Portrait Photography
As the owner and principal photographer for Cynthia McIntyre Photography, I made the decision years ago to specialize in portrait photography for business men and women as well as actors. I selected to specialize so it allows me the opportunity to develop my skills in creating the best headshots for my clients.
Too often photographers try to be everything to everyone. They offer their services in photographing babies, weddings, social events, architecture, maternity, families, etc. etc. No one photographer can be good at everything. At best, they can do an acceptably average job for their clients. I have found that it takes years of practice and hundreds of clients to become a master at my craft. I can now create a great headshot of anyone, anytime!
Portrait Photography– lessons learned in become a GREAT headshot photographer
One of the first lessons I learned as I developed my skills was that I cannot use traditional portrait photography techniques. This revelation was one of the most important steps in my development as an artist. For some reason, it was quite difficult for me to break the “rules” of traditional portrait photography. I found that the traditional lighting did not make my clients look their best. Therefore, I began experimenting with ALL of the different portrait photography lighting patterns- Rembrandt, split, beauty, etc. I also tried an endless number of light modifiers to determine the best lighting for a business or acting headshots. Some made the lighting too harsh while others were simply impractical to use in any location but my main large studio. I also tried numerous types of lights: speedlights, hot lights, heavy lights, lightweight lights, etc. I then evaluated the current trends in posing for portrait photography and it’s relationship to a business headshot. I began to study the best way to pose a client for a headshot. I also examined the work of many photographers and artists. I also reviewed research done by various institutions on topics that were relevant to my topic.
Finally, after about 2 years of much trial and error I felt comfortable that I was 99% of the way to my goal in creating the best headshots! I will never be 100% there! I am always trying to further tweak the process, technique and equipment. However, I now believe that I am an expert at headshots and call my new role that of HEADSHOTOLOGIST.
If you would like to have your headshot created by a genuine professional, call me at 813-369-5545.
