By Tata Rossi 23 days ago, Professional photography
Looking for some dose of inspiration and famous headshot photographers to improve your headshots? You are lucky to find this article. Here I have compiled information about the most remarkable and famous headshot photographers to motivate you to create something extraordinary.
I have created a list of 30 best headshot photographers, who are known for their dedication, professionalism and unique approach to the art. Examine the photos of these outstanding masters, learn the stories of their success and take something away from their artistic style.
Location: USA
Bradford has been working in the photography industry for more than 20 years. He is known as a talented photographer and skillful make-up artist.
In his work, he mainly focuses on beauty, commercial-aspect and fashion. Bradford’s photographs were featured in magazines like Allure, Life & Style, OUT and InStyle.
Such networks as Lifetime, ABC Family, Bravo and Style have used Rogne’s works for commercial purposes.
Location: USA
Dino Mosley is a Los Angeles-based photographer, who can be proud of his professional portfolio. He is engaged in fashion portraiture, modeling portfolios and headshot photography.
Dino Mosley works in his own studio in Los Angeles. He says that the main goal of a professional shooter in LA is to help a model get the look that will fit any situation.
Location: UK
Rory Lewis dedicated over a decade of his life to shooting celebrity portraits. Inspired by paintings and famous artists, like Caravaggio, his headshots are ethereal and thought-provoking. The use of artificial lighting and composition makes them look like real paintings. Some of the celebrities he took pictures of are William Shatner, Sir John Major, and others.
His most iconic headshots have even been purchased by the National Portrait Gallery in London. He rejects all of the artificial norms of portraiture and replaces them with an authentic feel in his imagery.
Location: USA
David Noles has his own unique style. The majority of his works really look like magazine covers. He tries to make his models appear as natural as possible in the photos. Noles often uses backgrounds that match the color of model’s hair and clothing.
Being in love with New York, David Noles moved there from Los Angeles. Currently, he works in his own studio in NYC and has a busy schedule.
Location: USA
Apart from taking headshots, Jessica Osber is an actor, director and dreamer. She has been working in the photography sphere professionally for 8 years. Using her directorial vision, Jessica tries to compose each frame in a flattering and creative way. She worked as an assistant with a top headshot photographer Peter Hurley.
Being inspired by this collaboration, Osber decided to open her own studio in 2015. Jessica Osber worked with Merrill Lynch, New York Times, Black Rock, Huffington Post, the National America Opera Center, USB Memory Direct and Paramount Pictures.
Location: USA
Michael Levy is an American headshot photographer, who was born on Valentine’s Day in 1983. He started his artistic path in 2014 organizing headshot photo sessions. By the way, his wife was one of his models. In his work, Michael Levy tries to create a special story to get interesting and vibrant results. He doesn't look for any special model, pose or expression in his work.
Among his clients, there are those, who have appeared on Broadway, Off-Broadway and TV-shows such as Castle Rock HBO's "Girls", White Collar, Limitless, Gossip Girl Netflix's Orange Is the New Black, etc.
Location: USA
Alan Weissman devoted 30 years of his life to headshots. His works were featured on CNN, ABC News and other media. Also, Weissman took celebrity acting headshots for HBO, FOX and American Movie Classics. Cameron Diaz, Angelina Jolie and Jack Lemmon are just a few of numerous starts Weissman has collaborated with.
Alan’s spectacular photos are exhibited at the Bergemont Station in LA, NYC Hilton, Boston’s Polaroid Museum, Brooklyn Museum and ABC studios.
Location: Los Angeles
Claudia Hoag takes headshots of people involved in the educational, acting, and corporate fields. She lets her clients choose between doing the headshots on location, at her studio in West LA, or an outdoor area of their choosing. Her portfolio includes photos of writers, artists, graduate students of all fields, as well as of businesspeople, experienced advisors, financial directors, wealth strategists, and many others.
