This upbeat and fun two-session studio course is the perfect Friday night introduction to producing clear, confident headshot photographs using simple backgrounds and lighting setups. Designed for photographers who are already comfortable with their cameras, the course focuses on the relationship between technical control, lighting, and communication with the subject.
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
Participants will work both behind and in front of the camera, taking turns as photographer and sitter. This shared experience helps develop an understanding of how lighting, direction, and photographer behaviour affect comfort, confidence, and expression. By experiencing what it feels like to be photographed, students gain insight into pacing, language, and body awareness; all essential to producing natural, professional headshots.
What will we cover?
Studio setup basics: backgrounds, spacing, and workflow
Lens choice, camera settings, and perspective for headshots
Introduction to studio lighting: one- and two-light setups
Light quality, direction, and contrast
Directing and communicating with a subject
Posing, expression, and subtle adjustments
Creating consistency and variation within a simple setup
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
Choose appropriate camera settings and focal lengths for flattering results
Direct a subject to achieve natural, relaxed expressions
Understand how small changes in light and pose affect the final image
Produce a small set of consistent headshot images
Leave with a selection of professional-style headshots of yourself and others for personal, creative, or professional use
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is aimed at those who have completed a beginners photography course or who are confident using their camera in manual mode. This is not essential but you will gain more from the course. Ideally you should have a basic understanding of exposure (aperture, shutter speed, ISO). No previous studio experience is required.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
The course is taught through demonstrations, guided practical exercises, and peer shooting in a studio setting. Students will work in small groups, taking turns as photographer and subject, with ongoing tutor support and feedback. There is no formal work outside of class, though students are encouraged to review and reflect on their images between sessions.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
There are no additional costs. Studio lighting, backgrounds, and equipment will be provided. Students should bring their own camera, suitable lenses, fully charged batteries, and memory cards. A notebook is optional.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
City Lit runs a wide range of photography courses, from portrait photography, studio lighting, documentary photography, street photography and creative software. Browse the website to get inspired.
Jad is a multi disciplined artist whose work draws inspiration from memory and time. Lens based media has formed the foundations of his practice, utilising over 20 years of experience working within the eclectic range of disciplines that make up the photographic industry. Over this time Jad has had the opportunity to work on both film and digital, 35mm to large format. As a commercial photographer he has been commissioned to produce work for advertising campaigns, corporate institutions and the creative arts industry both on location and in the studio. His experience is not only limited to the role of the photographer, having had the opportunity to work in diverse roles of photographic production. From assisting photographers to creative post production, budgeting, contracts and working in a photographic lab. His ongoing artistic practice, presented as ongoing projects or completed series, uses both found photographic imagery, staged studio photography and moving image.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/headshot-photography3030694Headshot photographyhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/h/e/headshot_photography_1-1080.jpg149149GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Art & design/Courses/Art & design/Photography/Courses/Art & design/Photography/Creative, commercial & documentary photography22851132170217041228511321702<p>This upbeat and fun two-session studio course is the perfect Friday night introduction to producing clear, confident headshot photographs using simple backgrounds and lighting setups. Designed for photographers who are already comfortable with their cameras, the course focuses on the relationship between technical control, lighting, and communication with the subject.</p>00https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/h/e/headshot_photography_2_-1080.jpghttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/h/e/headshot_photography_3_-1080.jpg3030550Headshot photography149149https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/h/e/headshot_photography_1-1080_1.jpgInStockEveningFriKeeley StreetAvailable courses1 to 4 weeksWeekday2026-12-04T00:00:00+00:00Dec 2026Art & designVY310149149Headshot photography149149149Jad Oakesheadshot-photography/vy310-2627<p>This upbeat and fun two-session studio course is the perfect Friday night introduction to producing clear, confident headshot photographs using simple backgrounds and lighting setups. Designed for photographers who are already comfortable with their cameras, the course focuses on the relationship between technical control, lighting, and communication with the subject.</p>0000-Available|2026-12-04 00:00:00<p>Participants will work both behind and in front of the camera, taking turns as photographer and sitter. This shared experience helps develop an understanding of how lighting, direction, and photographer behaviour affect comfort, confidence, and expression. By experiencing what it feels like to be photographed, students gain insight into pacing, language, and body awareness; all essential to producing natural, professional headshots.