Creative Portraits and Headshots

Creative Portraits and Headshots

Author: Steve Brazill December 1, 2022 Duration: 1:15:34

It looks like I will owe Dave Williams a beer, or whisk(e)y. Dave is one of the best there is, and I am so lucky that he’s been on the show a few times. Well, a few weeks ago Dave emailed me to introduce me to Kersten Luts, a commercial portrait and headshot photographer based in West London. I was already aware of Kersten, along with his amazing work and Camera Shake Podcast.

Kersten is one of the most creative photographers in his genre, not only thinking outside of some hypothetical box, but taking that imaginary box, shredding it, and then using the pieces to create a new world.

In his bio, Kersten describes a fascination with the human expression. That is one of the most powerful fascinations I think a creative could have, and in Kersten’s case it manifests itself in his ability to capture these small, often fleeting moments that happen during a shoot. He has an ability to make you not just see his images, but to have an emotional response to them. That’s not an easy feat.

I am left wondering what effect a few decades in the music industry had on Kersten’s photographic eye. Somehow, his images seem to have both chaos and amazing harmony, all at the same time. He is just a fascinating creative.

His podcast is where I first found Kersten. He has had many of the same guests as I have, although with a format that is nothing like Behind the Shot. Along with his podcasting partner Nick Kirby, the Camera Shake podcast covers the latest photography and video news, and these two have interviewed some of the greatest photographers working today,

Join commercial portrait and headshot photographer Kersten Luts and me as we dive into one of the shots from his personal project “Three Heads in a Row”, on this episode of Behind the Shot.

Connect with Kersten

Website: kerstenluts.com
Instagram: @kerstenluts | @threeheadsinarow | @camerashakepodcast
Facebook: @camerashakepodcast
YouTube: @camerashake
Twitter: @kerstenphoto | @ShakeCamera

Podcast

Camera Shake Podcast: camerashakepodcast.com

Kersten’s Photographer Picks

Dave Williams: idavewilliams.com
Joel Grimes: joelgrimes.com

Three Heads in a Row

Behind the Scenes for Today’s Image


Steve Brazill hosts Behind the Shot-Video, a series that goes far beyond gear lists and camera settings. Each conversation is a deep exploration of the creative and technical journey behind compelling images. You’ll hear working photographers unpack the entire process-from the initial spark of an idea and the challenges of the location to the critical decisions made in post-production. This podcast sits at the unique intersection of art and practical technology, offering tangible lessons for anyone looking to improve their visual storytelling. Rather than abstract theory, these discussions provide a real-world look at problem-solving under pressure and the artistic choices that define a signature style. Tune in for honest, detailed breakdowns that reveal how memorable shots are truly built, layer by layer. It’s an essential resource for visual artists seeking both inspiration and actionable knowledge, all grounded in the lived experience of accomplished creators.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 50

Behind the Shot - Video
Podcast Episodes
Photo, Video & Audio Gift Ideas [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:10
A few episodes ago I talked about how I edit and finish some of my images in the episodes on Dodge & Burn + and Photoshop + Nik Color Efex Pro + Nik Silver Efex Pro. After those shows went live I received a few comments…
Using Remote Cameras [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 0:00
David Bergman has been on the show many times. Along with twice on the normal shows, first back on Episode 48 for “Composition, Creativity, and Workflow”, and then on Episode 137 for a “Making Better Action Photos”, he w…
Photoshop + Nik Color Efex Pro + Nik Silver Efex Pro [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:43
A few episodes ago I talked about masking in Lightroom, which is one of my favorite new features in the program. It wasn’t a deep dive into masking, but a demonstration of how I use masks in Lightroom to add depth to my…
Creative Lighting [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:28
There are rankings in photography that I had no idea even existed. For example, the #1 Fearless Photographer in North America, and Top 3 in the World, for 2021 is Jason Vinson. He’s also ranked as one of the Top 100 Fear…
Focusing On The Moment [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:13
I know a lot of photographers that work in multiple genres, but Kevin Jairaj is unique among them. One day he might be shooting a wedding, and a few days later college or pro sports. Then, on the days in-between, you mig…
Best Photo Advice You’ve Been Given? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:56
Today is another special episode, at least to me it is. In the almost six years I have been doing this show I have had guests share so much knowledge, and that got me thinking. “What is the Best Photo Advice You’ve Ever…
Dodge & Burn + [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:09
I have always had a love / hate relationship with Lightroom, meaning 20% love and 80% hate. There are just parts of this app that drive me crazy, or seem like they’re designed by someone that has never edited a photo in…
Creating Better Corporate & Environmental Portraits [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:58
Corporate portraits can be challenging. Everything from tight spaces and limited time, to a mix of personalities and desired goals, the photographer has to become the fixer. Adding to that, telling the story of what some…
Favorite Light Setups [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:28:16
LA based photographer Ian Spanier was first on the show back in 2019 for a conversation about Classic Portraits & Classic Lighting, discussing a portrait of actor Jeff bridges. His lighting style immediately struck me as…