I’m an award-winning photographer based just outside Montreal, Quebec. I specialize in professional corporate and actor’s headshots and portraits taken on location, and sometimes in a studio.
Whether I’m photographing celebrities, musicians, CEOs, actors or the girl who runs the local bagel store, I want to create emotionally and visually compelling headshots that are pretty different from the current trends. I believe the headshots I take have a unique ability to convey as much of the true essence of a person as a camera can capture in a headshot environment. That may sound cliche, but take a quick look online, and you’ll find this isn’t very common at all.
I almost always work on location, creating headshots in real-world environments, whether in your office, workplace, home or outdoor locations that fit with the image you’re hoping to convey. Very few of the photographs you see on this page were taken in a studio. Working on location allows me to create unique portraits every time.
It also means your headshot session will not interrupt your day any more than it has to.
Your headshot is a record of the real you at this moment in time. A single instant that is packed with purpose. This is the best possible opportunity for you to simply be YOU! Pick one thing you really want to emphasize in your headshot, and have that in your shot. That could mean professionalism, a friendly personality, a great actor, a cool musician, or something else entirely.
Everyone has their idea of what a headshot should look like, and they won’t hesitate to share it with you if you ask them. I aim to seize one aspect of you that is indisputable evidence of your individuality and convey it to the world.
The method that I use is not the norm. I like to concentrate on experimenting with light and shadow rather than simply creating a pretty photo. I want to collaborate with you in order to produce a series of pictures that compels the viewer to pay attention. Each shot is unique, and I’m proud of the fact that no client will ever have the same shot as the person who came before them or the one who will come after them.
A strong headshot has the potential to have a significant impact on your professional life. A professional headshot may help you stand out from the crowd and provide a positive first impression, regardless of whether you use it for your internet profile, business card, or acting portfolio. Below, I’ll cover all you need to know to capture the ideal headshot, from preparing for your session to selecting the finest photo that we took during our time together.
Before you even step in front of the camera, there are a few things you can do to ensure you’re ready for your headshot session. First, ensure you’re well-hydrated and moisturize your skin the night before. A good night’s sleep can also help you look your best. Next, consider the purpose of your headshot. Are you using it for a business profile? Acting portfolio? This will affect the clothing and expression you choose. Speaking of clothing, make sure to choose something that fits well, doesn’t have distracting patterns, and complements your skin tone. Solid colours tend to work best. Lastly, make sure to bring any necessary props or accessories, such as glasses or a hat.
The way you dress may have a significant impact on how your headshot turns out in general, both visually and emotionally. While deciding what to wear, you should keep the following considerations in mind:
Always choose solid colours rather than patterns while taking photos, as patterns may be quite distracting and take away from the image’s main subject.
Choose clothes that fit you perfectly. Check that your clothes are not excessively baggy or overly constricting and that they are comfortable to wear.
Try to steer clear of distracting jewellery. Make your jewellery understated and uncomplicated to avoid drawing attention away from the person in the photograph.
Think about your product or your mission. Choose outfits that are emblematic of your brand or that go with the objectives you want to accomplish with the headshot.
The lighting and backdrop of the photo may considerably influence your headshot’s overall tone and mood.
Natural light tends to be the most flattering, but if that’s not possible, I’ll use a softbox to provide a soft and even light source for your photograph.
I usually choose an unobtrusive and uninteresting background. A neutral background can help direct attention to your face rather than any distracting objects in the background.
You could first feel uncomfortable while posing for a headshot, but with a few pointers, you’ll be able to appear natural and at ease in front of the camera. The following are some factors that should be kept in mind:
You may appear more natural and less uptight in photographs by relaxing your facial and neck muscles.
Engage your eyes by looking directly into the lens of the camera while thinking about anything that brings a smile to your face or helps you unwind. I often take a few photos where people are not looking into the camera. This can help your headshot stand out from the crowd or convey a very different feel to the image.
You may create a more appealing and energetic appearance by angling your body ever so slightly.
Consider the sentiment you wish to convey: Consider the context and atmosphere of the photograph, then pick a facial expression that fits in with those elements.
When you get your headshot done, it is time to select the best photo. Take into consideration the following, among other things:
Look for a photograph that is both distinct and well-lit. Think about your mission and brand. Choose a picture that fits in with your brand or the function the headshot will serve. Choose a picture that shows you in a positive light and does justice to who you are. Be sure that you still look like you but appear like the best version of yourself.
As long as you plan ahead, know what emotion you’re hoping to convey with your photo and choose suitable clothing for the shoot, I’m confident you’ll end up with a headshot or set of headshots that you’ll love.
A link to view all the selected images via a private online gallery will be provided within two days of your session. You are welcome to share this link with your agent/management or friends and family in order to help you pick your shots. Please note that I only allow public use of the completed retouched images. Additional retouched images can be purchased at a cost of $30 each or 3 for $80.
A 50% deposit is required to secure a session; this is refundable/transferable if you cancel/reschedule with at least 48 hours’ notice. You are also welcome to pay the total amount if it is more convenient (e.g., if you are buying it as a gift). The balance can be paid in advance or on the day by cash, Interac, or Paypal. I only accept bookings up to 2 months in advance.
Travel more than 100 km from Montreal or St-Lazare will incur additional fees.
Steve is truly professional in his work but also friendly and relaxed. And what a set of photos, they are all that we hoped for. He is a talented and highly skilled photographer and I would recommend him to anybody!
Sarah
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