Fstoppers Original: Peter Hurley’s The Art Behind The Headshot Is Live

After almost a year of work we have finally finished Peter Hurley: The Art Behind The Headshot. We created this to be a double DVD tutorial and we may eventually still make a physical copy but for now we have decided to begin with a digital download. I would like to thank each one of you that supported us by pre-ordering this video and I am so sorry it took so long to produce. Patrick and I filmed and edited this and it was far more complicated than we ever imagined. Creating this video has been the hardest project I have ever worked on but at the same time one of the most rewarding.

During the 5 days of filming this video Peter completely opened my eyes to a new way of shooting people. Peter helped me look past the technical side of the camera and the lighting to see the emotion and feeling that each of his clients were producing in each image. When his clients weren’t producing compelling images, Peter knew exactly how to coach them into creating that perfect “look.” This experience has changed my photography more profoundly than any other experience in my life and I hope that everyone who watches this video will feel the same way.

Fstoppers is full of new and free information every single day including the first video we did with Peter over a year ago. This video was created with the professional photographer in mind and it costs $300 for a digital download of the 4 hour video. We know that many of our readers are photography hobbyists and if you don’t shoot professionally you may not see the value in this download and that is fine. Please realize that this is a tool and a piece of education that will help (some) professionals take their business to the next level. If you don’t see the value in it, please do not buy it and enjoy all of the other free material on our site. If you do decide to buy this video, I would like to thank you so much for supporting this venture and Fstoppers.com. Never in a million years would I have thought we (two wedding photographers from South Carolina) could have created a 4 hour tutorial of this complexity. I know we will never make enough money from DVD sales to make up for the time spent producing it (for some reason we thought it would only take a few weeks to edit) but I hope that this video will impact the photographers who watch it in a huge way.

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Want a second opinion? Check out the first official review at SLR Lounge.

