Author Head Shots in London
Author Nicola Penfold
Nicola writes eco-adventure fiction for older children – and to acclaimed reviews. She contacted me as she had a new book coming out and needed to update her head shot for her bio.
I always enjoy working with people whose work is very much tied in with who they are – and indeed that is what personal branding is all about. Before our shoot I researched a bit about her: where her roots lie, the type of books she writes and what inspires her. I used this information to plan locations and an approach to the pictures.
In Nicola’s case, as her books are about the relationship of humans and the wilder world, I met her at Alexandra Palace to take advantage of the varied greenery. It was a convenient location for her as it was close to home, meaning she needn’t have to spend a huge amount of time out, and it was in surroundings she was familiar in.
Shooting in winter is always risky in London and this past January has seen some dismal, grey days. But as long as it’s forecast to be dry just at the time you need and there’s a bit of indoor space, it all works out.
We started at The Phoenix cafe/pub for a quick coffee and chat first (which was so enjoyable!). We also used the soft light peering in through the large windows.
On colder days there’s always a risk of a cold, pink nose appearing so it’s important to limit the amount of time shooting outdoors.
Equally important is for the images to not all look like they were taken on the same day, or indeed the same season. This gives terrific mileage to a single session – the varied looks can be used for a good length of time.
How Does She Conquer Writer’s Block?
“This is a brilliant question! If I’m stuck, I go for a walk.
I can be struggling at the computer, unable to fix a plot hole in my book, or maybe just unable to get going at all.
It can all seem pretty impossible, but if I go for a walk, preferably somewhere green, but sometimes just somewhere mundane like the supermarket or to pick my children up from school, it can be like a cog turning in my brain, and there it is. The next line I want to write. The incident that needs to happen in order for my story to make sense again.
Or, if I’m lucky, a whole new idea!”
Would you like to know more about Nicola and her books?
Website: Nicola Penfold
Instagram: @nicolapenfoldauthor
Where to buy her books:
Are you overdue for an update?
Get in touch and let me know how I can help you. My process is simple and straightforward and the shoots are relaxed and informal. There is no big production, just you, me and the camera.
Hey, I’m Julie, a long-established London head shot photographer providing business head shots for LinkedIn, personal brands and photography for small businesses. Contact me for author head shots in London.
