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
Sculpting with Light [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:19
When describing Blair Bunting’s photography there are few way to approach it. First of all there is the website bio version, which starts: “Blair Bunting is an advertising photographer based in Phoenix, Arizona specializ…
Light Painting [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:03
Let’s start here… Cliff Mautner’s career in photography spans 38 years. Think about that for a minute… 38 years ago Nikon released the world’s first SLR with Matrix Metering, the Nikon FA, and the world’s first camera wi…
Photographing an Album Cover [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:15
I have writer’s block because of my guest. In fact, describing William Snyder is so difficult that I’ve been waiting to write this for two days. I’m ready to give it a shot now, but let me say up front that there is litt…
Aviation Photography [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:18
It’s the return of Moose Peterson! The first time Moose Peterson was on the show I was pretty nervous. Usually I am trying to calm guests that are nervous about being on a show, but this was different. Moose is a legend…
Beverage Photography [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:35
Everybody loves a good meal, and it seems like everybody is posting photos of their food, but when food photography is done right you can seemingly taste it. That’s where Freddy Clark comes in, and when he gets his hands…
Photographic Timing [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:45
Damian Strohmeyer is a Boston based photographer that’s just as comfortable photographing a Super Bowl, as he is shooting a portrait. His body of work spans from fast action sports, like The World Series, The World Cup,…
Perspective [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:06
St. Louis wedding photographer Sal Cincotta, and his award winning studio, take photography to a level few will ever achieve. Traveling the world to document their client’s most cherished moments, Sal and his team push t…
Extreme Photojournalism [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:07
One of the best parts of doing this podcast is the never ending inspiration I see from amazing photographic talents. Sometimes, the guests I get on the show are photographers I stumble upon while browsing the web, someti…
Long Exposures [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:43
If you’re here then I will assume you are, at a minimum, a fan of good photography. Perhaps it interests you as a craft, or an art, or more likely you are a photographer that wants to improve their skill set. That means…
Timeless Photography [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:10:56
I have been trying to count the number of guests I’ve had on this show that mentioned Scott Kelby, and each time I lose count. Seemingly everyone I know, and most of those I don’t know, have learned something from Scott.…