Whenever I try to promote my photography I tend to lean toward the arty creative side of photography.. whether it be a stylistic product or fashion shoot, an artistic nude, a creative portrait, or the theatrical images of dance and theater... but I tend to forget to promote the more subtle forms of photography.... like the standards of a basic headshot.

Although the idea of a headshot may seem easy to shoot, there are actual challenges of capturing the 'perfect' image that often makes it harder to accomplish than the ultra creative ones. People who are looking to get their headshot taken want many things... not all of them want the same thing.. but all of them want a 'perfect' representation to show who they are. You can't just shoot a highly styled glamour shoot. Though many want thier headshots to look that way, it isn't the appropriate look to go for to represent themselves (unless the headshot was specifically for a fashion shoot 'look') It's more the reality that they want... whether it be in the subleties in a smile or a spark in the eyes.. Something real... or fun... or deep... or pure.

As a photographer who shoots headshots, I have to be aware of these things. If I meet with a potential headshot client I can't just sum up who they are without at least getting to know more about them and what they'd like to represent in themselves. I have to find out what they would like to see in themselves (or maybe what their agents want to see) and then I have to organically find ways to capture those moments in them during the actual shoot.

My advice to someone looking to get their headshots taken: research, review and appreciate past work that you've seen from the photographer you're looking into (be it in meeting up with them with a portfolio of thier work, through pictures viewed online, or otherwise) ... but that's not all... One must feel comfortable with the photographer that they are working with too. If the comfort level isn't there, it usually shows up in the resulting images. This research is important for them to do. Get to know the works of various photographers and find which one best suits your needs.. that's the best way to start your search.