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Headshot, The: The Secrets to Creating Amazing Headshot Portraits
Peter Hurley is well known among headshot and portrait photographers as a passionate photographer and teacher. His business has grown by leaps and bounds over the past few years, and he is a go-to resource as both a photographer and an educator. He teaches his own workshops, and is a regular instructor at conferences such as Photo Plus, WPPI, and Photoshop World.
In The Headshot: The Secrets to Creating Amazing Headshot Portraits, Hurley shares everything the reader needs to know in order to get great images of their subjects–whether it's on assignment, a personal project, or simply shots of family and friends. Starting with his trademark "recipe"–"white background, flat light, chopped-off heads"–in over a dozen chapters he covers the following: the technical aspects of the shot, including lighting, composition, and camera setup; establishing a rapport with your subject, as well as provoking thought in order to drive expression; and how to direct the subject, including detailed discussions of how to influence the jaw, the smile, the eyes, and the eyebrows. With The Headshot, readers will be equipped to dramatically improve their headshot photographs–from lighting to composition to directing the best expression from their subjects.
In The Headshot: The Secrets to Creating Amazing Headshot Portraits, Hurley shares everything the reader needs to know in order to get great images of their subjects–whether it's on assignment, a personal project, or simply shots of family and friends. Starting with his trademark "recipe"–"white background, flat light, chopped-off heads"–in over a dozen chapters he covers the following: the technical aspects of the shot, including lighting, composition, and camera setup; establishing a rapport with your subject, as well as provoking thought in order to drive expression; and how to direct the subject, including detailed discussions of how to influence the jaw, the smile, the eyes, and the eyebrows. With The Headshot, readers will be equipped to dramatically improve their headshot photographs–from lighting to composition to directing the best expression from their subjects.
- GenresPhotographyNonfiction
241 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 15, 2014
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151 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
September 30, 2019
Roughly half of The Headshot is about producing good headshots; the other half is about being Peter Hurley. His hyperactive, grandiose, self-promoting showoff personality is on prominent display throughout. So is more than a touch of defensiveness, as he talks about how some subjects and agents have expressed a dislike for his style but he's an artist and that's just how he does it, man. What he calls "Sherlock Holmesing" bears a troublesome resemblance to what pickup artists call "negging," and there's a distasteful incident in which he expresses a desire to smash an insecure subject's boyfriend's face into a C-stand. (This book's release date was pushed back twice—seven months altogether. It makes me wonder what shape it was in at press time. Did it contain an even higher Hurley-to-technique ratio than it does now?) He goes off on so many personal digressions that I often needed to refer back to the chapter subheadings to remind myself what information I was supposed to be receiving.
The upshot is that this book is intermittently informative but not well-written. If you take all the tips in this book at face value, all you're going to learn is how to shoot like Peter Hurley, and Peter Hurley is probably better at being Peter Hurley than you are. The challenge is to pick your way through all the puffery to find the actual useful information, of which there's a good amount; practice with it for a while; decide how much of it suits your own visual style and way of working and how much doesn't; and disregard the rest. Only about 30 to 50 percent of the content is genuinely useful.
That being said, having practiced shooting headshots since buying this book, I'm certainly appreciative of some of the details that are buried in Hurley's rambling, which I didn't think about until the issues came up—things like checking hair with each shot, and how to get through to "avoiders," "diminishers" and "posers." I do find myself wishing, however, that he'd given more attention to shooting subjects with eyeglasses: he talks about how to avoid glare but neglects to discuss lens distortion.
One other way this book is useful: the sheer number of examples. Hurley never talks about it at all, but by systematically going through every headshot in the book, categorizing each one by mood, and noting the positions of the subject's chin and collarbone, I was able to create a posing guide for myself, which improved my workflow dramatically by keeping me from wasting time on poses that aren't going to work.
The upshot is that this book is intermittently informative but not well-written. If you take all the tips in this book at face value, all you're going to learn is how to shoot like Peter Hurley, and Peter Hurley is probably better at being Peter Hurley than you are. The challenge is to pick your way through all the puffery to find the actual useful information, of which there's a good amount; practice with it for a while; decide how much of it suits your own visual style and way of working and how much doesn't; and disregard the rest. Only about 30 to 50 percent of the content is genuinely useful.
That being said, having practiced shooting headshots since buying this book, I'm certainly appreciative of some of the details that are buried in Hurley's rambling, which I didn't think about until the issues came up—things like checking hair with each shot, and how to get through to "avoiders," "diminishers" and "posers." I do find myself wishing, however, that he'd given more attention to shooting subjects with eyeglasses: he talks about how to avoid glare but neglects to discuss lens distortion.
One other way this book is useful: the sheer number of examples. Hurley never talks about it at all, but by systematically going through every headshot in the book, categorizing each one by mood, and noting the positions of the subject's chin and collarbone, I was able to create a posing guide for myself, which improved my workflow dramatically by keeping me from wasting time on poses that aren't going to work.