November 10, 2011

Lee Morris

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Anonymous
I guess it’s not possible to get discounts as a photography/media technology student, is it?
Anonymous
I guess it’s not possible to get discounts as a photography/media technology student, is it?
Anonymous
And I just deposited a check for $800…. should I pay my bills… or buy this and make more $$$$… decisions, decisions.
For those that purchased this video what’s your impression and thoughts so far?
Anonymous
And I just deposited a check for $800…. should I pay my bills… or buy this and make more $$$$… decisions, decisions.
For those that purchased this video what’s your impression and thoughts so far?
Anonymous
And I just deposited a check for $800…. should I pay my bills… or buy this and make more $$$$… decisions, decisions.
For those that purchased this video what’s your impression and thoughts so far?
http://twitter.com/Gustaveux Gustaveux
So true, it will make it or break it for you.
http://twitter.com/Gustaveux Gustaveux
So true, it will make it or break it for you.
http://twitter.com/Gustaveux Gustaveux
So true, it will make it or break it for you.
http://www.patrickhallphotography.com Patrick Hall
ha I would pay your bills first but you should def check out the tutorial.
http://www.patrickhallphotography.com Patrick Hall
ha I would pay your bills first but you should def check out the tutorial.
http://www.patrickhallphotography.com Patrick Hall
ha I would pay your bills first but you should def check out the tutorial.
Mike Mahoney
Downloaded no problem… watched the whole thing. Very, very informative! As you said in the trailer, it covers stuff that I didn’t focus on before. Fantastic job guys… and Peter is amazing! Thanks!
Anonymous
The suspense was killing me.. Purchased it, downloaded it… half way through it. Great stuff!
Anonymous
The suspense was killing me.. Purchased it, downloaded it… half way through it. Great stuff!
Anonymous
The suspense was killing me.. Purchased it, downloaded it… half way through it. Great stuff!
http://www.rlmorris.com Lee Morris
So happy to hear that you liked it Mike. Put it into practice and then watch it through again when you have some extra time. I’ve been watching it for months while we edited it and I am still picking up on stuff that was way over my head at first.
http://www.rlmorris.com Lee Morris
So happy to hear that you liked it Mike. Put it into practice and then watch it through again when you have some extra time. I’ve been watching it for months while we edited it and I am still picking up on stuff that was way over my head at first.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=784300440 Xan Barksdale
thanks!
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=784300440 Xan Barksdale
thanks!
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=784300440 Xan Barksdale
thanks!
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002136353623 Zeke Man
Downloaded your video last night, watched it this morning.
Very nice job guys, very nice!
I do have a few comments. When you go to perterhurley.com/dvd, the
bottom of the screen shows a list of bullet points. I would list
understanding the human face, coaching and facial expressions, creating
different looks first because that is what really sets this video apart from
the others that are on the market. And then, show that your video is
comprehensive and also touches on these other topics. That bullet section
made me pause a bit because I don’t need a lighting or business video and don’t
want to spend too much time on those other topics. But I trusted Lee and
Patrick and was not disappointed.
I watched the video on PC using Windows Media player. Attempting to stop the
video and play back the last 15 seconds results in a huge delay.. the program
just sits there for 30-40 seconds before it gets going again. I assume that
this doesn’t happen on Apples. I would run across this when Peter would
say “see the difference between these two shots?” It would be
cool if you could show both images side by side….’cause I am an old man and
can be a bit slow.
The part of the video where Peter edits the shots with the client are helpful.
Showing video of the computer monitor is ok, but it really looks so much
better when you actually embed the image in the video. It is a small point,
maybe you could keep the audio on these portions, and not show so much of the
computer monitor and more of just the nice resolution photos.
All and all it is worth the $300 and I am glad I bought it. These issues are
VERY MINOR, so don’t use them as an excuse not to buy the video.
-Zeke
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002136353623 Zeke Man
Downloaded your video last night, watched it this morning.
Very nice job guys, very nice!
I do have a few comments. When you go to perterhurley.com/dvd, the
bottom of the screen shows a list of bullet points. I would list
understanding the human face, coaching and facial expressions, creating
different looks first because that is what really sets this video apart from
the others that are on the market. And then, show that your video is
comprehensive and also touches on these other topics. That bullet section
made me pause a bit because I don’t need a lighting or business video and don’t
want to spend too much time on those other topics. But I trusted Lee and
Patrick and was not disappointed.
I watched the video on PC using Windows Media player. Attempting to stop the
video and play back the last 15 seconds results in a huge delay.. the program
just sits there for 30-40 seconds before it gets going again. I assume that
this doesn’t happen on Apples. I would run across this when Peter would
say “see the difference between these two shots?” It would be
cool if you could show both images side by side….’cause I am an old man and
can be a bit slow.
The part of the video where Peter edits the shots with the client are helpful.
Showing video of the computer monitor is ok, but it really looks so much
better when you actually embed the image in the video. It is a small point,
maybe you could keep the audio on these portions, and not show so much of the
computer monitor and more of just the nice resolution photos.
All and all it is worth the $300 and I am glad I bought it. These issues are
