you get the foot in the door, in front of a casting director or for your agent to use to represent you. A good headshot can open doors, create an expectation and tell a story. If you don’t have an image, you may be missing out on work and opportunities. You may never get the break you feel you deserve, no matter how good you are.
We aim to help you capture the emotion, set the mood and have some fun along the way. Your headshot needs to look like you, maybe several versions of you. As mentioned before, we take plenty of shots, quite possibly more than enough, and we check them as we go along to make sure you are happy.
We often get asked if our headshots can be used on actors websites, such as Spotlight. Simply put – Yes. Headshots for an actor are pretty much all you’ve got, especially if you have not met the casting director before. Often, casting directors to get to see 48-96 thumbnail images per page, so the headshots need to stand out, and more importantly – look like the individual and be current.
Usually, it works better to have several images, but not too many – each showing a slight change in brightness or personality without coming across as too staged. Its often thought more than ten is too many, but less than 2 is too few – with the average being 4-6 in total.
Professional Headshots On-Location
Can you book headshots on location and in the office?
The simple answer is YES.
We offer professional business and corporate headshot sessions. We will discuss your needs and work together to get the results you are looking for. We may schedule a visit to check there is sufficient space to set up a session at your location and discuss the appropriate colours for backdrops.
Similarly to our studio sessions, we price in two halves, a setup fee followed by a session fee. Our prices allow for up to 10 or 25 subjects respectively. We will capture several images of each subject, which will be uploaded to a private client gallery for final selection. We professionally edit selected pictures before sending them digitally via secure file transfer service. For more information on pricing, please see our pricing page on the website
"A great image has the power to evoke emotions, capture memories, transcend language and cultural barriers, inspire change, and connect people on a universal level"
What is the difference between headshots and personal branding photography?
While headshots typically focus on capturing an individual’s professional appearance and personality, personal branding photography goes a step further by telling a story about who you are, what you do, and what sets you apart from the competition.
Personal branding photography can include a range of images such as environmental portraits, action shots, and lifestyle images to showcase your personality, style, and brand.
Both types of photography have their benefits, with headshots being essential for business and professional purposes, while personal branding photography can help individuals establish a unique and memorable brand identity that sets them apart from the competition.
Whether you’re looking for a traditional headshot or more comprehensive personal branding images, I can work with you to create the perfect photography session to meet your needs. As a studio photographer based in Liverpool, we specialise in both headshot and personal branding photography.
Why book a professional photographer?
Why Book Your Headshot Photography With Us ?
We are award winning specialists with the expertise, experience, and knowledge to create professional and high-quality headshots that capture your unique personality and style.
While general photographers may not have the same level of expertise in this specific area, as a headshot specialist, we can provide guidance on posing, lighting, and wardrobe choices to ensure that your headshot is polished and effective. A generic photographer may lack the same level of specialised knowledge and attention to detail.
Here are a couple of other reasons why we may be worth considering when looking at Leon Britton Photography to provide your professional headshots: Our spacious studio/shooting space is located in the Secret Warehouse, Liverpool L20. with plenty of ‘free’ street parking available nearby. Local transport links and the nearest train station (Bank Hall) only a few minutes away. For each headshot session, we set up a minimum of 5 different indoor background options simultaneously. Multiple lighting options mean we can go from scene to scene with no delay.
Our experienced and inventive headshot and personal branding photography sessions are designed to create the perfect image for actors, performers, and professionals. We understand that being in front of a camera can be nerve-racking, but our relaxed and professional approach ensures that you’ll feel comfortable and confident throughout the shoot. After an informal chat about your goals and preferences, we work together to create multiple looks that showcase your unique style & personality. With a range of backgrounds, lighting, and locations, we ensure that you have plenty of choices to select from. We provide the flexibility to change clothing and hairstyles within the session, giving you even more options. Our Liverpool studio is conveniently located near the Mersey Docks, and we also offer on-site corporate photography sessions for businesses looking to update their team’s images.
Contact us today to book your session and take the first step towards the perfect headshot or personal branding image.
How do I book a Headshot Session?
By reading this, it’s already apparent that you are serious about updating or refreshing your professional images.
You can visit our online booking page and BOOK NOW
Please take a look at the images on this site and on our social media. This will give you an indication of the style of images we am able to achieve from a headshot photo session. I shoot in a variety of styles and have many different photographic backgrounds we can use. If you like what you see, or are keen to pursue a particular style of shot you have seen on my site, let me know. Making sure you get the Headshot photo you want is my number one priority, and I need to understand what you are looking to achieve prior to photo shoot day.
For individuals, our fully equipped Liverpool photo is able to offer a comprehensive head shots service with sessions running on average between 45 minutes and 2 hours. The studio is located within the wonderful Secret Warehouse with ample parking and close links to local transport.
For our business and commercial clients we are able to offer professional headshots on location subject to discussion. This allows us to offer a commercial headshot session for example to a company looking to update their staff headshots, but are logistically unable to release them off-site, or the volume of numbers renders it impractical. Our usual area of operation is Liverpool, Merseyside and the surrounding areas including Greater Manchester, however we are not limited to this area.
On this site we have put a headshot questions and answers page that can hopefully answer questions like:
- What are headshots?
- What so I wear for a professional headshot session?
- How to pose for a LinkedIn Headshot photograph?
- What are the best tips for professional headshots?
You might be asking, what if I don’t know how to pose for a headshot? Being honest – very few people actually do as it not something we tend to do every day. As professional headshot specialists we will lead you every step of the way with helpful guides and prompts to ensure we get the best out of your headshot photography session.
Photographic Edits and Digital Retouching
Can headshot images be retouched or edited?
During our headshot sessions, clients often ask if we can retouch images to enhance their appearance. The answer is always YES! Depending on the purpose and subject of the image, we can fix anything from stray hairs to skin blemishes. We offer minor skin retouching, natural tone adjustment, and colour correction for all images. Our editing process includes fixing imperfections that may not be visible in six months’ time. We only provide edited work to ensure consistency in our high-quality standards. Supplying unretouched images could lead to inconsistent or inferior editing styles so as a studio it is not something we offer.
"There is no strict rule that dictates the ideal colour in a headshot, sometimes we end up shooting with a few different options and see what works" - Leon Britton
Backdrops and Locations For Headshots
How do we choose the perfect backdrop?
Studio backgrounds are the most typical headshot background you’ll see online. These backgrounds are usually white, grey, or black. Headshots with solid coloured backgrounds are perfect for your most professional aspects of work and online presence.
However, there is now a trend increasing in popularity where clients are choosing to break away traditions and bring elements of their personality or brand to the shoot by choosing different styles or colours of backgrounds.
Generally though for a headshot a simple or plain background works well as it allows the subject to remain the primary focus of the image.
See the Backdrop Page for full examples
Perspective from an acting coach
Headshots for Actors
As a seasoned photographer, I have collaborated with numerous acting coaches to understand the significance of headshots for actors. A professional headshot, as explained by an acting coach, is a superior-quality photograph that captures an individual’s personality, character, and essence, all while maintaining a polished and professional appearance. This essential photograph serves as an actor’s visual calling card, frequently creating the first impression they make on casting directors and agents.
Taking great headshots for actors is an art that requires capturing their unique qualities and enabling them to stand out amongst the competition. Acting coaches stress the importance of authenticity and naturalness in these images. A well-executed headshot should forgo exaggerated expressions or poses, instead concentrating on showcasing the actor’s genuine self.
When it comes to composition and styling, a professional headshot is typically a close-up or mid-shot portrait, with the subject’s face and shoulders clearly visible. Lighting plays a pivotal role in ensuring that the photograph is flattering and devoid of harsh shadows or overexposure. The backdrop is generally kept simple and uncluttered, allowing the focus to remain on the subject. Actors are advised to wear neutral colours and avoid overly distracting patterns when it comes to wardrobe, ensuring that their face is the centre of attention.
As a proficient photographer, I am committed to taking good headshots for actors that truly embody their essence, providing them with a powerful tool in their pursuit of success within the industry. Through collaboration and attention to detail, we work together to create an image that reflects their individuality and leaves a lasting impression on casting professionals.
ANY QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions !!
How much are headshots?
Full details of all our pricing, including headshots, portraits and weddings can be found on our Pricing Page
Is a headshot the same as a portrait?
It is pretty understandable to ask the difference between a headshot and a portrait. Whilst the terms are used interchangeably, there are differences. In the easiest of words, a professional headshot is a type of portrait. A professional headshot is a tightly cropped photo of the face from the shoulders up. Usually, the subject is ‘camera aware’ and looking right into the lens. This type of picture aims to get you noticed. A portrait is essentially any image where the subject is aware of the camera even if they are not looking directly at it.
Are actors headshots the same as corporate headshots?
No. Headshots for actors, musical theatre cast and entertainers / performers are specifically tailored to ensure they show different aspects of an individuals personality. Corporate, business headshots and branded imaging tend to focus on a single message or core theme.
What are the options available?
Even though we can tailor all of our services, sometimes it’s easier to select an off-the-shelf option. We usually take between 100 and 400 images, with a quick review is available during the studio session as we go along.
These are then uploaded to a private online gallery allowing you to choose your final images then. These are then edited, ensuring we get the best from each image selected, according to the purpose of the photo. Your final shots are then emailed across via a secure download link. Packages available include black and white options, full colour, studio shoots or outside. In addition, we are able to amend or customise each of our services to ensure they are tailored to your needs wherever possible. We pride ourselves not only on being able to help you choose what to wear but also on how to pose to get the best results. They say that an image speaks a thousand words, and when it comes to giving that right first impression – a fantastic headshot speaks for itself.
STILL HAVE A QUESTION?
We have a lot of other pages on this site full of useful information for your headshot and portrait sessions. If you can’t find an answer to your question, dont’t hesitate to send us a message
Commercial Headshots
If you’re looking for workplace or on-location headshot sessions for you and your team, take a look at our Professional headshots and pricing page for more information
Getting in touch should always be easy, and we will always come back to you ASAP
- 07764 328 411
- The Secret Warehouse, Liverpool, L20 8HN
- Photography@LeonBritton.com
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