How do we create a professional portrait?

At Studio Flabbergasted, we shoot portraits all the time. From staff directories for large law firms to strong, conceptual images that carry a brand identity. But in a world where everyone always has a camera in their pocket, it’s a fair question: what really makes a professional portrait different from a quick iPhone photo?

What comes before the click?

The answer isn’t in one single thing, but in everything that comes before it. A good portrait doesn’t start with pressing the shutter button, but with understanding the story behind it. Who’s in front of the camera? What do you want to convey? And how do we translate that into an image that sticks?

To reach that level, everything starts with a strong foundation. That’s why we always kick off with a briefing. Not a quick intake, but a moment where you really get to know our photographer.

By asking targeted questions, we dive deep.

We then translate that input into a clear visual plan. Think of a moodboard where atmosphere, light, colours and composition come together. That way, everyone has the same picture in mind before the camera is even switched on.

But it doesn’t stop there. Besides visual inspiration, we also actively think along about styling. What will you wear? Which colours strengthen your story? And what doesn’t work on camera? By steering this carefully in advance, we make sure everything is just right.

Your moment of fame

And then it’s time for the photoshoot. The moment where everything comes together. We welcome you to our colourful studio, or we come to you. Because we know that a familiar environment can give you that little bit of extra ease, and you can see it in the final image.

One of the biggest differences from an ‘ordinary iPhone photo’ is the use of light. Where a phone depends on whatever light is already there, we build the lighting completely ourselves. In our studio and on location, we work with professional lighting that’s not only flattering, but also sets exactly the right mood.

That way, we control shadows, highlights and contrast down to the last detail.

Besides directing the light, we also guide you throughout the entire shoot. Not sure how to stand? No problem. Our photographer helps you step by step, gives clear directions and shows you what works and why.

But perhaps even more important: we make sure you feel at ease. Because it’s exactly when you relax that there’s room for real expression. No forced smile, but a pose and presence that feel natural and therefore convince on camera.

After the shoot, we’re not done yet. In fact, this is when we dot the i’s together. You look through the shots with the photographer straight away and select your favourite images.

We do this together very deliberately. Not just because we have a professional eye for what works, but mainly because you need to feel good about the photo you’re going to use. After all, it’s your face, your story.

By involving you in the selection, we make sure the end result is not only strong, but also truly suits you. And that’s exactly what matters most to us.

The final edit

Picked your favourite photo? Then the final step begins for us: adding that extra spark.

With careful retouching, we get the very best out of your portrait. Subtle where it needs to be, bold where it can be. With conceptual photography, we can really make a difference using Photoshop techniques and, where appropriate, smart use of AI. That’s how we take the image to the next level and strengthen the story you want to tell.

Going for more classic staff directory portraits? Then we keep it refined. We make sure your strengths shine even more, without it ever feeling unnatural. Fresh, powerful and completely you.

Once everything is perfectly finished, we deliver your photos in high resolution through a clear online gallery. No hassle, just a nice place where you can easily view, share and download your images.

Whether you use them for your website, LinkedIn, presentations or campaigns, your portraits are ready to use right away. Just the way it should be.