Bridget Corke Photography
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Headshot Photography Johannesburg

Headshots That Speak Volumes

In today’s digital world, your first impression is often made online — long before you step into a meeting room or onto a stage. A professional headshot isn’t just a photograph; it’s your digital handshake, your introduction, and your story told through light, expression, and style.

As a Johannesburg master of portrait photography, I create headshots that balance authenticity with polish. My studio is where confidence, credibility, and connection meet. Whether you’re an executive redefining your corporate image, a creative enhancing your personal brand, or a professional ready to stand out online, your session is designed to reveal the very best version of you.

The Art of a Professional Headshot

A great headshot blends technical excellence with emotional truth. It’s not about forcing a smile or striking a pose — it’s about how light shapes your features, how direction guides your confidence, and how the camera captures your unique energy.

With two decades of experience, I’ve photographed leaders, authors, advocates, actors, and innovators. Each session is personalised, ensuring that your portraits convey both professionalism and personality. The result? A collection of headshots that radiate approachability, intelligence, and authenticity — crafted with intention and artistry.

Bridget is a genius at her craft. The photos she took of me are without doubt the best that have ever been taken of me. They have elevated my personal brand, and I am so proud to use them in my brand communication. Lexi Ross

My Signature Studio Experience

A Relaxed, Guided, and Empowering Process

From the moment you arrive, the experience is personal and effortless. You are guided every step of the way — from wardrobe styling and posing to lighting direction and final image selection. My seven posing principles ensure you never appear stiff or uncertain. Instead, each gesture feels natural, confident, and expressive.

The Seven Principles of Posing

  1. Chin — subtle adjustments to convey confidence

  2. Shoulders — align and angle to flatter your frame

  3. Hands — placement that feels poised yet relaxed

  4. Shape — enhancing form with elegant posture

  5. Body Language — balancing professionalism and warmth

  6. Asymmetry — adding energy and visual interest

  7. Connection — capturing genuine emotion and expression

Every direction I give is designed to help you look (and feel) like yourself — composed, capable, and authentic.

Lighting That Defines and Refines

In my studio, light sculpts rather than illuminates. My signature Broncolor setup ensures crisp precision and dimensionality. With subtle variations — soft diffused light for warmth, single-source light for drama, or clean white for a modern aesthetic — each image is created with intention.

These timeless setups ensure your headshots won’t date or feel trendy. Instead, they will remain as relevant and professional in years to come as they are today.

Wardrobe and Grooming Guidelines

Plan Your Look

Your wardrobe plays an important role in defining your image. I recommend planning your outfits ahead of time and bringing them neatly on hangers to avoid creases. You’re welcome to change outfits during the session — we’ll decide together which options work best with your chosen background and lighting.

Timeless Recommendations

  • Colours: Solid tones photograph best — classic black, navy, charcoal, and white always look polished.

  • Fit: Ensure clothing fits properly; tailored lines flatter more than loose fits.

  • Style: For women, soft fabrics like chiffon or silk add elegance; for men, a crisp collared shirt under a blazer conveys professionalism.

  • Accessories: Minimal jewellery or watches keep the focus on you. Avoid smartwatches or large logos.

  • Maintenance: Clean, pressed garments show attention to detail.

Hair, Makeup, and Nails

  • Schedule haircuts a week before the shoot for a natural finish.

  • If opting for makeup, I recommend soft, natural tones that enhance rather than transform.

  • Hands appear in many portraits — keep them moisturised, with nails neatly trimmed or painted in neutral tones.

You’re welcome to add a professional makeup artist to your session for a flawless, camera-ready look.

Natural Retouching — Subtle, Honest, Refined

My editing philosophy is guided by authenticity. Every portrait is refined with precision, removing distractions while preserving what makes you you. Stray hairs, blemishes, and minor distractions are corrected without altering your natural features.

This approach ensures your headshots appear genuine and polished — ready for LinkedIn, company websites, marketing materials, or personal branding portfolios.

Who Needs Professional Headshots?

In a digital-first world, your image often speaks before you do. My Johannesburg headshot sessions are tailored for:

  • Executives, board members, and entrepreneurs

  • Actors, authors, and artists

  • Professionals in law, medicine, academia, and finance

  • Speakers, educators, and consultants

  • Creatives, models, and media professionals

  • Individuals enhancing their dating or social profiles

Whether for LinkedIn, corporate websites, press releases, or personal branding, a professional headshot elevates how others perceive you — and how you see yourself.

Optimised for Every Platform

I prepare each image in multiple formats optimised for your needs — square crops for LinkedIn, vertical for websites, and web-ready files for easy sharing. Each image is meticulously colour-graded and sized to ensure consistency across your digital platforms.

Your portraits are supplied in both high-resolution and web-optimised versions, ensuring they look their best whether printed in an annual report or viewed on a phone.

Why Clients Choose Me

Experience

Since 2005, I’ve specialised in portrait and headshot photography, blending technical mastery with emotional insight to produce world-class results.

Reputation

Each client’s satisfaction directly shapes my reputation — something I protect passionately. My testimonials speak to a consistent experience of professionalism, empathy, and excellence.

Accreditation

As one of only two Master Portrait Photographers in Africa (The Portrait Masters), my studio represents a standard of artistry and quality recognised internationally.

Style

My headshot style is minimalist and timeless. It’s designed to transcend trends, offering lasting value for your personal or professional brand.

Studio Excellence

Located in Blairgowrie, my dedicated Johannesburg studio is equipped with professional Broncolor lighting and a full inverter system — ensuring uninterrupted sessions even during load-shedding.

Headshot Pricing and Booking

An Investment in Your Professional Image

Your headshot is more than an image — it’s an investment in how the world sees you. With my expertise, top-tier equipment, and fine-art retouching, each portrait is designed to reveal your best self: poised, confident, and authentic.

Booking Your Session

Please book your headshot photography session at least two weeks in advance to secure your preferred date. Once confirmed, we’ll schedule a personal consultation to discuss your wardrobe, goals, and the lighting style that best reflects your brand and personality.

Headshot Collections

Every client’s needs are unique — that’s why I offer three bespoke Headshot Collections, each tailored to align with your goals and brand. Instead of a one-size-fits-all list, I’ll personally recommend the ideal collection during our consultation, ensuring exceptional value and results.

Frequently Asked Questions

As a professional Johannesburg headshot photographer with two decades of experience, I've answered just about every question imaginable. Here are the most common ones to help you prepare and feel confident before your session.

A headshot focuses on your face and shoulders to convey professionalism, while a portrait allows more creative expression, mood, and storytelling. Read more about headshots vs portraits.
No, because I can pose you to flatter your body and remove a kilogram or two in editing if you wish—both are my superpowers.
Yes. I perform all retouching personally, enhancing your natural features with subtle adjustments while maintaining authenticity.
Absolutely. We’ll review your favourite images together during our consultation and tailor your session to achieve a similar look.
That’s where my expertise shines. With over 20 years behind the camera, I’ll guide you with calm confidence, helping you relax, connect, and reveal your best self.
Time permitting, we will go through your shoot immediately or arrange a convenient time for you to come back to view. I will guide you in selecting the very best.
Your edited images are usually ready within ten days.
Fantastic. Contact me. Let's secure your session date and set up a pre-shoot telephonic consultation
Most headshot sessions last between 30 minutes and one hour, depending on outfit changes and lighting variations.

JOHANNESBURG PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHER

© 2005 -2025 Bridget Corke Photography

Blairgowrie, 2194, SOUTH AFRICA

International Master's in portrait photography from The Portrait Masters, one of only two in Africa.

bridget@bridgetcorke.co.za +27828814044