Portfolio Photography Sessions
Professional portfolio photography for performers, actors, dancers, models and anyone looking to create or update a professional profile.
A strong portfolio should do more than provide a good headshot. It should show who you are, what you look like, and the different sides of your personality and performance style. The aim is to create a collection of images that can be used across casting profiles, auditions, agents, websites, social media, publicity and personal promotion.
Planned around you
Every portfolio session starts with a pre-shoot consultation. This gives us the opportunity to discuss what you need from the shoot, where the images will be used, the different looks you want to create and anything specific you want the photographs to communicate.
This preparation is an important part of the process. It means you arrive knowing what to bring and what we are aiming to achieve, rather than trying to decide everything on the day.
We can plan clothing changes, different hairstyles or styling, backgrounds, lighting styles and the variety of images needed. For example, changing from hair up to hair down can create a noticeably different look without needing an entirely different outfit.
The result is a more relaxed and efficient shoot, with plenty of variety while still producing a coherent portfolio.
The clean casting image
One important part of a portfolio is a simple, natural image where the focus is entirely on the performer.
A clean background and straightforward lighting allow a casting professional or agent to clearly see the person’s face and features without a distracting setting or overly elaborate styling.
This provides a neutral starting point — an image that allows casting professionals to see the performer clearly and imagine them in different characters and roles.
But a portfolio doesn’t need to stop there.
Showing personality
Alongside the clean, straightforward images, we can create photographs with more character, mood and atmosphere.
Different backgrounds, lighting, expressions, poses, compositions, clothing and styling can reveal another side of the performer and create images that feel more distinctive.
These photographs can be particularly useful for websites, social media, publicity, programmes, promotional material and personal profiles, as well as simply giving you a stronger collection of images to choose from.
Individual or small-group sessions
Portfolio sessions can be arranged individually or in small groups.
I regularly work with junior performers and young people who are building their first professional portfolio, as well as established actors, dancers, singers, models and other performers who want to refresh their existing images.
Small-group sessions can be a great way for young performers to work together while still receiving their own individual collection of photographs. Individual sessions allow more time to explore a wider range of looks and creative ideas.
A portfolio with variety
A session can include:
Headshots and clean casting images
Profile and promotional photographs
Different backgrounds, from plain to textured
A range of lighting styles
Different shot sizes and compositions
A variety of poses and expressions
Changes of clothing and styling
Different hair looks, such as hair up and hair down
More creative images showing personality, mood and character
Images suitable for agents, casting profiles, stage, screen, modelling and social media
The exact combination is planned around the individual and what they need from their portfolio.
Whether you are a young performer creating your first professional images, an established actor or dancer updating your profile, or simply looking for a fresh collection of photographs, the aim is to create images that are professional, versatile and genuinely useful.
Your portfolio should show both the performer casting professionals need to see — and the personality they want to remember.