relaxed headshot writer book cover image

A professional headshot photo is a must-have for many people these days whether it be for your social media profile, marketing materials or your business website. As creatives we often focus on our creative outputs and shy away from putting ourselves in the limelight. But even creatives need a well-crafted headshot from time to time as part of our visual story and writers – while they might be more at ease putting pen to paper than smiling for the camera – are no exception.

So I was delighted when Melanie Challenger – acclaimed nature writer, based in North Yorkshire, contacted me looking to update her headshots for the cover of her upcoming book and website.

As Melanie was looking for a variety of different photos, to provide a suite of images that she could draw on for a wide range of purposes, we opted for a mixed session partly in the studio for formal headshots, partly lifestyle and partly on location in local woodland to reflect a more relaxed nature and her subject matter as a writer.

For the studio shots we planned a relaxed studio session at my studio in Malton, with a plain black backdrop and minimal distractions and a few wardrobe changes to showcase her personality without overshadowing it. Writers often need headshots for book jackets, websites, speaking engagements, or editorial features, so we aimed for timeless, approachable images that she could use across a range of mediums with a long shelf life. From there Melanie did a quick outfit change into relaxed jeans and blouse for some outdoor natural light lifestyle images – again against a plain backdrop to maximise where and how the images can be used, white this time for variety – and then we headed up to the local woods to capture Melanie in her natural habitat, at ease with her binoculars and surrounded by the subject matter she loves the most.

Throughout the shoot we talked about Melanie’s work: her new book and her recent publications and her area of expertise – human relationship with nature, which is a subject that’s close to my own heart and my own personal artistic practice.

And we laughed! A lot! I want all my clients to feel at ease when I’m photographing them and that the session is just a conversation. I click away while we chat focusing on genuine reactions, subtle expressions and candid in-between moments. These are often the most powerful shots, especially for writers who prefer a natural and authentic aesthetic.

A strong headshot isn’t just about looking good; it’s about trust. It’s the first impression on a website, the image that accompanies your words. For writers, a well-crafted portrait helps readers connect the story to the storyteller. Melanie has wasted no time in putting her new images to good use on her website ahead of the publication of her next book – which I can’t wait to read!

If you’re a writer looking to refresh your professional image, I’d love to help bring your story into focus.

Interested in booking a headshot session? Contact me to chat about your needs