The biggest talent of this photographer is her ability to help people feel relaxed and natural during the photoshoot. Claudia Hoag expands the capabilities of the people on the other side of the camera to ensure they look like true masters of their craft in the final photos. After the photoshoot, you can handpick the best shots and the photographer will edit them for you.
Location: USA
Having won numerous awards, including Emmy, Geoffrey Donne is considered to be one of the most demanded cinematographers and top headshot photographers. Geoffrey created a unique approach working both behind and in front of the camera.
He uses his cinematographic, directorial and acting experience to create a vibrant and artistic atmosphere that enables his clients to show off their best side.
Location: Sonoma, California
Jason captures headshots for people of all ages with the primary goal of creating images that are timeless. He strives to take headshots that will hold up over time. He achieves this by sticking to the techniques created by classical painters and contemporary film.
He takes pro headshots for people in the corporate world and he also captures personal branding headshots. They are aimed at small business owners. Jason helps masterfully convey subtle confidence and approachability with a profile photo that showcases you at your best.
He claims, that there 5 fundamental aspects every great headshot posseses. Lighting, location, composition, camera settings and facial expression. His task is to help his clients execute all five of these aspects to create compelling headshots.
Location: USA
Before he became a photographer, Jordan Matter was a promising basketballer. But when your grandmother and mother are involved in a photography business, you can’t stand aside. One day Jordan examined headshots taken by his friend and found them rather ordinal and boring. So, he decided to take his camera and take a couple of shots.
They were brilliant. Apart from being profiled on TV, Jordan Matter’s works were featured in numerous magazines and galleries all over the globe.
Location: USA
Lindsay has been included in the list of the top 10 photographers worldwide. Her chick style is very distinct. Lindsay is also known for working closely with both designers and stylists to create memorable looks for her headshots.
Her work has graced the pages of the most popular fashion magazines, like Harper's Bazaar, L'Officiel, and more. More than that, she’s also a sought-after photographic educator, teaching headshot photography all over the world.
Location: USA
Barry Morgenstein’s portfolio features numerous representatives of the modern era of pop-culture. Oliver North, Donald Trump, Meryl Streep and Steven Tyler are only several famous people he managed to photograph. Whether Morgenstein invites a beginning actor or megastar to his photo session, he professionally interacts with his clients producing the best possible results.
Barry Morgenstein has a clear vision of how to set the scene and show the model in the best light. By the way, the artist has his own studios in NYC.
Location: USA
Cathryn Farnsworth is a top actor headshot photographer from Los Angeles. She is passionate about working with people and producing emotionally attractive images. Farnsworth became a winner of “Favorite Headshot Photographer in Los Angeles”. Her pragmatic and earnest shooting style turns her photoshoots into an amusing adventure for both actors and models.
Cathryn Farnsworth knows how to make her clients feel relaxed, enabling them to demonstrate their energy and triggering a host of contradictory emotions during the photo sessions.
Location: Toronto, Canada
Calvin Thomas entered the world of professional photography at the age of 15 and was taking his first headshots even sooner when he was only 11. Thomas is known for his natural, contemporary, refined photos that he takes for actors, entrepreneurs, and corporate employees.
Being one of the best headshot photographers around, Calvin strives to convey the personality of all his models and highlight their true essence rather than provide a glamorized, overly edited version that barely resembles the actual person.
He believes that the secret to a memorable headshot is capturing the spirit, character, and individuality of the client. Thomas allows his models to pick from a broad range of photography styles, poses, and facial expressions, providing them an entire package of different headshots after the photoshoot.
Location: UK
Nick James takes actor headshots. He enrolled in art college, but after two years of study, he decided to get into GSA. After graduation, James took up acting, art and photography.
Nick James felt it was acting and art that helped him achieve success in headshot photography. During the last 13 years, he confirmed his professionalism by getting numerous recommendations from the best agents in London.
