Studio Portrait Photographer of the Year, British Institute of Professional Photography - Yorkshire Region -
A professional headshot is not just a nice-to-have these days. It’s now essential to make a great first impression online.
If you have a website or spend time networking on platforms such as LinkedIn - representing either your own business or the business you work for - you’ll already know the value of a headshot. A high-quality headshot is a promotional asset you cannot be without.
Whatever your profession, and whatever stage you are at in your career, you need to stand out for all the right reasons.
A professional photographer like me can help with this. Keep reading if you’re interested in finding out more about my Leeds-based headshot photography service.
Andrea Thornton Photography offers professional headshot photography as part of a range of portrait services.
So, if you, or the company you work for, is based in or around either Leeds, Harrogate or York, and needs some new professional headshots in 2024, then give me a call as I’d love to help!
I’ve already worked with several entrepreneurs and leading local businesses to help create individual and team portraits, and some of those images I’m showing here so you can get an idea of the type of commercial portraits I can create.
In this blog, I’m sharing why headshot photography is so important and answering the frequently asked questions about headshot photography that often pop up.
Headshot photos are needed for several reasons.
In the business world, expectations are higher than ever before.
A poorly-lit selfie, or casual snapshot of you taken by a friend on their smartphone, will no longer cut it, even despite the advances in camera phone technology.
In fact, something like that could do more harm than good to your professional reputation.
A headshot photo, captured by a professional photographer, will not only help make you look your best, but it will also demonstrate that you have high standards of professionalism. This is a trait that a potential employer, customer or business partner will no doubt favour.
My photography studio in Boston Spa, near Leeds, is the perfect place for you to have your headshot taken.
We will book a 20 minute appointment during which time we can take a number of different shots and poses.
There will be time for a change of outfit, and a change of background, if you would like a couple of different looks.
Alternatively, if you would prefer for me to come to you and your team, or you would like a greater variety of shots in a location of your choice, please contact me about my corporate photography service.
Your location may be an office, a co-working space, a shop, a salon or a location you hire especially for the shoot, such as a studio or Airbnb location.
Headshot sessions can be completed relatively quickly - you needn’t spend hours in front of my camera – so, they can be done on your way to work or during a lunch break if necessary.
We will spend 20 mins together at the shoot, and the following day I will provide you with a password protected online gallery of watermarked images from which you can choose your four favourites.
Whenever you’re having a photoshoot – whether a business style portrait shoot or a family photoshoot, wear clothes that you feel completely comfortable in.
To look your best in the photos you need to feel relaxed, so avoid wearing anything that will make you feel fidgety or self-conscious.
Your profession or company may require formal clothing, such as a suit jacket and tie, but you may also want to go for a smart-casual look.
Another consideration are which colours suit you best. Also, if relevant, think about which colours fit in with your website or brand. These photographs should be a good reflection of your professional self.
You may wish to have your hair done in advance of your headshot photoshoot to look as smart and polished as possible.
A professional is highly skilled in the use of light, posing and image composition.
They also will have professional backdrops to use in the headshot portraits and have advanced photo editing skills that could enhance your portrait.
For example, you might need to edit your photos to remove stray hairs from in front of your eyes, or remove the sheen on spectacles for example.
The investment for a 20 minute headshot photoshoot with me at my photography studio is just £129.
You will be able to select four of your favourite images from an online gallery, and will receive these as high-resolution digital files.
A professional headshot is a must if you wish to look good online.
You need a decent headshot whether you’re a job seeker, are employed or are self-employed, or are a student or a recent graduate entering the world of work for the first time, or even a veteran in your profession.
It’s also wise to update your headshot every few years, so even if you have one, be honest, is it up to date? Does it reflect who you are and what you look like today?
An investment into new headshots for LinkedIn and other marketing materials would certainly be money well spent. Don’t just take my word for it though.
Here's what Elen Watson said about her headshot photography experience with me:
"Andrea was excellent at putting me at ease for my photo shoot for a professional work photo. I hate getting my photo taken but Andrea is so lovely and kept going until we found quite a few positions and styles that I liked. Thank you Andrea for your patience and ideas, I’m really pleased with the photos!"
If you'd like to talk about what I can do for you, contact me to enquire about my headshots photography service by completing the form on my Contact page or calling me on 07762 111 818.
I look forward to meeting you!
Andrea