May 19, 2021
I didn't finish this book. Because I lost it. I lost it because I chunked it. I chunked it because I swore if he went on another irrelevant self aggrandizing narrative I would and the very next page he did so I did. So please take this review for only half of the book. For all I know in the latter half he became that guy from the YouTube vids that truly wanted to help others improve their photography. The first half of the book didn't reflect (photo pun) this desire. I get it. You're talented and crazy hot. Peter Hurley takes incredible headshots. Seriously. Getting him to help you improve seems to be outside his realm of expertise. I hate to leave a book half read but all thoughts of replacing it died when I saw the hardcover for $1000 on Amazon and that doesn't include shipping.
March 4, 2024
If you are looking for a quick way to learn Peter Hyrley's technique, I recommend watching one of his courses. Here Peter delves quite deeply into his personal history: how he got into photography, how he discovered his style, and his personal stories with friends. If you have already seen his courses, this book is quite complementary, especially the last chapters.
February 16, 2016
I am so surprised at the high ratings on this book because I am so disappointed with it. The sample portraits are 90% young, thin, good looking people. There is a smattering of middle-aged men, and significantly less middle-aged women. I don't think anyone in the pictures had a double chin. So give me those clients, and I can rock the headshot too. However, I was hoping to see life in the real world headshots and how to accommodated for some of the things clearly not addressed in this book.
The other things that bugged me were the self bragging and the sales pitches for his brand of gear. Don't waste your money. Fortunately I borrowed my copy from the library and back it goes.
The second star is only because he does tell you how he sets up to take lovely portraits of lovely people.
The other things that bugged me were the self bragging and the sales pitches for his brand of gear. Don't waste your money. Fortunately I borrowed my copy from the library and back it goes.
The second star is only because he does tell you how he sets up to take lovely portraits of lovely people.
April 4, 2020
Much of the information was a review for me as I have watched many youtube videos where Peter talks about many of the same topics or webinars. I did manage to pick up a few tricks and tips here and there. It was a bit difficult getting through the book at times since I imagine my way of doing things is different than Peter's and that should be understood by anyone reading this book. This is the way Hurley has found success and that will not be the case for everyone. At times he comes across as arrogant and that can be a real turn off. All in all, approach everything he says with a grain of salt and find what works best for your sessions.
July 22, 2020
Peter Hurley is a very successful headshot photographer. He does one thing, one way, and is very good at it. He teaches workshops and has plenty of training videos. This book covers all the basics. And, you don't have to hear him shout SHA-BANG all the time (which gets tiresome). This is a particularly good book if you are shooting good-looking people. Because that's all he shoots. You won't find any examples of how to take a great image of someone who may not be particularly photogenic. But if you read his book with the understanding that his is not the only way to shoot, and skip past the self-congratulatory passages, there are a number of good tips here.
January 6, 2019
If you're into headshots, this book is must read. But, I don't think it gives Peter's method justice. Getting active and engaged headshots is all about the schtik--the in the moment work to get the reaction from the model. To really get Peter's method, you have to watch him work. Read this book and decide if this style is for you. If so, go to fstoppers and buy Peter's videos. You'll see him use the method in actual shoots and you'll see how to put this method into practice.
August 22, 2022
Many great tips about connecting with people and getting reactions in front of your camera. However, not much to learn regarding posing itself. There were images showing good and bad crops, a person's good and bad side, but nothing in-depth showed good and bad tweaks for positioning the body or face. I wish there was more teaching us multiple positions to easily provide a variety of options for our clients.
March 16, 2025
I tend to stay away from books written by well known “gurus” in a particular field, but from time to time I pick one up to see maybe I am too judgemental. And this one pleasantly surprised me. I think every portrait photographer should pick it up, not just the ones doing headshots. You might not agree with his lighting or the particular look of his photos, but he does know a thing or two on how to interact with people so I think it’s worth reading just for the psychology bit alone.
January 6, 2018
It is what it says it is
This is the most comprehensive yet easy to grasp book on the subject available. It inspires me to do more and aim higher in my photography and gives me gumption in taking pictures of people - not just headshots.
This is the most comprehensive yet easy to grasp book on the subject available. It inspires me to do more and aim higher in my photography and gives me gumption in taking pictures of people - not just headshots.
March 28, 2019
Wow!
So much information, but what a basis for getting your headshot game on. I can't wait to start putting what I've learned into place! Guess I need to save up for the Intensive workshop! Now if only Peter Hurley would bring it to central Florida.
So much information, but what a basis for getting your headshot game on. I can't wait to start putting what I've learned into place! Guess I need to save up for the Intensive workshop! Now if only Peter Hurley would bring it to central Florida.
January 29, 2019
This was a really fun book to read. While I don’t do headshots often there are plenty of little nuggets to take away here. Everything is done with humor and compassion. It’s time well spent. Read it.