Location: USA
Joey is not only a respected headshot photographer but also a director based in New York. Over the years, he has photographed many celebrities, including Hollywood actors and actresses, like Robert De Niro, and Jessica Chastain to name a few.
His work can often be seen in mass media. Joey’s work has been consistently in demand since he was 18. That’s why he has been listed as one of the “Most Influential Photographers on Social Media” and named one of the “30 Photographers under 30 to Watch”.
Location: UK
Kirill Kozlov is a leading UK headshot photographer with vast experience of more than 20 years. His specialty is Director of Photography, so he knows everything about framing and lighting.
These skills help him take remarkable headshots. Kirill Kozlov collaborated with the Artists Partnership, Curtis Brown, the Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts, the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and others. He works in his own studio in East London.
Location: UK
John Clark started as a freelance photographer in the beauty industry, and now he is the most well-known theatrical headshot photographer in London. He has been photographing actors for 2 decades.
What makes his headshots stand out is his natural style. The reason why he’s so popular in this niche is that the photos he creates are not only liked by actors and their agencies, but they also get them into castings.
Location: UK
Several years ago, working with a casting director on a feature film, Henry Harrison was amazed at how much an actor’s career depends on the headshot portfolio.
It was obvious that the most important factor in this assessment was the quality of actor headshots. Those people, who worked with Henry Harrison say that he is a true professional, who organizes the working process in an effective and creative way.
Location: USA
Michael Roud is a top LA headshot photographer. What makes him a sought-after photographer in Hollywood is his professional approach and attention to detail.
He specializes in many types of headshots: actor and model headshots, business headshots, lifestyle headshots. He has his production team and is known for capturing Hollywood's greatest up-and-coming talents. When he is not behind the camera, he is busy teaching his craft at universities across the country.
Location: UK
Amelia Shepherd works as an independent photographer. She specializes in portraiture, headshot, interior, documentary, travel and staging photography.
Her works were featured in various magazines and even on the BBC News. Also, Amelia Shepherd participates in different exhibitions. Her project Peacehaven in III Parts was chosen for Photoworks’ Magazine Showcase. Moreover, Amelia Shepherd received financial support from Arts Council England to develop her projects.
Location: UK
Alan Howard made his name in the film industry. Nevertheless, he has been working as a professional photographer for over 2 last decades.
In his work, Alan uses natural light, interesting locations as well as a cinematic grade for high-quality TV/movie production. Although Alan Howard has been doing headshot photography for only 6 years, he achieved great success in this sphere.
Location: UK
Michael Wharley is a talented London-based photographer. He specializes in shooting professional headshots for actors as well as movie and theatre posters. Michael Wharley is proud to be a fellow of the British Institute of Professional Photography and APHP Chairman.
Also, he is a fan of Liverpool FC and a coffee and outdoor swimming lover. In 2010, Michael started developing his photography business. He understands how complicated it is to take a perfect headshot.
That is why he found a perfect recipe for his work which is a combination of subtle lighting, photography and direction.
Location: Singapore
Paul Smith is an award-winning photographer, who lives and works in London. His work is mainly focused on portrait and headshot photography.
Among Paul Smith's clients, there are actors, business owners, TV companies such as BBC and ITV, publicity companies, publishing houses and theatre schools. Also, Paul Smith owns a photo studio in Kennington.
Location: UK
Vincenzo is a top headshot photographer with an amazing portfolio which includes photos of Jessie Buckley, Hayley Atwell, Paul Nicholas and more. As a photo retoucher, he says that images should be enhanced in a professional way with the natural look preserved.
Vincenzo believes that actors should look in their headshot exactly as they look in real life. He owns a studio in London.
Location: Germany
Peter Lindbergh was a truly iconic fashion photographer, with a unique visual style. He is known for his numerous photoshoots with renowned female models.
Lindberg liked to emphasize contrast and had a minimalistic approach to his shots. He also preferred black and white headshots to color photography. Women in his shots are always portrayed confidently, combining masculine and feminine characteristics.
