Modern Headshot Photography: Capture Profound Portraits
Course final project
A course by Phil Sharp , Photographer
About the final project for: Modern Headshot Photography: Capture Profound Portraits
Modern Headshot Photography: Capture Profound Portraits
“Congratulations! You have reached the end of this Domestika course. Thank you for taking part and I hope you've enjoyed learning about my creative process. Before we say goodbye, let's review the necessary steps to complete your project.
- First, think about why you want to make a photograph. Is it for you? Or for the sitter? Do you want to learn more about light or lenses? There’s no right answer, but it’s good to have an idea of why. Having a clear purpose will ensure that you stay motivated to achieve your goals.
- Next, gather your equipment. Whether your budget is big or small, don't allow this to define your work. Make the most out of any limitations you have. There are amazing photos to be made regardless of the equipment, location, or subject that surrounds you. Whatever your circumstances may be, rise to the challenge!

- Don't forget to invest your energy into connecting with your subject. Put time aside to explain the process to your sitter, warn that it can be slow but it's important not to rush. Enjoy the process by listening to music. Get a feel for the person and give them the freedom to let their own character and individuality shine.



- Once your photos have been captured, select your favourites. Then, experiment with different post-production techniques. This is a good share of the creative process, so don't neglect it! Develop your own style and try new things.





- Finally, show your work. Establish a good online presence. Explore other accounts. What do you like about your work in comparison to others? Take that forward. What do you appreciate about other people's work? Is there anything you can use in your next shoot? Take inspiration and allow this to inform your approach. But never copy! Always instill your own aesthetic. Experiment, be playful, and have fun!
Partial transcription of the video
“ Final Project You've made it to the end. Thanks for taking the time. I hope you enjoyed it, and more importantly, I hope you got plenty out of it. I'm sure some of the information was a bit contradictory in places, but hopefully, the context in which it was said means that it's still useful for you going forward. Now's the time for you to produce your final project. A set of images, perhaps four or five that show... your subject, a small range of different setups perhaps and slightly different emotional vibes. I would encourage you to actively reject... the stuff that you don't think work...”
This transcript is automatically generated, so it may contain mistakes.
Course summary for: Modern Headshot Photography: Capture Profound Portraits
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Category
Photography & Video -
Areas
Digital Photography, Fine-Art Photography, Photographic Lighting, Photography, Portrait Photography, Studio Photography

Phil Sharp
A course by Phil Sharp
Phil Sharp is a London-based portrait photographer specializing in headshots for actors. He started experimenting with photography after borrowing a friend’s camera, and later went on to work at a family portrait studio, where he learned how to get the most out of his subjects. He lived in New York for a few years, where he captured street photography, before moving back to London in 2009 to work for a variety of commercial and editorial clients. Motivated by his fascination with the human experience, he turned to headshot photography, using his editorial skills to capture interesting shots that tell stories about his subjects.
Phil has won multiple awards, including the Taylor Wessing Portrait Prize and the Portrait of Britain award. He has worked with clients including Evening Standard magazine, BBC iPlayer, and The British Journal of Photography.
He also shares his photography with over 30K followers on Instagram.
- 98% positive reviews (391)
- 15,065 students
- 12 lessons (2h 23m)
- 12 additional resources (2 files)
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- Audio: English, Spanish
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- Level: Beginner
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