March 6, 2019
I hope to use these techniques to improve my photos. Easy to read and plenty of examples. We shall see...
November 19, 2021
The most valuable aspect of this book is understanding the dynamic relationship between photographer and model from someone who has had a career on both sides of the camera.
January 9, 2022
WOW I learned so much from this book! This would definitely be a helpful read for anyone who photographs people, not only headshot photographers.
November 15, 2020
This was the absolute most thorough, detailed and beautifully photographed book on headshots that I've read. Worth every penny! ...Provided you want to emulate Peter Hurley's style of shooting precisely. You could, in theory, read this book, put the lessons into practice and have a headshot business. (Although, come to think of it, he doesn't talk at all about the business side of headshots whatsoever.)
The reason I didn't give his book 5 stars was for one big SHA-BANG of a reason: it was poorly written. All he needed to do was hire an editor who wasn't afraid of him. It's a terrible shame, actually.
If you know Peter Hurley or have heard him speak, it'd be a good bet that he dictated the entire book. It sounds like him, to a tee. Usually that's a good thing - most writers dream of this as the highest compliment they could receive about their writing. In this case it's NOT a good thing. It made the text run on and on and on... paragraphs never ended... and the content was sometimes downright difficult to follow. There was an entire section ("hold the sub") that I had to Google because I simply couldn't understand what on earth he was trying to say.
Overall, I highly recommend this book if you want to up your headshot game. Just know that you will have to concentrate while you're reading to be able to follow along.
The reason I didn't give his book 5 stars was for one big SHA-BANG of a reason: it was poorly written. All he needed to do was hire an editor who wasn't afraid of him. It's a terrible shame, actually.
If you know Peter Hurley or have heard him speak, it'd be a good bet that he dictated the entire book. It sounds like him, to a tee. Usually that's a good thing - most writers dream of this as the highest compliment they could receive about their writing. In this case it's NOT a good thing. It made the text run on and on and on... paragraphs never ended... and the content was sometimes downright difficult to follow. There was an entire section ("hold the sub") that I had to Google because I simply couldn't understand what on earth he was trying to say.
Overall, I highly recommend this book if you want to up your headshot game. Just know that you will have to concentrate while you're reading to be able to follow along.
December 17, 2015
Good Book... But...
Overall, I like this book. There's a lot going for it. I like his personal story. I like many of the tips he gives you.
What I would have liked, is some line drawings of his lighting set up, unless that is a secret.
The style of the writing is good and casual. Maybe, at times, too casual because you have to read and re read to understand what he wants to say. This is the only reason I give it a three star and not a four.
He is a good businessman and promoter. It shows. Nothing wrong with it. In fact, I like it, because it gave me ideas,
But, buy the book. It's good.
Overall, I like this book. There's a lot going for it. I like his personal story. I like many of the tips he gives you.
What I would have liked, is some line drawings of his lighting set up, unless that is a secret.
The style of the writing is good and casual. Maybe, at times, too casual because you have to read and re read to understand what he wants to say. This is the only reason I give it a three star and not a four.
He is a good businessman and promoter. It shows. Nothing wrong with it. In fact, I like it, because it gave me ideas,
But, buy the book. It's good.
October 20, 2016
There are some good tips in this book. Hurley is a talented person and appears to be a big personality. The book though feels like it could have been covered in 1/10 the pages. There is a lot of repetition and self congratulation. This is likely well deserved, he's a successful artist but it gets in the way of a well delivered book. It took me nearly 5 months to plod through this book if that at all illustrates my point. The images are similar, the techniques repetitive so it begins to feel like you are reading the same book 10 times while going through it. Having said all that, I absolutely had some solid takeaways from the book.
March 21, 2016
Overall, I have learned a lot from Peter Hurley. I like his tips on how to teach people how to be more photogenic and how to help people overcome their fears of being in front of a camera. He has some great advice on how to improve your photography.
I don't like the idea of making crude comments in order to get a reaction from people or swearing so this book rubbed me the wrong way a few times.
Even so, I felt like I was still able to glean quite a bit from this book and it was easy to read.
I don't like the idea of making crude comments in order to get a reaction from people or swearing so this book rubbed me the wrong way a few times.
Even so, I felt like I was still able to glean quite a bit from this book and it was easy to read.
September 12, 2015
It's fine
This book is making me do a review and I've only read half of it and it keeps telling me I need to type in six more words so I really don't care about doing this right now I just want to read the rest of the book
This book is making me do a review and I've only read half of it and it keeps telling me I need to type in six more words so I really don't care about doing this right now I just want to read the rest of the book
February 11, 2016
THE Headshot Book to Own!
My photography business swerved into headshot land about a year ago and I haven't come across anything that will grow my business more than the skills I have learned from this book!
My photography business swerved into headshot land about a year ago and I haven't come across anything that will grow my business more than the skills I have learned from this book!
June 18, 2016
Useful tips, less on the technical side and more on how to interact with clients / tips on posing.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews