Bridget Corke Photography
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JOHANNESBURG Portrait PHOTOGRAPHER

As a professional Johannesburg portrait photographer, I capture enlightening and authentic portraits for discerning clients to build their brands.

In today's business world, much of our networking is online. Your branding is more important than ever, and that is why a high-quality photo is your first meeting with the public.

Style

Choose a headshot photographer whose style resonates with you. My style is contemporary and clean. Never trendy. A return on your investment for years. View my portrait portfolio to satisfy yourself and ensure you will work with a true professional.

Portrait Pricing

I charge a session fee to capture an incredible selection of photos; afterwards, you buy the images you love. Contact me for a quote.

Whichever photographer you choose, you're going to spend money. Like any quality product or service, good photography is expensive because it is costly to create quality images. If dissatisfied, you may not have the budget or time to re-shoot with another photographer. It is less expensive to get it right the first time.

Portrait Photographer

I will be your photographer. If I can't take your photos, I will reschedule your session. I will never outsource. I will dispel your anxiety and make you look:

  • approachable
  • authentic
  • comfortable
  • competent
  • friendly
  • honest
  • interesting
  • natural
  • professional
  • relaxed

Portrait Clients

You are my typical client if you are looking for:

  • actor portraits
  • accountant portraits
  • activist portraits
  • advocate portraits
  • annual report portraits
  • artist portraits
  • attorney portraits
  • author portraits
  • banker portraits
  • board portraits
  • business portraits
  • corporate portraits
  • doctor portraits
  • educator portraits
  • engineering portraits
  • Executive portraits
  • formal portraits
  • healthcare portraits
  • journalist portraits
  • lawyer portraits
  • medical portraits
  • model portraits
  • online dating portraits
  • personal portraits
  • physician portraits
  • politician portraits
  • professional portraits
  • real estate portraits
  • reporter portraits
  • speaker portraits
  • sportswomen portraits
  • student portraits
  • surgeon portraits
  • teacher portraits
  • therapist portraits
  • veterinarian portraits
  • victim portraits
  • writer portraits

Posing

It is not your job to know how to pose; it is mine to guide and direct you throughout your session. I pay close attention to the seven posing rules

  • chin
  • shoulders
  • hands
  • hourglass
  • body language
  • asymmetry
  • connection

I start by ensuring you are comfortable and relaxed, experimenting with different angles to find the most flattering perspective, and finally, interacting to elicit genuine expressions and emotions. My portrait portfolio showcases my posing superpower and ability to capture the perfect shot.

Detail

I pay closer attention to the smallest details, such as where your hair falls, straight ties, and removing fluff. Did these finer details ruin your previous portraits?

Retouching

I focus on a natural look with subtle adjustments and enhancements. It is important to look like yourself. My editing skills are another superpower and worth the price: a value exchange.

Flexibility

I like to shoot a three-quarter image—a 4:6 ratio—which allows for cropping flexibility for various media platforms. Having options is a practical approach.

Three Quarter Length Uncropped Portrait Photograph Tight 8x10 Portrait Crop Round Cropped Headshot Example

Portrait Wardrobe

Your wardrobe should be appropriate - you must look the part.

Plan your wardrobe well in advance - nothing worse than forgetting an essential item.

Don't wear your outfit to your session.

Bring your wardrobe on hangers to prevent it from getting creased.

You can do as many wardrobe changes as you like - time permitting.

General Wardrobe Suggestions

  • Solid colours are safe, practical and timeless.
  • A fresh white or checked collared buttoned shirt and a black, charcoal or dark navy suit work well on dark and light backgrounds.
  • Dark colours are slimming.
  • Collared shirts should not be loose or tight.
  • Layering gives interest, and flowing chiffon blouses hit the mark for women.
  • Prints and florals can work.
  • If you don't want your arms to show, cover them.
  • If anything needs dry cleaning or ironing, take care of it.
  • For online dating portraits, bring what you wear on a first date.
  • Smartwatches are not timeless.
  • Keep jewellery to a minimum.
  • If you usually wear glasses, your headshot and portrait should show you wearing them. Anti-reflective lens coatings are best.
  • If you are still unsure, bring everything. I'll help you select.

As a professional, view my portrait wardrobe tips to project professionalism, competence and approachability.

Hair

If your visit to the hairdresser is due, go a week before the shoot. This way, you will have time to get used to it, and the cut will grow slightly.

Hands and Nails

So often overlooked, ensure you moisturise your hands and trim your nails. If you colour your nails, choose a neutral or clear tone.

Make-up

I can arrange professional make-up for an additional fee; however, your going-on-a-date make-up and hair will work. I recommend natural make-up over complete makeovers.

Portrait Applications

I produce eye-catching portraits for annual reports, company profiles, company image libraries, marketing material, online dating, personal branding, presentations, social media profiles, and Z-cards for acting and modelling applications.

Online Platforms

In today's business world, much of our networking is online. I will prepare your portraits for social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, WeChat, WhatsApp, YouTube, and Tinder.

Scheduling

Plan your portrait photo session two weeks in advance. I will happily work with you if this time doesn't work.


