What's it all about Alfie?                                         07/01/2025

Let's answer what I'm trying to accomplish for you with a 'headshot'.

Let’s be honest—a headshot is kind of a big deal. Whether it’s going on someone’s LinkedIn, their acting portfolio, or the “About Me” page of their new website, it’s often the first thing people see. And first impressions matter.

The perfect headshot doesn’t just happen. It takes more than pointing a camera and saying “smile.” It starts with a quick conversation. Before I even touch my gear, I always ask: what’s this photo for? That one question helps set the tone—do they need to look warm and professional? Confident and sharp? Or relaxed and creative? That answer changes everything.

Lighting is huge. I like to keep things soft and natural—think window light or a big softbox. Harsh shadows? Not flattering. Catching a little sparkle in the eyes? That’s the magic.

Framing is simple, but it matters. Head and shoulders is the sweet spot, and I usually keep the eyes around the top third of the frame. Shooting from eye level (or just above) helps people look their best. Below the chin? Never a good idea.

Most people get nervous in front of a camera. That’s normal. So I give a lot of direction—but in a relaxed way. I’ll say things like, “drop your shoulders,” “tilt your head just a bit,” or “think of someone who makes you laugh.” It makes a difference. A small lean forward or a real smile can totally change the vibe.

Backgrounds should be simple. I go for clean, neutral tones or soft colors—something that won’t steal attention. If they work in a creative field, we might play around a little more. But for most people, less is more.

 After we agree on the shots to use I'll do a light edit, clean up flyaways, smooth out temporary blemishes, and maybe adjust the lighting a bit. That’s it. A good headshot should look like you—just on a really good day.

When I deliver the final shots, I usually send both high-res and web versions, sometimes in color and black-and-white if they need options. Easy, clean, done.

At the end of the day, a great headshot doesn’t just show what someone looks like—it shows who they are. And when someone feels comfortable and seen, the camera captures it. That’s the real goal.