UC Berkeley MPH Headshots
The term portrait or headshot can encapsulate a broad definition to the subject of the photo. If a picture tells a 1,000 words, then what words do you want conveyed to personify yourself to the world? People are complex, and they typically continue to evolve as they grow in life. For these students at UC Berkeley’s Masters of Public Health, they are getting ready to leave their academic journey and transition into their professional careers.
I was given “creative freedom” for this headshot session. First, as with any photo session I’m directing, it’s imperative to me that everyone feels comfortable and at ease. If a person is at ease in front of the lens, then their true personality will shine once the shutter is released.
For this session, I kept the setup low-key. I wanted to avoid having people feel intimidated by gear once they stepped into the room. I used a foldable backdrop held up by a lightweight stand, a small reflector perched up against the stand holding the key light, and of course, a bluetooth speaker pumping out tunes. This simple setup meant I didn’t have to spend much time adjusting light positions for each person. Instead, I was able to focus on making a personal connection, and maintaining that connection throughout the photo session.
I wanted these photos to not feel like an employee ID. Instead, I wanted each student to walk away with a series of photos that conveyed personality and a hint of intrigue. I wish all the students from this session the best of luck on their journeys.