There are few certainties in life, but if you come into my studio, I will capture the most incredible photos you have ever seen of yourself – that is my superpower - and it will give me enormous pleasure.

Personal Branding Photo Gallery


Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to my most frequently asked questions as a professional portrait photographer.

I charge two fees: a session fee and an image fee.
My session fee includes your pre-shoot consultation, time, equipment, overflowing creative juices and enthusiasm.
The image fee includes the edited, high- and low-resolution files in colour and black and white, delivered via a WeTransfer link.
It is best to have a handful of striking, individually edited photos from an incredible selection instead of 30 average photos. Because I sell my images individually, I'm highly motivated to work harder than most. It's an investment and value-for-value exchange.
I require full payment to secure your session.
I require full payment to edit your selected images.
I accept EFTs.
Your first meeting with the public is a high-quality photo. Your portrait is a powerful tool in shaping and communicating your brand effectively.
Think of your portrait session as an investment in your brand. It's practical to use the opportunity to get a handful of eye-catching images for different contexts - social media profiles, websites, speaking engagements and more - LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X, WhatsApp, YouTube, and Tinder for presentations, marketing material, annual reports and Z-cards for acting and modelling portfolios.
A headshot is a head-and-shoulder photo that shows what you look like. While headshots are pretty straightforward, portraits are less formal and more enlightening. A portrait allows for artistic license, i.e., using dramatic light or props to tell a story about yourself. A portrait can be head-and-shoulders, from the waist up, or show the complete figure. Read more about headshots vs portraits.
I've prepared a list of getting-ready tips to make your shoot successful. It all boils down to planning.
You must look the part. View my portrait portfolio for loads of ideas, and read through the list of wardrobe ideas for professionals.
  • Plan your wardrobe well in advance - nothing worse than forgetting an essential item.
  • If anything needs dry cleaning or ironing, take care of it.
  • Bring your outfits on hangers to prevent wrinkles.
  • Time permitting, you can make as many wardrobe changes as you want at my studio.
I can arrange professional make-up for an additional fee. However, your going-on-a-date make-up and hair will work.
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.
Knowing how to pose is not your job; I will guide and direct you throughout to enhance the effectiveness of your portrait in communicating who you are and what you represent.

I focus on the seven posing rules:
  • chin
  • shoulders
  • hands
  • hourglass
  • body language
  • asymmetry
  • connection
Posing for your portraits is not just about looking good; it's about conveying the right message.
Yes. I will edit your images. It is another one of my superpowers.
I focus on a natural look with subtle adjustments and enhancements to keep you recognisable.
Absolutely. We will discuss examples that you are drawn to in our pre-shoot consultation. I will ask you to send me examples of poses, backgrounds, and lighting styles so I can create something similar.
Read my client reviews and be assured being made to feel comfortable is another one of my superpowers.

It is just you and me, no onlookers. I don't rush shoots. I try different poses, some with posing props, to gradually relax and build confidence in front of the camera. In the end, you only buy the photos that you love.
If I can't take your photos, I will reschedule your session. I will be your photographer - never outsourced. After all, you fell in love with my unique creative vision captured through my lens.
My studio has an inverter to take care of blackouts.
Time permitting, we will go through your shoot immediately or arrange a convenient time for you to come back to view them. I will guide you in selecting the very best. There are no hard sells.
You have two weeks to finalise your order before it is archived.
Your images are priceless. Storage is expensive. My responsibility is massive. I charge R2 500 to retrieve your shoot from the archive.
It typically takes up to ten days to edit portraits.
I have been a dedicated portrait photographer since 2005.
I have an international Master's in portrait photography, one of only two in Africa, from The Portrait Masters and have garnered multiple portrait awards from my industry peers.

I also have a degree in the humanities from Wits University.
EXPERIENCE
I have been a dedicated portrait photographer since 2005. My genuine interest in people's emotions, recognition of the power of photos to tell a story, and sharp eye make me a natural portrait photographer.

PRICE
My pricing is simple and a value-for-value exchange. Getting it right the first time is often less expensive.

REPUTATION
My reputation is on the line every time I photograph people. Since every aspect of customer service is a matter of public record online, I am highly motivated to do an incredible job and capture the best photo you have ever seen of yourself. Here is a quick link to my reviews and compliments, also available with a Google search.

QUALITY
I work from my dedicated studio and use professional equipment. My photos are properly exposed, sharp, and well-framed. My portfolio is extensive and speaks for itself.

STYLE
My unique style is contemporary and clean. It has remained the same since 2005. It is never trendy and will provide a return on your investment for years.
Good portrait photography is an investment. Like any quality product or service, running a professional photography studio that produces high-quality images is not cheap. Cameras, lighting, studio and computer equipment are expensive. Software to edit and process files, plus archiving, is paid monthly in US dollars. And the never-ending challenge of your computer being too old for firmware updates.

Lousy photography is even more expensive. If you don't like your photos, you will have wasted your money; if a re-shoot is possible, you will have to spend more. It is better to get it right the first time.
Fantastic. Contact me. Let's secure your session date and set up a pre-shoot telephonic consultation.

JOHANNESBURG PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHER

© 2005 -2024 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