</p><p>This upbeat and fun two-session studio course is the perfect Friday night introduction to producing clear, confident headshot photographs using simple backgrounds and lighting setups. Designed for photographers who are already comfortable with their cameras, the course focuses on the relationship between technical control, lighting, and communication with the subject.</p><ul><li>Studio setup basics: backgrounds, spacing, and workflow</li><li>Lens choice, camera settings, and perspective for headshots</li><li>Introduction to studio lighting: one- and two-light setups</li><li>Light quality, direction, and contrast</li><li>Directing and communicating with a subject</li><li>Posing, expression, and subtle adjustments</li><li>Creating consistency and variation within a simple setup</li></ul><ul><li>Choose appropriate camera settings and focal lengths for flattering results</li><li>Direct a subject to achieve natural, relaxed expressions</li><li>Understand how small changes in light and pose affect the final image</li><li>Produce a small set of consistent headshot images</li><li><strong>Leave with a selection of professional-style headshots of yourself and others for personal, creative, or professional use</strong></li></ul><p>This course is aimed at those who have completed a beginners photography course or who are confident using their camera in manual mode. This is not essential but you will gain more from the course. Ideally you should have a basic understanding of exposure (aperture, shutter speed, ISO). No previous studio experience is required.</p><p>The course is taught through demonstrations, guided practical exercises, and peer shooting in a studio setting. Students will work in small groups, taking turns as photographer and subject, with ongoing tutor support and feedback. There is no formal work outside of class, though students are encouraged to review and reflect on their images between sessions.</p><p>There are no additional costs. Studio lighting, backgrounds, and equipment will be provided. Students should bring their own camera, suitable lenses, fully charged batteries, and memory cards. A notebook is optional.</p><p>City Lit runs a wide range of photography courses, from portrait photography, studio lighting, documentary photography, street photography and creative software. Browse the website to get inspired.</p>PhotographyCreative, commercial & documentary photographyvirtual149149149VY310NONEFri04/12/26 - 11/12/2618:00 - 21:0018:0021:002 sessions (over 2 weeks)21 to 4 weeksEveningWeekdayKSKeeley StreetJad OakesAvailable courses2026-12-04T00:00:00+00:00Dec 2026Art & design149149Headshot photographyheadshot-photography/vy310-2627<p>This upbeat and fun two-session studio course is the perfect Friday night introduction to producing clear, confident headshot photographs using simple backgrounds and lighting setups. Designed for photographers who are already comfortable with their cameras, the course focuses on the relationship between technical control, lighting, and communication with the subject.</p>0000-Available|2026-12-04 00:00:00<p>Participants will work both behind and in front of the camera, taking turns as photographer and sitter. This shared experience helps develop an understanding of how lighting, direction, and photographer behaviour affect comfort, confidence, and expression. By experiencing what it feels like to be photographed, students gain insight into pacing, language, and body awareness; all essential to producing natural, professional headshots.</p><p>This upbeat and fun two-session studio course is the perfect Friday night introduction to producing clear, confident headshot photographs using simple backgrounds and lighting setups. Designed for photographers who are already comfortable with their cameras, the course focuses on the relationship between technical control, lighting, and communication with the subject.</p><ul><li>Studio setup basics: backgrounds, spacing, and workflow</li><li>Lens choice, camera settings, and perspective for headshots</li><li>Introduction to studio lighting: one- and two-light setups</li><li>Light quality, direction, and contrast</li><li>Directing and communicating with a subject</li><li>Posing, expression, and subtle adjustments</li><li>Creating consistency and variation within a simple setup</li></ul><ul><li>Choose appropriate camera settings and focal lengths for flattering results</li><li>Direct a subject to achieve natural, relaxed expressions</li><li>Understand how small changes in light and pose affect the final image</li><li>Produce a small set of consistent headshot images</li><li><strong>Leave with a selection of professional-style headshots of yourself and others for personal, creative, or professional use</strong></li></ul><p>This course is aimed at those who have completed a beginners photography course or who are confident using their camera in manual mode. This is not essential but you will gain more from the course. Ideally you should have a basic understanding of exposure (aperture, shutter speed, ISO). No previous studio experience is required.</p><p>The course is taught through demonstrations, guided practical exercises, and peer shooting in a studio setting. Students will work in small groups, taking turns as photographer and subject, with ongoing tutor support and feedback. There is no formal work outside of class, though students are encouraged to review and reflect on their images between sessions.</p><p>There are no additional costs. Studio lighting, backgrounds, and equipment will be provided. Students should bring their own camera, suitable lenses, fully charged batteries, and memory cards. A notebook is optional.</p><p>City Lit runs a wide range of photography courses, from portrait photography, studio lighting, documentary photography, street photography and creative software. Browse the website to get inspired.</p>PhotographyCreative, commercial & documentary photographyconfigurable
