What if corporate headshots didn’t have to be boring?

Posted on 5 December, 2018

Ever looked at your driver’s license photo and thought the only thing that was missing was the prison duds?

When it comes to headshots, a good photographer can be the difference between ‘prison’ and ‘professional’.

Amanda Thorson is one of our favourite local photographers, thanks to her relaxed and authentic approach to weddings, baby and family portraits and boudoir shoots.

Now, under the banner of Boring Headshots, she’s branching out into corporate headshots, business portraits, and LinkedIn profile photos. (You may have noticed her fresh headshots of the HC Team in Issue 15 of Magazine: Free.)

Belinda, Production Manager, HerCanberra

After recently upgrading into a gorgeous new studio space in Ainslie with her husband Caleb, she realised she could help fill a rapidly growing niche for Canberra’s creatives and business professionals.

“Even though we’re called Boring Headshots, we want them to be a little bit fun,” says Amanda. “I think that a lot of people are realising that you can’t just stick up a selfie now, because you want people to know what you look like but also that you’re approachable and professional.”

Amanda Whitley, CEO + Founder, HerCanberra

Amanda also offers a 14% discount on headshots to women to compensate for the gender wage gap, because she sees a great headshot as part of professional development.

Although studio portraiture is a new adventure for Amanda, she is building on a decade of experience s a natural light photographer.

Molly, Editorial Coordinator, HerCanberra

“Headshots are a totally different ballgame so I’ve learned a lot, but I’m still working with people and the main thing is just making them feel comfortable in front of the camera and getting them to trust me.

“The studio can be a little bit intimidating sometimes because there are lights and you’re literally there to get your photo taken so you are the centre of attention. We are really aware of that and we try to make it as relaxed as possible, because we know how awkward it can be.”

Emma, Associate Editor, HerCanberra

So what makes a headshot not boring? Amanda’s approach is a little different to the traditional corporate style, matching each shoot to her subject’s needs. She believes in minimal, honest editing and a quick and easy shoot process.

“We are actually including more of people’s bodies because body language is important and you can communicate a lot with that. I also just talk to people to add a bit of variety to their facial expressions.

Beatrice, Online Editor, HerCanberra

“We’ll talk to you about what kind of business you’re in and what you want to communicate with your photos. We just try to connect with people when we take their photos and make them look like genuinely like themselves.”

See Boring Headshots’ website for more information.

Feature image: Ashleigh, ACTIVE Editor, HerCanberra. HerCanberra received photography free of charge in exchange for this editorial.

Photography: Boring Headshots