VERY MINOR, so don’t use them as an excuse not to buy the video.
-Zeke
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002136353623 Zeke Man
Downloaded your video last night, watched it this morning.
Very nice job guys, very nice!
I do have a few comments. When you go to perterhurley.com/dvd, the
bottom of the screen shows a list of bullet points. I would list
understanding the human face, coaching and facial expressions, creating
different looks first because that is what really sets this video apart from
the others that are on the market. And then, show that your video is
comprehensive and also touches on these other topics. That bullet section
made me pause a bit because I don’t need a lighting or business video and don’t
want to spend too much time on those other topics. But I trusted Lee and
Patrick and was not disappointed.
I watched the video on PC using Windows Media player. Attempting to stop the
video and play back the last 15 seconds results in a huge delay.. the program
just sits there for 30-40 seconds before it gets going again. I assume that
this doesn’t happen on Apples. I would run across this when Peter would
say “see the difference between these two shots?” It would be
cool if you could show both images side by side….’cause I am an old man and
can be a bit slow.
The part of the video where Peter edits the shots with the client are helpful.
Showing video of the computer monitor is ok, but it really looks so much
better when you actually embed the image in the video. It is a small point,
maybe you could keep the audio on these portions, and not show so much of the
computer monitor and more of just the nice resolution photos.
All and all it is worth the $300 and I am glad I bought it. These issues are
VERY MINOR, so don’t use them as an excuse not to buy the video.
-Zeke
http://www.rlmorris.com Lee Morris
Zeke,
Thank you so much for supporting us and taking the time to write this. I actually agree with you 100% on everything that you suggested. We may do a re-edit of this DVD and add information in the future and if we do, everyone that has purchased it will of course get it for free. I’m so glad you found the video worth your time and money.
http://www.rlmorris.com Lee Morris
Zeke,
Thank you so much for supporting us and taking the time to write this. I actually agree with you 100% on everything that you suggested. We may do a re-edit of this DVD and add information in the future and if we do, everyone that has purchased it will of course get it for free. I’m so glad you found the video worth your time and money.
http://www.rlmorris.com Lee Morris
Zeke,
Thank you so much for supporting us and taking the time to write this. I actually agree with you 100% on everything that you suggested. We may do a re-edit of this DVD and add information in the future and if we do, everyone that has purchased it will of course get it for free. I’m so glad you found the video worth your time and money.
http://www.patrickhallphotography.com Patrick Hall
The overall DVD was meant to be a complete intensive on Peter’s business and photography. So of course we had to include some of the business and marketing points because he’s been successful there as well.
I’m not sure why the pause happens but I think it’s because I encoded it a bit higher than I could have. It does that on my PC as well….not much we could do when we tried to make 2 files out of 4 hours
http://www.patrickhallphotography.com Patrick Hall
The overall DVD was meant to be a complete intensive on Peter’s business and photography. So of course we had to include some of the business and marketing points because he’s been successful there as well.
I’m not sure why the pause happens but I think it’s because I encoded it a bit higher than I could have. It does that on my PC as well….not much we could do when we tried to make 2 files out of 4 hours
http://www.patrickhallphotography.com Patrick Hall
The overall DVD was meant to be a complete intensive on Peter’s business and photography. So of course we had to include some of the business and marketing points because he’s been successful there as well.
I’m not sure why the pause happens but I think it’s because I encoded it a bit higher than I could have. It does that on my PC as well….not much we could do when we tried to make 2 files out of 4 hours
http://www.facebook.com/people/Scott-Ternan/1028844218 Scott Ternan
Thank you, thank you, thank you,
This is exactly what I’ve been looking for !!! I’m so glad this video covers more than just camera/light settings…It gets into the “vibe” of getting a killer portrait. In my opinion way more important than anything else.
thanks again.
Scott.
http://www.facebook.com/people/Scott-Ternan/1028844218 Scott Ternan
Thank you, thank you, thank you,
This is exactly what I’ve been looking for !!! I’m so glad this video covers more than just camera/light settings…It gets into the “vibe” of getting a killer portrait. In my opinion way more important than anything else.
thanks again.
Scott.
http://www.facebook.com/people/Scott-Ternan/1028844218 Scott Ternan
Thank you, thank you, thank you,
This is exactly what I’ve been looking for !!! I’m so glad this video covers more than just camera/light settings…It gets into the “vibe” of getting a killer portrait. In my opinion way more important than anything else.
thanks again.
Scott.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002136353623 Zeke Man
Patrick, I think your mix of business and marketing points are perfect in the DVD. I think the issue is how to you get the point across to potential customers that video has unique content.
Again, great job.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002136353623 Zeke Man
Patrick, I think your mix of business and marketing points are perfect in the DVD. I think the issue is how to you get the point across to potential customers that video has unique content.
Again, great job.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002136353623 Zeke Man
Patrick, I think your mix of business and marketing points are perfect in the DVD. I think the issue is how to you get the point across to potential customers that video has unique content.
Again, great job.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000182325603 Gideon Perez
Thak you guys for putting this together! I felt as if I were actually there as Peter’s photography assistant or intern. At this stage in my photography career, I feel the depth of knowledge and information presented, as well as how it’s presented is absolutely invaluable towards reaching that next level. Thanks again Fstoppers for continuing to challenge my perspective and creativity.
-gideon
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000182325603 Gideon Perez
Thak you guys for putting this together! I felt as if I were actually there as Peter’s photography assistant or intern. At this stage in my photography career, I feel the depth of knowledge and information presented, as well as how it’s presented is absolutely invaluable towards reaching that next level. Thanks again Fstoppers for continuing to challenge my perspective and creativity.
-gideon
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000182325603 Gideon Perez
Thak you guys for putting this together! I felt as if I were actually there as Peter’s photography assistant or intern. At this stage in my photography career, I feel the depth of knowledge and information presented, as well as how it’s presented is absolutely invaluable towards reaching that next level. Thanks again Fstoppers for continuing to challenge my perspective and creativity.
-gideon
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=563353245 Olivier Borgognon
I think i’ll just put myself on hold until next paycheck, that’s coming in soon :D. You guys might have time to do the minor edits discussed below (is that something you are considering on a long or short term).
To be honest, i’m in for the 300$, I do enjoy (even if i only watch online) having a DVD or something hardcover with a box, kind of palpable… and i’m still a techno geek so it’s kind of sick.
I think it’s a great idea for apple Itunes, and even for amazon etc. it’s all a question of margin over quantity :).
Anyone from europe downloaded ? how’s the download situation from here ?
Thanks for your feedback, and what’s in the DVD. I think that should go in your initial post as it’s a seller in itself with the teaser video.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=563353245 Olivier Borgognon
I think i’ll just put myself on hold until next paycheck, that’s coming in soon :D. You guys might have time to do the minor edits discussed below (is that something you are considering on a long or short term).
To be honest, i’m in for the 300$, I do enjoy (even if i only watch online) having a DVD or something hardcover with a box, kind of palpable… and i’m still a techno geek so it’s kind of sick.
I think it’s a great idea for apple Itunes, and even for amazon etc. it’s all a question of margin over quantity :).
Anyone from europe downloaded ? how’s the download situation from here ?
Thanks for your feedback, and what’s in the DVD. I think that should go in your initial post as it’s a seller in itself with the teaser video.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=563353245 Olivier Borgognon
I think i’ll just put myself on hold until next paycheck, that’s coming in soon :D. You guys might have time to do the minor edits discussed below (is that something you are considering on a long or short term).
To be honest, i’m in for the 300$, I do enjoy (even if i only watch online) having a DVD or something hardcover with a box, kind of palpable… and i’m still a techno geek so it’s kind of sick.
I think it’s a great idea for apple Itunes, and even for amazon etc. it’s all a question of margin over quantity :).
Anyone from europe downloaded ? how’s the download situation from here ?
Thanks for your feedback, and what’s in the DVD. I think that should go in your initial post as it’s a seller in itself with the teaser video.
Lance Burns
First I wanted to say that I’m not a full time photographer. I do this on the side and I’m always looking to improve how I shoot.
My main problem that I always seem to struggle with is the fact of how to get the “Look” out of the person that I’m shooting. I take nice pictures but that was it, just nice. Not amazing and it’s not because I didn’t understand the technical side. Set up lights and once you have them set, you are good to shoot. The problem was direction. When I saw the first video that fstoppers put up with Peter, I knew that his work was amazing. When I heard that you guys were making an instructional video of Peter’s business, I was so interested in it.At first I was thinking about the $300 and saying like many of you out there that this was a lot of money. After a lot of thought, I said to myself that the team at Fstoppers have NEVER let me down. They always post videos and instructions that are so helpful so would they actual put something out there that was not worth it. If you are coming to the Fstoppers website on a regular basis, you know that this is true.I downloaded the video on Friday afternoon and by saturday at 12 I already finished watching it. I was SO DISAPPOINTED!!!! SO DISAPPOINTED THAT IT ENDED. I wanted more. Peter has tips that I have never thought about. There are photographers that teach in this industry that stand out. Zach Arias, Scott Kelby, Jasmine Star and now there is Peter Hurley.Here is the best statement that I can come up with. This DVD has Changed the way that I shoot forever. I will NEVER shoot the way that I did before. I will never pick up another magazine and not think about what I learned from this video.After this video was over, I sat and looked at myself in a mirror trying the things Peter suggested. There are things that I never noticed and it was looking at a different person.Is $300 worth changing your photography for a life time??? For me, it’s worth every penny.
Lance
Lance Burns
First I wanted to say that I’m not a full time photographer. I do this on the side and I’m always looking to improve how I shoot.
My main problem that I always seem to struggle with is the fact of how to get the “Look” out of the person that I’m shooting. I take nice pictures but that was it, just nice. Not amazing and it’s not because I didn’t understand the technical side. Set up lights and once you have them set, you are good to shoot. The problem was direction. When I saw the first video that fstoppers put up with Peter, I knew that his work was amazing. When I heard that you guys were making an instructional video of Peter’s business, I was so interested in it.At first I was thinking about the $300 and saying like many of you out there that this was a lot of money. After a lot of thought, I said to myself that the team at Fstoppers have NEVER let me down. They always post videos and instructions that are so helpful so would they actual put something out there that was not worth it. If you are coming to the Fstoppers website on a regular basis, you know that this is true.I downloaded the video on Friday afternoon and by saturday at 12 I already finished watching it. I was SO DISAPPOINTED!!!! SO DISAPPOINTED THAT IT ENDED. I wanted more. Peter has tips that I have never thought about. There are photographers that teach in this industry that stand out. Zach Arias, Scott Kelby, Jasmine Star and now there is Peter Hurley.Here is the best statement that I can come up with. This DVD has Changed the way that I shoot forever. I will NEVER shoot the way that I did before. I will never pick up another magazine and not think about what I learned from this video.After this video was over, I sat and looked at myself in a mirror trying the things Peter suggested. There are things that I never noticed and it was looking at a different person.Is $300 worth changing your photography for a life time??? For me, it’s worth every penny.
Lance
Lance Burns
First I wanted to say that I’m not a full time photographer. I do this on the side and I’m always looking to improve how I shoot.
My main problem that I always seem to struggle with is the fact of how to get the “Look” out of the person that I’m shooting. I take nice pictures but that was it, just nice. Not amazing and it’s not because I didn’t understand the technical side. Set up lights and once you have them set, you are good to shoot. The problem was direction. When I saw the first video that fstoppers put up with Peter, I knew that his work was amazing. When I heard that you guys were making an instructional video of Peter’s business, I was so interested in it.At first I was thinking about the $300 and saying like many of you out there that this was a lot of money. After a lot of thought, I said to myself that the team at Fstoppers have NEVER let me down. They always post videos and instructions that are so helpful so would they actual put something out there that was not worth it. If you are coming to the Fstoppers website on a regular basis, you know that this is true.I downloaded the video on Friday afternoon and by saturday at 12 I already finished watching it. I was SO DISAPPOINTED!!!! SO DISAPPOINTED THAT IT ENDED. I wanted more. Peter has tips that I have never thought about. There are photographers that teach in this industry that stand out. Zach Arias, Scott Kelby, Jasmine Star and now there is Peter Hurley.Here is the best statement that I can come up with. This DVD has Changed the way that I shoot forever. I will NEVER shoot the way that I did before. I will never pick up another magazine and not think about what I learned from this video.After this video was over, I sat and looked at myself in a mirror trying the things Peter suggested. There are things that I never noticed and it was looking at a different person.Is $300 worth changing your photography for a life time??? For me, it’s worth every penny.
Lance
http://www.patrickhallphotography.com Patrick Hall
You are too kind Lance. It’s been great getting responses like this and we are currently working to bring everyone more Peter in the future. In the meantime, Peter does offer a full weekend Intensive where you can learn everything from him in his studio. Peter’s filming abilities aren’t as good as ours…..but you can check out how much fun people are having at his Intensives here: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/peter-hurley-photography#utm_campaign=www.facebook.com&utm_source=3288412&utm_medium=social
http://www.patrickhallphotography.com Patrick Hall
You are too kind Lance. It’s been great getting responses like this and we are currently working to bring everyone more Peter in the future. In the meantime, Peter does offer a full weekend Intensive where you can learn everything from him in his studio. Peter’s filming abilities aren’t as good as ours…..but you can check out how much fun people are having at his Intensives here: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/peter-hurley-photography#utm_campaign=www.facebook.com&utm_source=3288412&utm_medium=social
http://www.patrickhallphotography.com Patrick Hall
You are too kind Lance. It’s been great getting responses like this and we are currently working to bring everyone more Peter in the future. In the meantime, Peter does offer a full weekend Intensive where you can learn everything from him in his studio. Peter’s filming abilities aren’t as good as ours…..but you can check out how much fun people are having at his Intensives here: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/peter-hurley-photography#utm_campaign=www.facebook.com&utm_source=3288412&utm_medium=social
Duncan Bell
Appreciate it Lee but I left it going all night and some of the next morning and it’s now all in. It was just weird as part 2 was downloading literally 10 times faster? Getting stuck into the content tonight, can’t wait!
http://twitter.com/jjwhtn Josh Wheaton
Can someone clear up something for me?
How is he able to get such sharp images at 1/60 when using a 120mm lens and no strobe, just “hot” lights?
Also, what is the conversion from MF to 35mm where he says 120mm f/6.3 = 85mm f/1.2 (and how would you ever be able to shoot with strobes at f/1.2 without many ND filters)?
http://www.facebook.com/peterhurleyphotographer Peter Hurley
Lance,
This is exactly what I wanted each photographer to get out of the dvd. When I started, direction was the one thing that I knew I needed to do to have my pictures stand out from the crowd. I was a good photographer at that time, but I had a burning desire to be a great photographer. I know it’s the key that made the difference for me. It means the world to me that you got it from this and it’s changed the way you think about your photography. Thanks for sharing and feel free to touch base with me anytime if you have any questions. Best, Peter

Fstoppers Original: Peter Hurley’s The Art Behind The Headshot Is Live

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