Blogs

Headshots

Why a Great Headshot Matters

“You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” Yes, it’s a cliché – but it’s true. Whether it’s for your website, LinkedIn, Instagram, your agent, or even a dating profile – your headshot really does count. It’s often the first thing people see, so here are a few tips to help you get it right.

Don’t Cut Corners – A great headshot is an investment. It’s always best to go professional. If there’s a particular look or vibe you’re after – just say so! No selfies, and absolutely no filters. We can take care of any light retouching – it’s what we do.

Keep it Simple – A touch of personality is lovely, but when it comes to headshots, less is more. Bold patterns, big logos or flashy jewellery can be distracting. Think about how you want to come across. Choose something you’d wear to a first meeting – simple, flattering, and very “you”. Keep hair and makeup natural. You want to look like yourself – just on a really good day!

Use it Everywhere – Once you’ve got a great headshot, make the most of it. Add it to your website, social media, email signature – anywhere your name appears. It builds trust and consistency. And that photo from 10 years ago? It doesn’t count. You want people to recognise you when they meet you.

Mix it Up – A few extra shots are always lovely – laughing, relaxed, maybe a coffee cup or laptop in hand. Outfit changes are welcome too!

Got a Team? – Get them involved. It looks so much more professional when everyone’s photo matches the vibe – not just the boss!

And remember – no selfies, no filters. Just the best version of you.

Welcome to Our Garden Studio — Where Magic Happens

Have you ever been to a photography studio and felt a bit... out of place? It's all a bit sleek and shiny, with bright lights and a bit of a “next please” feel? Or even worse, it's tucked away in someone’s garage, leaving you disappointed with the lack of professionalism you'd been expecting.

Well, we like to think we’ve found the perfect balance. Here at Hoss we’ve created a space that’s warm, welcoming, and just the right mix of comfort and competence. And the best bit? It’s nestled right at the bottom of our beautiful garden. (Yes — I'm a bit of a garden enthusiast, so depending on the season you might see anything from roses to robins while you're here).

Our studio may not be huge or glitzy, but it's been thoughtfully designed with heart and soul — not to mention all the professional gear you’d expect from one of the UK’s top portrait photographers. It's not just about the cameras and lighting (although we’ve got those covered); it's about you. Your story. Your connection. The people you love most in the world.

From the moment you step inside, we want you to feel completely at ease — whether you're here for a family portrait, a headshot, or a once-in-a-lifetime celebration. The space is cosy, calm, and just a little bit special. We take the time to get to know you (no conveyor-belt vibes here), because we believe that the best portraits come from a place of trust, warmth, and real connection.

And honestly? That’s where the magic happens.

Kind Words

Alice Frost - Thank you so much for the photos, we love them and there’s nothing we’d want to change. Also thank you for taking the time to edit them, we can’t believe how good Harlow’s new tooth looks! Alice, Paul, Carter & Harlow

Michelle Wells - Oh my word all I am going to say is that you are amazing. You have made my world just light up. Taking your inspiration, not sure what size but by your desk you had a big one of a family in a frame. We decided we want to print one of those. Then at the side of it, we are going to get ones of me and Andrew on our own together, and one of the boys together. I cannot thank you enough. Just such gratitude.

Carol Walls - Oh wow, we absolutely love all these photos, they are perfect. Thank you so much for our photo shoot, we enjoyed it and you made us feel so relaxed and comfortable. Kelly loves her pink toenails too!! We look forward to getting the usb so we can start printing off our pictures and get them on the wall so everyone can admire them.

Hannah Ellicott - They are brilliant. Thank you so much . Hannah, Chris and Nancy

Katy Ellicott - Hi Hoss. These are stunning thank you so much !

Naomi Crane - Perfect, thank you so much. I love them. Will definitely have you down for our next photo sessions!

What a treat to meet so many amazing people each year. It’s such a pleasure to share just a slice of your lives – whether you’re a family preparing to send your first born off to university, a madhouse family with two tearaway toddlers and a dog, or a multi generation family with grandparents and even great-grandparents We love getting to know you and creating unique personal images that reflect exactly who you are.

It means the world to us when we receive kind words from our customers – testimony that we must be doing something right!

It’s Christmas…

Here we are approaching Christmas again, and I love it . I’m busy making my ‘to do’ list for buying gifts, baking, tree decorating, and generally making sure I don’t forget anything - I’m already nagging Hoss to check that everything is in the attic as expected, ready to get down as soon as December arrives .

