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: 100

Behind the Shot - Video
Podcast Episodes
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Duration: 55:41
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Duration: 52:25
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Duration: 55:38
I first met Australian music photographer Michelle G Hunder when she was a guest on the Sunday Night Photographer Hangouts I used to do with Adam Elmakias. We had such great time on those shows. After hanging out with Mi…
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Duration: 59:04
The Canon EOS R3 looks to be a beast of a camera. Like so many others, I want this camera, and like 99% of those people I won’t be buying one. Why? Because the Canon EOS R3 is for people like Jeff Cable. Ok, also because…
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Duration: 1:06:26
Periodically I get a guest on Behind the Shot that makes me nervous. This episode is one of those moments. Wish me luck… David Hume Kennerly is a legend. In fact, I would wager money that other ‘legends’ look to David Hu…
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Duration: 0:00
To introduce the guest on this show I’d like to start by giving a bit of background… The first time I met Troy Miller I was doing a presentation at a local photo group, Inland Empire Professional Photographers and Videog…