Cinematic headshots with a musical thread
A calm, considered portrait session for a London-based musicologist. Classic colour headshots and a filmic monochrome set with subtle musical context.
My client travelled up from London to my studio for a portrait session. She’s a musicologist, which made the brief really interesting.
She wanted two things at once: timeless, no-nonsense portraits for professional use, and a set of images with a gentle nod to her musical world. Colour and monochrome. Straightforward and expressive.
I planned this one in stages. We moved through a handful of clean setups, changed the styling between each, and kept the posing in mind.
My client works in and around the fields of music research and performance history. The pictures needed to read as confident and credible on an academic profile.. We aimed for warmth without losing formality.
The creative direction
I started with a simple, classic head-and-shoulders look. Tonal background, controlled light, eyes straight to the camera. From there, we layered in the musical cues. Nothing literal or costume-y. Just subtle references.
Lighting and the “filmic” monochrome
Lighting stayed precise. I used a soft key and a shaped fill. The monochrome edits lean into a filmic look—grain and contrast added—so the files feel textured rather than glossy. Colour sets stayed clean and modern for press and profile use.
Posing and pacing
I kept my client seated for a lot of it, then stood her for a few fuller frames once we had the essentials. Small adjustments make the difference: chin, shoulder line, hand position. We built confidence in steps, so nothing felt forced. It’s amazing how quickly people settle when the direction is clear and gentle.
Musical touches without the cliché
For some shots, we paid homage to her field through framing and direction. The point wasn’t to shout “music” at you, but to let her world sit naturally around her.
I delivered a balanced set: classic colour headshots for immediate use, and a series of monochrome portraits with that filmic, characterful feel for talks, publications, or a future book jacket. Versatile, consistent, and very her.
Plus, we had a little bit of fun at the end with some sunglasses. Just for the sake of it.
Quick wins for professional headshots
Keep styling simple: solids over busy patterns.
Bring options: two tops, one jacket, clean lines.
Glasses: bring them. We’ll manage reflections.
Hair & makeup: natural finish beats heavy retouching.
Purpose first: press, profile or print? We’ll shoot for it.
Edit notes: All the images are edited with my own Film Edition 4 Lightroom Presets.
Selected Colour Images From the Session
Selected Filmic Monochrome Images From the Session
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Headshots for academics, creatives and professionals. Calm, efficient, and tailored to how you’ll use the images.
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Browse recent sessions to get a feel for the light, styling and variety we can create in one sitting.
Cinematic Actor Headshots | Wiltshire Studio Session
I recently had the pleasure of working with Tristan in my Malmesbury studio for an actor headshot session. Tristan wanted more than just standard headshots—he was after something cinematic and story-led that would really showcase his range and personality.
Tristan wanted a story-led approach to his actors headshot and portfolio shoot.
“Hi Kevin,
I’ve just seen the photos and they are absolutely fantastic!!!
The shots, the colour and the backdrop is just beautiful, both the colour and the B/W. They’re exactly the cinematic look I was hoping for. :)
Thank you so much once again, it was a lovely day and I had a great time and a good laugh with you.”
Shoot Brief
I recently had the pleasure of working with Tristan in my Malmesbury studio for an actor headshot session.
Tristan wanted more than just standard headshots—he was after something cinematic and story-led that would really showcase his range and personality.
It was a lovely, relaxed and enjoyable session.
We had unlimited time, which meant no pressure, just plenty of good banter as Tristan reviewed the images with me throughout the shoot.
This collaborative approach allowed us to create images that felt genuine and character-driven.
We mixed things up with multiple backdrops, giving each set of photos a unique feel.
Tristan was keen on having both tight, classic headshots and more role-based images that told a story.
To give him flexibility in how he uses his portfolio, we delivered every shot in both colour and monochrome.
Actor headshots need to do more than just look good—they need to tell a story, spark interest, and open doors.
This session with Tristan really captured that balance between professionalism and personality.
If you're looking for cinematic, story-driven actor headshots in Wiltshire or anywhere in the UK, feel free to get in touch.
Monochrome Selection
Colour Selection
Cinematic Actor Headshots with Tom Joy – A Studio Refresh
A return session with actor Tom Joy for updated casting headshots in my Malmesbury studio. Clean, cinematic portraits with just a couple of key looks.
This week I had actor Tom Joy back in the studio for a short session - just a couple of headshots this time. We’ve worked together for several years now, on and off, whenever his casting shots need a refresh. This latest shoot was about updating his portfolio with a more current look.
A small change in hair or facial hair can alter the tone of a headshot quite significantly, so we kept things simple, focused, and cinematic.
Tom’s been in the industry for a while. He knows what he wants, and he knows what his agency is likely to respond to. There’s a quiet confidence that comes with that, which makes sessions like these flow easily. No need for dozens of outfit changes or back-and-forth on expression. We both knew the goal, and we worked towards it quickly.
You’ll see a couple of the new frames from this session below, but I’ve also included a few images from our previous shoots together. It’s always interesting to look back and see how someone’s look and presence evolve over time, especially in this industry, where even subtle changes can affect casting potential.
Why Actors Come to My Studio
Most of the actors who book headshots with me do so because they’re after a particular kind of image—a cinematic look. Not overly dramatic or stylised, but something that has depth. That draws you in a little. That kind of aesthetic often suits TV or film casting more than stage, but it depends. Some agents ask for it directly.
And while some of that comes down to lighting and lens choice, I’d say the environment matters too. Shoots like this are done in my fully equipped studio in Malmesbury, where the lighting is dialled in, the background options are subtle, and the pace is calm. That’s important. If you’re going to coax out a natural, compelling performance from someone who’s standing still, you need to create a space where they feel comfortable enough to just be themselves.
A Note on Headshot Sessions
Every session is a bit different, depending on what the actor needs and what stage they’re at in their career. Some need a full refresh—perhaps for new roles or agency submissions. Others, like Tom this time around, just need one or two new frames that better reflect their current look.
Even a short session can carry a lot of weight. A headshot isn’t just a photo—it’s a first impression, often the first frame a casting director sees. So, it matters. A lot.
If you’re an actor (or know one) looking for casting headshots in Wiltshire or the Cotswolds, feel free to get in touch. Whether it’s your first shoot or your fiftieth, we can tailor the session to fit your goals—and your agency’s requirements.
What to Expect from a Headshot Session
A cinematic look tailored to your casting goals
A quiet, professional studio setting in Malmesbury
Guidance throughout the shoot—posing, expression, and subtle adjustments
Fast turnaround
FAQ
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My photography studio is in the heart of Malmesbury, Wiltshire.
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Yes. I regularly work with actors who just need one or two updated looks. These are quick sessions—no fuss, but with the same professional setup.
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It’s a combination of lens choice, lighting, composition, and mood. I avoid the flat, clinical style you often see. These are portraits designed for screen actors, with a little more atmosphere.
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Absolutely. Many actors come to me with guidance from their agent or casting director. I’m happy to work within those parameters.
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That depends on the session. We can agree on how many final edits you need beforehand—some people want just one key shot, others prefer a larger selection with a range of looks.
Final Thoughts
Working with Tom again reminded me how much I enjoy these quieter sessions. No huge production, no pressure—just focused portrait work. You’re not trying to impress the actor, and they’re not trying to perform. The goal is simple: honesty, with a touch of cinematic polish.
If that sounds like what you’re looking for in a headshot photographer, I’d love to hear from you.
Capturing Malmesbury's Musical Journey: Behind the Lens of 'Athelstan to Aldi'
Photographing the artists behind Athelstan to Aldi was an incredible journey through Malmesbury’s history. Each image I created reflected the story behind their songs, from King Athelstan to the arrival of Aldi. It was a privilege to bring these unique narratives to life through photography for such a special project.
When I was approached to photograph the artists behind the "Athelstan to Aldi" album, I knew this project was unique.
This unique compilation, launched on 30 June 2024 at Malmesbury Town Hall, brings together songs penned by local songwriters, each narrating a distinct chapter of our town's rich history—from the reign of King Athelstan to the opening of our very own Aldi. It was part of the Athelstan 1100 celebrations here in my hometown.
The album, a brainchild of Supermarine Music, is a musical tapestry that reanimates Malmesbury's most colourful characters and infamous incidents.
Listeners are transported through time, witnessing events like the Abbey toilets getting running water, the day its spire fell over, the civil war, the witch trials, and the opening of Aldi.
My role was to create images for each singer-songwriter that encapsulated the essence of their song's story.
This meant delving deep into each narrative, understanding its historical context, and translating that into a visual representation that resonated with the artist and the audience, all with a sense of humour.
For instance, one of the tracks, "Through Turner's Eyes," offers a unique perspective on Malmesbury's history.
To capture this, I collaborated closely with the songwriter to understand the emotions and imagery they envisioned, ensuring the photograph reflected the song's depth and nuance.
Working on this project was a journey through time, allowing me to connect with Malmesbury's heritage.
Contributing to a project that celebrates our town's history through music and imagery was an honour.
I hope these photographs help bring the stories of "Athelstan to Aldi" to life for everyone who experiences the album.
