1. I’m an introvert. 
Don’t get me wrong, I like people but I prefer one-on-one conversations. In a one hour session, I often learn things from people. Maybe I'll find out about a new book/author or a new pub or a great hike. In short, it’s enriching.

2. People who want headshots are usually on the cusp of something new. 
Many are writers so they need a photo for their book jacket and promo material. Maybe it’s their very first book and they’re over the moon to finally see their work in print. So, I get to chat about books and the excruciating business of revisions. Others are musicians, artists, scientists or business people. Smart folks with interesting insights. I’m always curious to see what’s happening in the world of others. 

3. The challenge: people (usually) equate having their photo taken with a trip to the dentist.
And not just a cleaning, something involving a long needle. I get it, it’s awkward. Suddenly, you haven’t a clue what to do with your hands or how to smile the way you do every day. That’s where I come in. I guide you through how to move and we’ll try a variety of poses and facial expressions. (There’ll be a blog post on this soon). You’ll get all set up and – like the dentist – I’ll ask you a question, just after telling you not to talk during your photos. Sorry. But it might make you laugh a little and then I’ll click. Getting people to relax is a lot of fun for me. 

4. The wide choice of locations,
It’s so much easier to work with one person for backgrounds than a larger group. Together, we walk around until we find the sweet spot for light and choose everything from a sunlit tree to a brick wall, giving you lots of options when it comes to sending out photos. I’m always thinking about where you’ll use the photos. Sometimes you’ll want a straight head-and-shoulders shot for a business card or publication but you might also have a website where you want to show that you also love being outdoors and would like to show a little more of nature behind you. In the winter months, I’ll shoot indoors. I don’t need much to make a good headshot, some diffused window light and an uncluttered background or I can use a backdrop and my lights to give it a clean studio shot.

BELOW
David teaches at university and he's an award-winning fiction writer. We chose to do his shots at a university campus which gave us lots of background options and looks.