Jacksonville’s Expert Professional Headshot Photographer
Creating Scroll Stopping Images in Jacksonville, St Augustine and Ponte Vedra Beach

I had a wonderful experience with Cottrell Photographers. Chris provided a great environment where I immediately felt comfortable. He is very clearly an expert at his craft and made sure he got the best shot. The quality of his work is phenomenal and I was referred through the Portraits for Patriots program.

Chris at Cottrell Photographers exceeded every expectation. From the start, he made the process easy to understand and helped me feel fully prepared. His passion for the craft shows in how clearly he communicates and how much care he puts into every detail. The headshots turned out incredible, sharp, professional, and uniquely me. Chris guided me through subtle adjustments in posture and expression, always aiming for the best result. He went above and beyond to make sure everything, from lighting to background, fit perfectly. If you want a photographer who’s not only talented but truly invested in your success, I highly recommend Chris. You’ll walk away with photos that make a powerful first impression.

Chris was fabulous to work with - very flexible and had great suggestions that made the photo look great. He has my strongest recommendation for anyone looking for professional headshots!

Chris is truly an expert and will definitely deliver an amazing final product. Highly recommend him for headshots and any other photography needs!

The photos Chris had taken for me came out fantastic! Couldnt ask for anything better.

Coming from a young man transition from the Navy and looking to make the best first impression into a career field, Chris make the headshot portion the smoothest part! Highly recommed for sure!

Chris was fantastic! I loved working with him and the care he has for his job is evident. He also volunteers his time for portraits for patriots, would recommend him to anyone.

Chris was absolute scholar. Very professional, funny and definitely helps loosen the tension. I can’t thank you enough for the patience he gave me and my family during this transition and during the birth of our son. He was unbelievably patient and very attentive. Hands down, would work with again!

Chris was very personable and knowledgeable. His enthusiasm for photography shows in his work! I received great quality photos, with great quality service, in an expeditious manner. I would highly recommend Chris for your photography needs!

Chris is one of the most thorough and professional photographers I’ve ever worked with. From our first interaction to the final delivery, he brought a level of care and expertise that made the entire experience smooth and stress-free. What stood out most was his attention to detail. He didn’t just take a few quick shots. He took the time to understand the purpose of the headshots, walked me through his process, and offered thoughtful recommendations that clearly reflected his experience. The final product speaks for itself. The photos are polished, high-quality, and make a strong first impression. If you need a headshot photographer who combines technical skill with real professionalism, Chris is the one to call. I highly recommend him.

I was referred to Chris through the Portraits for Patriots organization and I am thankful he was the photographer I got to get to work with! I am retiring from the US Navy after 20 years, and I had never taken professional headshots before. Chris provided a guide on what to wear and what to expect and it really helped me decide how I wanted my photos to express me for my next journey. Chris is an amazing photographer and his attention to detail on the day of the photo shoot was impeccable! He made sure we got everything right from the lighting, to the pose and everything in between! I highly recommend using Chris for all of your photography needs and I will definitely be using him for any future photo updates! Thanks for everything Chris! 🫡

Chris is great! I tried to use him for some corporate headshots almost a year ago but my schedule had an unrealistic timeline. Here were are 9-10 months later and i called him and couldnt believe he remembered me. Anyway, he just delivered headshots for a new hire and they came out fantastic and they PROMPTLY. Will be sending more his way whenever i can!

Great experience taking my headshot with Chris. He does his job well. I got my picture in a day and the quality and the results met my expectations. Highly recommend his services. He is really friendly and professional ⭐️

Chris was awesome to work with. He was able to fit me into his schedule on very short notice and was able to email me the finished photos within 24 hours. I really enjoyed getting to meet and work with Chris and recommend anyone in the Jacksonville area to reach out if you need any photos taken. Thanks so much, Chris- it was so nice to meet you!

Chris is a great professional who does quality work. His support of transitioning veterans it’s amazing.

I recently had the opportunity to work with Chris Cotrell for a headshot session through the “Portraits for Patriots” program, and it was a fantastic experience. Chris is a true professional—he made the entire process easy and enjoyable from start to finish. He offered great suggestions throughout the session to help make the most of our time, and we covered a variety of looks including business, business casual, and casual. Chris’s attention to detail and guidance made a big difference in the quality of the session. I’m excited to see the final prints! I would highly recommend Chris Cotrell Photographers to anyone looking for professional headshots or portrait work.

I had a great experience with Chris for some professional headshots. He was very detail oriented, experienced, and did a great job!

Being the type of person who dislikes sitting for a photo, Chris did an AMAZING job of putting me at ease and making the session fun. I needed a professional headshot to accompany a college alumni nomination application. Interestingly, the best photo was the one where he altered the background lighting to be more "artistic". All the pictures he captured turned out very well and now I can update photos on all my professional accounts. THANK YOU, Chris.

I wasn’t sure where to get a professional headshot around this area. I went to google and found Chris. He did not disappoint! Very genuine and kind guy. We had a lot of good conversation and the pictures are fantastic! Highly recommend him to anyone for a great experience and photos.

