The Headshot Crash Course

One day with Peter Hurley. The fundamentals that built his career.

Peter Hurley didn't become the world's most recognized name in headshot photography by knowing more about lighting than everyone else. He got there by figuring out what actually happens between a photographer and a subject in the seconds before the shutter clicks and built a repeatable system around it.

A system like this could take years to piece together on your own. This course compresses it into one day.

The Headshot Crash Course is a distillation of what Peter teaches in his multi-day Headshot Intensive workshop and in his book: The Headshot. His workflow, the lighting setups, the posing mechanics, the directing language all condensed into a single, fast-moving session built for photographers who are ready to take their headshot photography to the next level. No matter if you are an amateur just getting started in photographing people or a full-time pro getting the job done, this course is for you. No prior headshot experience required.

What You'll Learn:

• Lighting that flatters: Peter's go-to lighting setups for headshots, why they work, and how to replicate them without a room full of gear
• The mechanics of a great headshot: jaw position, shoulder angle, the "squinch," and the other small physical adjustments that separate an amateur shot from a professional one
• How to direct a subject in real time: the verbal cues and coaching language Peter uses to move someone from stiff to natural in seconds
• Reading and adapting to your subject: how to adjust your approach on the fly for the nervous first-timer versus the seasoned executive
• Post and retouch philosophy: what Peter looks for when culling a session, and how to retouch without losing the person underneath

How the Day Runs

Morning: Slideshow demonstrating the foundations of Peter’s lighting setups and camera fundamentals

Midday: Where the fun begins as Peter works with real subjects in front of the group, narrating his thought process shot by shot

Afternoon: Hands-On Practice using multiple setups during a LIVE shooting experience: Attendees shoot, applying what they've just learned as Peter coaches 

Close: Putting the finishing touches on your product. Each student will pick their favorite shot of the day to prepare it for their portfolio as Peter demonstrates how images leave his studio after putting on what he calls his “Secret Sauce” 

One day in. A career's worth of headshot fundamentals out.