If the topic is headshots, 9 out of 10 photographers will think of Peter Hurley (I made that statistic up, so don’t quote me on it). Peter has so successfully branded himself in the photography industry that his name is synonymous with terms such as SHA-BANG and The Squinch. Larger than life, Peter’s charisma plays a large part in his success within the industry and among his clientele, which ranges from actors and models to businessmen and women in his New York studio.
From a love for sailing and training for the Olympic team to a career as a professional model and actor, Peter was inspired to pick up a camera by mentor Bruce Weber. Peter describes starting his business in his tiny New York apartment, photographing clients using the window light while his pregnant wife sat on the bed nearby and the journey photography has taken him. His new book, The Headshot: The Secrets to Creating Amazing Headshot Portraits (Voices That Matter) was recently released and is the ultimate guide to headshot portraits.
[REWIND: USE THIS PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY TIP TO MAKE CLIENTS LOOK SLIMMER | PETER HURLEY]
In the following hour plus long video given at the B&H Photo headquarters, Peter entertains and enlightens us about capturing successful headshots and how to light them properly. He talks about his philosophy when taking portraits/headshots as well as his techniques on how he directs, as well as his purpose as a photographer. You’ll also watch as Peter pulls someone from the audience and photographs them. It’s an entertaining hour well spent with a good amount of information to glean from the Headshot Master himself.
If you don’t have an hour to spare, B&H also provided a highlight reel that is a mere 17 minutes long, also found below.
The Headshot: A Discussion with Peter Hurley: Full Length
The Headshot: A Discussion with Peter Hurley: Highlight
To learn more about Peter’s book, check it out here: The Headshot: The Secrets to Creating Amazing Headshot Portraits (Voices That Matter)
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