Real people. Real Impact. Every Time.

I get it. Being photographed is way outside most people's comfort zone. For some, it's downright terrifying. Having photographed thousands of people over 12+ years, I have developed a system that just takes all that discomfort and uncertainty away. I give you all the tools you need - with simple, clear and constant direction - to get outstanding results.

You don't have to "be" confident or photogenic. I show you (very simply) exactly how to "do" all the qualities you want to portray for the camera, so the pressure is off.

How do you manage to make everyone look so authentic?

People ask me all the time "How do you manage to make everyone look so authentic?" and my answer is always the same... I can't make you anything. What I can do is to show you as many paths (or possibilities) as I can see. The reason that they seem authentic is because you choose which paths we follow... the ones that resonate with you the most. And as we explore and progress, I help you refine that vision by getting you into optimal positions, postures and frames of mind.

This is a Layering Process

We do not sit down and try to take a great photograph. That’s just completely unrealistic for most of us mere mortals. From the very first frame I take away the pressure of trying to get it right because it’s just not going to happen… until we establish a whole set of techniques, tricks, and camera ‘cheats’ that are totally unique to you.

I created my A.C.E. Framework which is designed to remove unrealistic expectations and allows us to approach the session in the spirit of playful exploration.

ANGLE - First we have to find the right posture, position and angles. I coach you through a range of motion where we find the most natural and flattering postures. This is where we start every single shot. The first part is entirely structural. We don’t even look at your face.
CONNECTION - I show you how to essentially reach through the camera so anyone viewing your photo feels a direct, personal connection. Now we start to only look at your face, but this part is all about your eyes.
EXPRESSION - This is where we create the meaning. At this point you know your best Angle, and you're Connecting through the lens like a seasoned pro. So then we layer in the meaning and intention on your face... Sometimes that's a big smile, but more often we find people prefer to create a more intriguing tone once you know how.

I gradually add more and more layers, giving you the tools to start creating meaning and relevance. And then as you start to get the hang of it, we stop being so rigid and literal. I start to create natural moments for you to move through, using all the layers we established in the beginning. It’s just incredible and it works every time.

The Secret Sauce - Full Transparency and Real Feedback

We see all the shots as they happen on the computer screen. There is no mystery. No guessing. No hoping. We won't be peeking at a tiny screen on the back of the camera, trying to 'see if it's working'. We just acknowledge from the very start that we are going to take hundreds of terrible photos (which will never see the light of day).

By regularly checking in on our progress we get real feedback which allows us to craft a more precise, honest and flattering result. Anything else is just guessing and that is no way to work.

This is about giving your audience the chance to Identify with you… Not merely recognise you.

I take a completely opposite approach to headshots than other photographers. I create the images from the point of view of your audience. After all, they are the end user. Not you. And their interpretation of what you show them is entirely outside your control.

So we frame an experience in which your audience become the co-creators of the encounter. Because ultimately, what we do as humans is interpret. So we give your audience a set of cues in which they are encouraged to engage and interpret.

A generic smile doesn't get you there. When you just “smile for the camera”, what does that really say? Does it say "happy"? Usually not - unless you're actually laughing. No, what it says is just that... "smiling".

According to the way our brains have developed, we have evolved to see a smile, recognise it as "safe" and quickly move on. And that is literally the opposite effect you're trying to have on your audience.

But when someone pauses, lingers for a fraction of a second more... Well, you've gotten their attention. And we all know attention is certainly the most valuable commodity of all. So I'm not saying you're not allowed to smile in your photos. There just has to be a whole lot more behind it. And that's what I help you find.