In this video I’m running through real-world headshot tips while I’m actually shooting—posing, lighting choices, camera settings, and the kind of client interaction you’ll deal with on set. I start with what I call the “Peter Hurley triangle” because the goal is simple: get as much flattering light on my subject as possible. Especially with a mature subject, I’m thinking about minimizing harsh shadows that call attention to wrinkles, texture, or anything they don’t want highlighted. The bigger point: headshots are not one-size-fits-all. Your lens, focal length, aperture, and even the background context should change based on who’s in front of you and what they need the image to say. I also talk through practical direction: asking what vibe they want (approachable vs boss-like), how opening the body changes the feel, and why crossing arms instantly closes people off. I show why I usually shoot headshots horizontal (more cropping options), how I manage smiles so they don’t look strained, and how depth of field can bite you—like sharp eyes but soft nose/ears on a 100mm at f/2.8. And yeah, I’m big on shadow: shadow shapes the face, adds dimension, and keeps images from looking flat—when the client and the objective allow it.