I am David Woodcock a professional Norwich head shot photographer operating in Norfolk and North Suffolk. A head shot is typically from the shoulders upwards, focusing on a person’s face.
You will often find head shots / promotional portraits in the “about me” or “about us” pages of a website. They also appear on social media, on online dating profiles and in actor / model portfolios.
If you are in business you definitely need an excellent portrait image. There are several reasons for this.
Personal branding with some excellent head shots will make you stand out from the crowd. You need to demonstrate something unique that highlights your personality in todays competitive job market.
If you are in business, before your customers makes a purchase they are very likely to try and find out more about you from your website and social media profiles. People normally buy from people they like and trust. So if you use a sharp, well composed image and look approachable, your chances of getting customers are greatly increased.
If you are an actor or actress your portrait image is often the first thing employers, casting directors or agents see. It is consequently, very likely, to make a huge difference between you getting work or not. You therefore need to make a first and lasting impression.
1. Head Shots For Whatever Your Needs
Are you an aspiring model, actor or actress who needs to start or to add to your portfolio? Are you a writer, poet, dancer, TV presenter, entertainer, Member of Parliament, Board Member, Trustee, Councillor, entrepreneur or a business professional who needs some superb images? Do you require photos for your online dating or social media profiles?
Whatever your needs I can help you stand out from the crowd. Furthermore I have developed a range of techniques to provide you high quality images, using simple lighting, at an affordable price.
I will provide you with engaging, expressive images at an affordable price. They will consequently make you look confident and approachable
During your photo session I’ll take time to get to know you and ensure that you get the type of images required for your intended purpose.
Many people are nervous about having their photo taken. If you one of them don’t worry because this is normal. I will talk to you and make you feel at ease. After about 10 minutes into the shoot you will relax and then we start getting some great images. Your photos will also show your character and personality like in the image below.
For business images see my 9 tips on how to get the best out of your photo shoot.
2. Locations
A studio with large lights can be very intimidating. I therefore specialise in outdoor, natural light photography. However with a white backdrop and fill in flash I can also provide you with a studio look whilst being outside. Being outdoors is very relaxing and and this will consequently help to improve how you look in your final images.
Photographing outdoors also enables me to create pleasing bokeh effects. This is where the background is deliberately blurred with out of focus points of light. This effect will greatly enhance your images and furthermore make them stand out from the crowd. A photo shoot on the beach is a great place to achieve this. I therefore highly recommend using Happisburgh beach.
A head shot of a model with a bokeh background
Green spaces with trees are also great places to create bokeh. Consequently I have several locations to use that are close to where I live.
3. Head Shot Advice
You need to determine the intended purposes for your photo shoot. This will therefore enable you to decide whether you need images in different styles. It is quite common for clients to require both a mixture of professional business type and casual images. Remember that the way you dress conveys much information about you and your personality to your audience. Your choice of clothes is therefore an important consideration.
Wear multiple outfits and avoid anything too casual. It is therefore advisable to bring a variety of clothing options with you to your photo shoot. This enables me to provide you with a variety of images and to match and contrast the colour of your clothes with your background.
White and bright coloured plain tops with different necklines work well for a professional look. If you are blonde with fair skin, a white top can make you looked washed out. However, good make up on your eyes and lips, using bold colours can overcome this. If you look through my portfolio you will see many excellent head shots with people in white tops.
Also avoid complicated patterned tops and tops with prominent logos or writing. You mainly need your looks and personality to shine through on an image, not your clothes. However, wear clean, ironed tops in good condition, that fit well, if you want to look sharp. If you look good you will feel good.
Immaculate hair and good make up also helps to improve your images.
4. Actors Head Shots
Actors images need to show a person as they currently appear. Consequently, if you have changed your appearance like in the image below you need to have some new images.
A good tip for actors, before your photo shoot, is to ask your agent for advice on clothes, makeup, hair, poses and photo selection.
A change of expression and clothes also helps to create different looks for different roles.
5. American Style Head Shots
Sometimes portraits work better when composed in an American style landscape format. Also this format is better for website use when your requirement is to fill the width of the page. I often shoot in both landscape and portrait formats.
6. Black and White Images
In the modelling and acting professions black and white images in portfolios are commonplace. They also look timeless in black and white. Texture is very important in this form of photography.
7. Testimonial
“I have worked with David on numerous occasions. His work is fantastic and working with him is even better. This is important. If you are not working with someone who makes you comfortable, you aren’t going to be relaxed enough to get the perfect shots you need. I recommend David highly. He is kind, approachable and most importantly, he knows his stuff. He offers a range of packages so whether you’re starting fresh, updating, or just looking for one specific photo, he can build something around your needs to get you what you want. Natalie Lauren (Actor)
8. Norfolk and Norwich Head Shot Photographer – Video Slideshow
To find out more about my service please view the short video slideshow below.
9. Head Shots – Prices
Ideal for those wanting formal business website images, portfolio updates or social media profile images, my prices are:-
- Bronze Package – £40 for a 20 minute photo shoot just north of Norwich. You have the choice of plain white, black, garden and building backdrops. You can have 1 change of clothes. With this package you get 3 processed, colour, digital images;
- Silver Package – £50 for a 30 minute photo shoot just north of Norwich. You have the choice of plain white, black, garden and building backdrops. You can have up to 3 changes of clothes. With this package you get 5 processed, colour, digital images;
- Gold Package – £80 for a 60 minute photo shoot just north of Norwich. You have the choice of plain white, black, garden, building and green space backdrops. You can have up to 6 changes of clothes. With this package you get 10 processed, colour, digital images. The price of additional images is £5 each.
The price for longer photo shoots, groups of staff or at any other location in Norfolk or North Suffolk is also available on request.
10. Included in the price
My prices above also include the editing, processing and delivery of your images.
You will receive two sets of images, one set in high resolution suitable for printing and another set in low resolution suitable for website and social media use.
11. The processing of your head shot images
Depending on your choice, editing can include the whitening of your eyes and teeth, enhancing the colour of your eye pupils, brightening your lips, removing skin blemishes and the subtle smoothing of your skin. You will however look natural.
Head Shot Photographer in Norfolk and Norwich
I am ceasing this service on the 6th June 2024 to concentrate on photographing and selling landscape wall art. So please contact me and take full advantage of getting your new head shots before then.
Tel: 01603 402015
To email: Click contact on the top menu bar.
Images © Norfolk and Norwich Head Shot Photographer: David Woodcock