And I’ve also got a few fun things booked, like visiting Santa with my grandson, and seeing the Nutcracker ballet at the London Colosseum (that’ll really put me in the mood). As always, I’m beyond excited the closer we get to the big day.

I’m not sure why, but this time of year always makes me feel a bit nostalgic. I get a sort of wistful joy, remembering what it was like when our boys were small; every Christmas Eve gathering for a party with extended family, and Hoss’ wonderful Mum presiding over the event. And then the chaos of Christmas day racing downstairs at the crack of dawn to see that Santa had been, and left sacks of presents for the boys.

I have to admit, that while I look back with fond memories of all those Christmasses past, I relish the Christmas present (no pun intended ). They were frantic and loud and brilliant fun; and grew bigger year on year as the next generation had babies of their own. The dining table creaked with an overload of festive food, and you couldn’t see the floor for presents and wrapping paper. And then there was - the noise! Of course I was younger then, and more able cope with the mayhem…

It's different now. Not better or worse – just different. Christmas has become a quieter affair; the ‘boys’ are in their thirties (so thankfully don’t wake us at the crack of dawn!). Daniel and Niamh will host Christmas Day. We’ll get to watch four year old Sebastian experience the magic of Christmas, followed by a fabulous lunch which I haven’t had to cook.. Hoss and I will have time to sit back and enjoy every precious moment of being with our wonderful family, at such a special time of year. It will be a time of new memories being created, and old memories being revisited.

Summer Holidays

Ah - the joys of the school summer holidays. Weeks of fun in the sun, and magical days out. Happy smiling children as you plan the next exciting adventure for them… 🌞😎

Or more realistically your once orderly routine has descended into chaos, the BBC weather app has become your new best friend in an effort to dodge the rain, and you're constantly managing the demands for a never ending supply of snacks!

But as the summer holidays draw to a close and sanity slowly re-emerges, thoughts turn to the new school year and how much you're going to miss them. Yes, really…

Maybe your child is starting primary school for the first time. Or setting off on a grand new adventure in secondary education. Or maybe your young adult is flying the nest and heading for their first taste of independence at college or university.

Whatever stage they’re at, you’ll start to feel them cutting away from you. Did they really grow up so quickly? Don’t I have more time with them? Will I become less relevant in their life?

In answer to the above questions. Yes. Yes. And a resounding NO! Parenting is a roller coaster ride. Enjoy every milestone. Every transition. And treasure every precious moment – even if it is still raining!

It’s a Mother Thing

I’m feeling a bit flat! – but for all the right reasons. Actually can there be any right reasons for feeling ‘a bit flat’?

You see, last week my son got married. For almost six years Oliver has dated his perfect match – the love of his life. Beautiful Bea is everything I could have ever wished for my son – she keeps him grounded when he’s up in the air, and yet she flies with him when he needs a companion for his madcap aspirations. She’s beautiful, gentle, strident, kind, generous, warm hearted… everything in equal measure. Everything he needs and deserves. And everything we ever dreamed of in a daughter in law.

After almost a year of planning, and the final few months of being actively engaged in wedding preparations, the big day finally arrived. And what a day! The weather was on our side with glorious sunshine all day, the ceremony was stunning (if not just a little emotional), and the reception sumptuous. It was just so special to see all our family and friends gathered in one place to celebrate this lovely couple. Smiles and tears all round.

But now, here I am – no longer needed for the moment. No urgent phone calls to check this, amend that, or accompany Bea on her final dress fitting… And this pause has given me time to reflect.

I reflect on all the different stages of Oliver’s life. So many transitions, so many momentous occasions, from his first day on planet earth; realising he could whistle at just a year old; his first day at nursery; countless school plays at primary and then grammar school – including the Rocky Horror Show, in stockings and suspenders (!!?), and the Full Monty – well you know how that ends… Then before I knew it he was off to university, followed by drivers licence, first job, career, first home, and even his own dog.

Now as his mother, I’m pausing to take in the experience of all my jumbled emotions. The joy of seeing him living his best life with the love of his life; but also (slightly selfishly) the emptiness of knowing that he doesn’t need me quite as much as he used to.

So forgive me for feeling ‘flat’ – I think it must just be a mother thing. It will pass, and I’m sure it won’t be too long before the phone rings and I’m needed again.

A final thought for all you busy parents out there, dashing around on school runs, swimming lessons, uni drop-offs, or whatever - take a minute to appreciate every precious moment

(Main image on the post courtesy of Origin Studios. Grateful thanks to Ian Boichat)

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