How I Work
Discover How I Capture Your Special Moments
Welcome to the creative hub of Cottrell Photographers, where moments are captured and come alive through the lens and post photo session retouching.
Hi I’m Chris Cottrell, Photographer and my long love of photography goes well beyond the technical side of cameras and lighting. That passion is really all about capturing your essence in the most flattering way possible in order to tell your unique story – brand you! Photo sessions are relaxed, fun, planned and creative!
I believe that everyone is photogenic and it’s my job to work with you to create the best possible version of you. I often think that photo sessions are where we capture special moments and transformed them into timeless memories.
Your Vision, My Lens
In a world saturated with photography, very few are asking “What’s your objective and how will your use your new photos? I think it’s important to understand goals and your vision really is my guiding light. Before every photo session I take the time to ask you a few questions in order to understand your dreams, objectives or desires and the all important story you want to tell. During our call and thoughtful discussions, we’ll shape the foundation that will bring your vision to life. Remember, it’s Your Story, as seen through my lens! this really is the heart of our collaboration.
Crafting the Perfect Plan
Crafting the perfect photograph is a meticulous, precision driven process. When in the studio, post our pre-photo session consultation, we’ll have a plan in place to efficiently and creatively photograph your portraits, headshots or family photos. When an outdoor photo session is required I’ll help with location scouting and selection. I can help with theme setting and scheduling. With my years of experience working with clients just like you, you can be assured that every little detail is considered and noted. My commitment to perfection ensures that your shoot is a seamless experience. With a focus on organization and attention to detail, I create a plan that sets the stage for capturing your moments flawlessly.
Capturing Your Moments
When I hire a professional to do work for me I feel it’s important to stay informed throughout the process. I bring this same mindset to working with my clients – the people who hired me as their Professional Photographer.
During our photography session you can expect a blend of fun, professionalism and creativity! I strive to create an environment where you feel at ease, where we can work together to try different looks, different backdrops and create exactly what you have in mind. This approach enables me to capture the genuine, candid moments that define your story.
Your comfort is my priority, and together through lighting, camera settings and more we’ll pose you and coach you to help create images that resonate with authenticity.
Bringing Your Photos to Life
The journey doesn’t end with the final click of a shutter or me yelling “It’s a Wrap! The images you select for retouching will go into my post-processing workflow. From there I enhance your photos with a skilled and artistic touch, removing blemishes, pimples, fly away hair and more, bringing out their full potential while preserving the natural beauty of each photo. The result? Images that not only tell your story but also quickly connect with the viewer and help push your brand further – headsets that get results!
In the case of family portraits I’ll retouch to enhance the look of the family with my goal being to take you go right back to that precise moment in time when I clicked the chatter button, what was going on and the emotion of that moment.
Your Memories, Ready to Cherish
My clients have often shared with me that the anticipation of seeing their photos for the first time and then seeing the photos come to life during our image reveal meeting was one of thee best experiences from their photographic journey. You’ll receive your final photos seamlessly, whether in digital formats, large wall art, smaller prints, beautifully designed and crafted albums or easily accessible online galleries. The moment your photos are delivered marks the beginning of a lifetime of cherished memories.
With my professional headshot clients I deliver their new, fully retouched headshots ready to post within 72 hours.
Beyond the Lens
When I think about our journey together it extends well beyond the final click of the camera. Offering ongoing support, you can explore additional services like ordering prints, wall art, photo books, albums, framing and collage ideas and more. Your satisfaction is my commitment, ensuring your memories remain as vibrant as the day they were captured or your new professional headshots exceed your objectives. I offer a 100% money back guarantee, if you’re not 100% happy I’ll work to create images that you absolutely love or I’ll give you your money back.
Let’s Create Something Beautiful Together
Ready to embark on this photographic journey? Let’s connect, whether for a short consultation to discuss your vision, explore my portfolio, or to discuss your upcoming photography needs. Message me and let’s create something beautiful together. From new professional headshots, team photos, branding and content photography to family portraits, your story awaits its moment in the spotlight!
About Cottrell Photographers
Chris Cottrell is a Jacksonville, Florida-based professional portrait photographer. He obtained a Graphic Arts Degree from Brunel Technical College in the United Kingdom and he has been practicing the art of photography professionally for over 20 years. His experience ensures you receive the beautiful images you are seeking.
He has been published in various magazines including WNC Magazine & Jacksonville Magazine and has won awards for his work. He is a Professional Photographers of America (PPA) Certified Photographer, a hard-earned accolade ensuring high standards of work for his clients.
He specializes in Professional Headshots, Business Portraits, and Lifestyle/Branding photography. Chris also enjoys family portrait photo sessions and he’s secretly very happy if you include your dog in your family photographs!
FAQs
Booking a professional hair and makeup appointment prior to your headshot session is by no means a requirement but we do recommend it! Why? Well, a headshot will often be the first impression you proffer to employers, clients or prospective customers. With this in mind you should be prepared to look your absolute best! Professional stylists can help cover the blemishes, balance skin tones, suggest flattering hairstyles all of which will help to make you look and feel your absolute best!
If you are using a new stylist or makeup artist it is always a good idea to do a trial run before your headshot session or ask your Professional Headshot Photographer for recommendations. That way you can know for sure that you are getting the look you want. If there is anything you feel uncomfortable about you can bring that up in the trial run rather than scrambling on the big day!!
More Info: Should I Use a Professional Makeup Artist for my Headshots?
I’m camera-shy too! When I think about standing in front of a camera, in a studio with lights etc, and getting professional photos taken, from my clients perspective, it must be a little daunting. I truly believe that most people are a little camera-shy (me included) and I think it’s fundamentally the most important part of a Professional Photographers job to make people feel comfortable and totally at ease in front of the lens!
More Info: I’m quite shy in front of the camera
Depending on your career, business objectives of course, but for ladies a well tailored suit is classic and never goes out of style. I think solid colors work well and you can most definitely add a little of your personality with the blouse or top you choose to wear underneath your suit! You can use different colored shirts and sweaters to obtain totally different looks in one sitting. Be aware that if you are choosing to wear a dark suit it should be clean and lint free. It’s fine to choose some lovely jewelry to accentuate your clothes but try to keep the style understated. Some classic pearls or gold stud earrings are great choices and help project you and your brand.
In most cases a classic, well-fitting, dark gray, or dark blue suit is usually a winner for gentlemen. We recommend solid, with a feint pinstripe in dark blues or grays over wide, bright stripes as the solid colors almost always work well as a foundation for the look you are going for. The “tie” question! I’m often asked whether a tie is necessary in your professional headshot. I say, if you wear a tie at work in any capacity, even just for meetings, you should consider having one or two headshots with ties for your professional portfolio, to use as needed. Additionally, a business casual photo can also be helpful for social media content and business posts. A white or pale shirt with complementing darker tie that compliments your eye color, jacket and shirt choice should work well for you.
More Info: What to Wear for Headshots