Mr. Cottrell is a awesome photographer who is very professional, he took the time to ensure his camera equipment was set up properly to capture my headshot perfectly. He made me feel at ease with his friendly and inviting personality. Highly recommend his service if you are in need of professional headshots or photos. As a Veteran I am grateful for his service to those who have served this country.

Amazing !!!! He exceeded my expectations. There’s not enough stars to give for his excellent service.

Chris did an amazing job on my headshots I gave him a goal I had set in mind of how I wanted it to come off which he delivered on. He touched up the photos really well to make it more presentable. Chris also made the process very easy. He is a fun and personable photogapher who I plan to use again in the future

Chris has been a client, and in a few years he’s become a great friend. Dependable, consistent, respectful and very professional are a few adjectives to describe him. Our team has recently completed a company photoshoot with his company and he was amazing. He loves his work and it shows through his excitement to be behind the camera and his finished product. For corporate headshots to personal shots, he’s your man. Thanks for a wonderful shoot with my team, Chris!

The most amazing photoshoot I have ever had. Chris is so professional and very sweet. The photos came out stupendous. I am very impressed with his work and will be returning in the future for more photoshoots.

Stop! You have found the place for your pictures 🤩 Chris will make it worth the adventure. I required some urgent headshots and he went above and beyond. His expertise will ease your worries and your nerves (I know I was 😅). Very professional and a caring personality. He will make sure your pictures are uniquely tied to your needs and surpass your expectations. I didn’t know exactly what to wear and he was able to pick the winning outfits very quickly. He is so organized and very easy to communicate with. He provides information beforehand for you to be ready and is always open to any questions. Thank you again Chris for a wonderful time 🙌🙏

Awesome professional headshot session! Needed something urgent for a work event and found Chris. So professional and loved his work. Thank you Chris!

10/10 - great experience! Chris was extremely professional and helpful during my process of transitioning out of the military and acquiring professional headshots. I am so thankful to have the opportunity to have worked with him and have this service offered through Portraits for Patriots. I am very pleased with the final product.

I had the best experience taking my professional headshots with Chris. He made it a very easy and fun experience, and I could not recommend him more!

Chris made my experience fun. He isn't stuffy or short. Super nice and easy-going, The finished product was perfect. He sent me my photos exactly when he said he would.

We had a fantastic experience with Chris who was professional, and incredibly efficient.

Chris is great to work with and very professional. He did a great job photographing my corporate group in Ponte Vedra, Florida. My client was very happy with his work.

Great experience with a courteous, professional and efficient photographer.

Chris is a talented photographer with an eye for the perfect shot! Highly recommend!

Truly a great experience! Very professional and very helpful during this process. As a veteran getting ready to transition to a civilian career, it was such a blessing to have this service offered through Mr. Cottrell!

I recently had the pleasure of working with Chris for a photoshoot, and I couldn’t be more impressed. Not only is he incredibly talented behind the lens, but he also has a keen eye for detail and composition. He made the entire process smooth and enjoyable, giving clear directions while still allowing me to feel natural and comfortable. The final shots were stunning, and the quality exceeded my expectations. His professionalism and creativity shine through in every photo, and I’d highly recommend him to anyone in need of a top-notch photographer. Five stars all the way!

Chris is a true professional and expert. He was very nice and easy to work with. He works miracles! Somehow he made me look great in my photos.

As someone that does not like having his photo taken, I can say that Chris did an amazing job at making me feel comfortable and relaxed during my photo session. Best of all, Chris listened to what I wanted to accomplish with my photos, we worked very much in collaboration with each other-I wasn't just told what to do. Best of all, I love the finished product. What I thought would be a stressful session turned out to be a lot of fun! I couldn't recommend Chris more highly, a pleasure to meet and work with.

Chris is a fantastic human being and an excellent photographer. He is great at getting people comfortable taking pictures and understanding a company's vision. Every one of my staff loved interacting with him and we will certainly use him for all of our future needs.

Very easy and welcoming experience. Received my headshots 2-3 days after the session!

I had the pleasure of having headshots done by Chris. First off, he volunteers his time to provide his services to provide headshots for veterans which I can't thank him enough for. He is a truly a professional and had the best eye for lighting and positioning. He has an eye and passion for what he does and I'm extremely grateful to have had photos taken by him!

Great communication, very friendly, and accommodating to my busy schedule. His attention to deal with lighting, and editing is above the top!!!! He knows exactly what to look for and strives for perfection in his photography.

Chris is a true professional and did an amazing job with my head shot. He creates a great environment to capture the best shot! Would 100% recommend using his services.