Location: UK
Jon Holloway is an experienced photographer, who has been working for more than 15 years in the industry. Apart from doing commercial photography, he works on different art projects.
Jon Holloway collaborates with famous personalities and brands, which helps him to grow his business. He has a photo studio in East London with a unique design that suits his professional requirements.
When Jon Holloway has free time, he prefers to spend it in the family circle.
Location: UK + Italy
Tom Parsons grew up in the UK. Before discovering an interest in headshot photography, his career path took other directions. He photographed for TV, magazines, did fashion and corporate photography.
Tom Parsons worked with many musicians, models, chefs, and even royalty. Being one of the most famous headshot photographers in the UK, Tom tries to deliver the best possible results to his clients.
He takes spectacular photographs both in natural or studio light. Aside from portrait and headshot photography, Tom Parsons has a lot of food, interior, architecture, landscape and corporate pictures in his portfolio.
Location: Toronto, Canada
David Chang is a professional portrait photographer from Toronto. He is a fantastic artist who pays great attention to color, lighting and composition, bringing the individuality of each person to life.
David Chang specializes in business, LinkedIn, and corporate portraits. He has collaborated with well-known brands. For example, David Chang photographed about 250 Mercedes-Benz employees in Canada. Besides offering his photography services, David maintains a blog where he explains all aspects of portrait photography, common mistakes, model behavior, how to correctly set the light, and more.
Location: Annandale NSW, Australia
Hero Shot Photography is the top-rated corporate headshot photographer in Sydney and one of Australia's leading photographers. The founder of the company; Sammer Affridi, has been taking professional headshots for individuals and businesses for more than ten years. Hero Shot's commitment to flattering lighting and bringing a human connection to all of their work has seen them as one of the highest-rated photography studios in Australia. Based in Sydney they also have offices in Melbourne and Brisbane.
Hero Shot Photography also provides stock imagery and video for websites, marketing and PR purposes, in addition to a full array of branding photography services at their studio or on location.
Location: Australia
Sally Flegg is one of the best headshot photographers in Sydney. She collaborated with many Australian stage and screen actors. Sally is a very open-hearted person, who tries to create a relaxed atmosphere during the shooting.
Taking a good headshot is a really complex task, but she copes with it perfectly. Sally Flegg has her own studio in Sydney, where she works with her clients.
Location: Poland
Sebastian Szulfer is a Poland-based photographer, who specializes in event photography as well as in corporate portrait and headshot genres.
Being a destination photographer, he often works in such cities as Barcelona, Berlin, and Warsaw. Sebastian Szulfer speaks English, Spanish and Polish, which greatly helps him in his work. He works only with first-class equipment and has an individual approach to each client.
Location: Greece
Dimitris Vlaikos is a well-known Greek portrait and headshot photographer, who works and lives in Athens. He takes top-notch photos and works with companies, publishers, advertisers and megastars from around the globe.
In 2011, he presented his projects in Aegina Folklore Museum. In 2012, he was nominated by the British Professional Photographer Magazine as a photographer of a year.
Wondering why the works of these top headshot photographers are so successful? Apart from good lighting, properly chosen composition and high-quality camera gear, they perform excellent image editing. Check out these free photo editing tools to make your headshots look professional.
If you want to facilitate your image editing workflow and enhance your photos, this freebie is just what you need. It is perfect for headshot photos as it improves skin tones, make them smoother with natural look preserved.
What can be better than a luminescent smile in the photo? To achieve this effect, just download this teeth whitening brush and make your smile shine in several clicks.
B&W headshot photographs aren't inferior to color ones. This filter will give your photos soft black and white effect and a special atmosphere.
If a model’s eyes appeared dark in the shot, you can fix this by applying this filter to your photo.
You can improve your headshot pictures by using this chocolate filter. It enhances skin tone giving it sun-tanned and even bronzed look.