Why Quality Headshots Matter
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, C-suite executive, actor, or student, let’s work together to capture a headshot that:
- grabs attention in your field
- sparks conversations with prospects and partners
- makes recruiters pause on your profile
- kick-starts your next opportunity…and more…
Ready for your new look?
Getting Started with us...
1. Book a Session
2. Get Prepared
3. Enjoy Your Shoot
Finding the right photographer is key. You need someone who takes the time to understand your goals, puts you at ease, and ensures the session reflects your aspirations.
This is more than a photo—it’s an investment in yourself or your business. Let’s make sure it’s done right…
A few of the brands who trust Chris at Cottrell Photographers












I'm Chris
If you’re looking for a photographer who’s going to take time to get to know you & who genuinely cares about what you want to achieve, you’re in the right place. I get a thrill every time I hear a client tell me they “got the job” or that their brand started getting enquiries that they’d never dreamt of. Making a difference to you is at the heart of what I do. I truly believe that when you make the decision to book a photographer, it’s because you’ve decided that something needs to change. I believe in taking time with you, both before the photoshoot & during – we both want you to be comfortable, happy & confident, whether it’s a…
- headshot
- team headshots or
- family portraits
It honestly does come out in your final pictures. As a Certified Professional Photographer, I know what I am doing. I have over 20 years of corporate photography experience.

What makes me different?
Experience
With years of creative photography behind me I use each experience to continually build on my skill level which means amazing photos for you!
20
Attention to Detail
I will not rest until you have the photographs you imagined. It’s the small touches that make such a big difference in your final portraits.
100+
Qualification
As a Professional Photographers of America (PPA), Certified Photographer, I’m in the tiny percentage of artists who strive for this level of excellence.
700
Recognized Member
I'm an Associate Member of Headshots Matter, an invite-only network of headshot pros worldwide. Membership is earned through a vetting process for skill, consistency, and client care. When you see the Headshots Matter logo, you’re getting images that meet a global standard.
Investing in Professional Photography
Hiring a professional photographer is an investment in yourself and your business. This decision signifies that you take yourself seriously and value high-quality visual representation. You deserve a photographer who shares this understanding and is dedicated to delivering exceptional results. That’s what you get at Cottrell Photographers
• Personal investment: Shows you take yourself seriously
• Business investment: Enhances your business’s visual representation.
• Dedication to quality: Work with someone who values exceptional results.
What to Look for in a Professional Photographer
A professional photographer should prioritise attention to detail and provide comprehensive support. They should offer expert styling advice before the shoot and ensure you feel comfortable and confident during the session. Their focus should be on capturing images that serve a specific purpose, such as enhancing your online profile, improving job application photos, or creating compelling business imagery. Our goal at Cottrell Photographers is to exceed your expectations and deliver photos that are not just visually appealing but also strategically effective.
• Attention to detail: Ensures high-quality results.
• Styling advice: Prepares you before the shoot.
• Comfort and confidence: Makes you feel at ease during the session.
• Purpose-driven: Captures images that serve specific goals.
The Purpose of Professional Photography
Your headshots and business images need to work for you and serve a purpose beyond just being attractive pictures. Whether you want a better online profile, an impressive photo for job applications, or business imagery that attracts your dream clients, your photos should always have an objective. At Cottrell Photographers we understand this and aim to deliver images that align with your specific goals.
• Enhanced online profile: Improves your digital presence.
• Impressive job applications: Provides standout photos for applications.
• Compelling business imagery: Attracts ideal clients.
• Objective-driven: Ensures photos meet specific purposes.
The Benefits of Professional Photography
Investing in accredited, professional photography yields significant benefits. It enhances your personal and professional image, building trust and credibility in your brand. The right photos create a strong impression, boosting your confidence and motivation. This demonstration of professionalism and commitment leads to tangible results, helping you achieve your goals and see noticeable improvements in your endeavours. Speak to us to find out more!
• Trust and credibility: Strengthens your brand.
• Strong impression: Creates the desired impact.
• Confidence and motivation: Boosts your self-assurance.
• Professionalism and commitment: Shows dedication to quality.
• Achieve goals: Leads to tangible, noticeable results.
Revive Your Image in 3 Easy Steps
Book a Session
Start by scheduling your professional headshot or branding photo session with Cottrell Photographers using our easy online scheduler. Simply select the service you need, choose a convenient day and time, and either select a Zoom consultation or book a session.
Get Prepared!
Once you’ve scheduled your session, we’ll send you a complimentary video conference call invitation. During the call, we’ll discuss wardrobe, colors, looks, and lots more to ensure we capture the very best photos. Photos that you’ll not only love but you’ll also use online everywhere.
Your Session
Don’t worry if you’re camera-shy, I’ll provide you with straightforward advice on how to get the right look for your photographs. During and after the photo session, we’ll have a lot of fun together creating top-notch headshots. Your retouched headshots will be completed within 72 hours and ready to post online. No surprises – only great headshots.
Today I learned a lot...

Working with Chris was an absolute pleasure.
His attention to detail, extensive knowledge, and experience were invaluable. He explains every pose and what they mean to the viewer.Today I learned a lot.Thank you for making me look and feel my best, Chris. Can’t wait to work together again soon.

Successful Headshot & Branding Photography
Grab a copy of my free guide, “Tips and Ideas for Successful Headshot and Branding Photography”. This is stacked full of fantastic advice, gathered from many years of working with clients just like you!
Learn about what to wear, how to choose your colours and how to use your headshots across social media. You’ll get:
- 6 fabulous styling tips that will set you apart from the competition
- A super checklist to help you prepare for your shoot
- Learn how to use your photo shoot to take your brand to the next level
- Plus! The inside scoop – avoid common mistakes made by people who weren’t smart enough to get this guide!