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Welcome to our Creative Guide' — a look inside our portrait photography studio in Portsmouth, and the people, photography and stories behind the shoots we create.
We work with families, individuals, performers, actors, professionals, business owners and creative people, both in our Portsmouth studio and on location across Hampshire, West Sussex, London and beyond.
Here you'll find photography tips and advice, including how to prepare for a photoshoot, what to wear, choosing the right type of photography for you and getting the most from your session. You'll also find inspiration for portrait, creative, headshot, personal branding and business photography, alongside genuine behind-the-scenes stories that give you a glimpse into life at the studio and the people behind the camera.
Whether you're planning your first photoshoot, looking for inspiration or simply want to get to know us a little better, have a look around.
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How To Prepare For Your Professional Headshot Session
What are Headshot Days?
Once a month, we dedicate a full day at our Portsmouth studio exclusively to headshot appointments.
Think of it as a studio event — a dedicated day where we welcome a limited number of people in for professional headshots.
Team Musselwhite
Sep 93 min read
What to Expect When You Arrive at Our Photography Studio
Heading to our photography studio for the first time? Don't worry — we've thought about the little things that can make a photoshoot easier and more comfortable.
Our Portsmouth studio is designed to give you everything you need to arrive, get yourself ready and feel comfortable before we start shooting.
Our photography studio in Portsmouth is easy access from London via train and local links to Chichester, Fareham, Southsea, Gosport, Bognor and Guildford.
Team Musselwhite
Sep 13 min read
A Different Kind Of Boudoir
Boudoir has a recognisable visual language, but that doesn't mean there's only one way to speak it.
Much of the boudoir photography you'll find today is centred around empowerment, and that's something we absolutely celebrate. Feeling confident in your own body, recognising your strength and embracing your personal power can be an incredibly positive experience.
But empowerment isn't the only reason someone might choose a boudoir shoot.
Sometimes boudoir is much more
Team Musselwhite
Aug 232 min read
What Is A Showcase Shoot?
A Showcase Shoot is a chance to celebrate you — exactly as you are, or perhaps exactly as you want to be.
It isn't about fitting into a particular style, age group, body type or idea of what an empowering photoshoot should look like.
It's about giving you the opportunity to step in front of the camera and be seen.
Team Musselwhite
Aug 104 min read
It's Our Birthday
We got the keys and spent a few weeks after that getting the studio space ready for clients to arrive. We know we opened the doors some time in August so the whole month is our birthday now.
Team Musselwhite
Aug 72 min read
Why We Created Headshot Days: Making Professional Headshots More Accessible
What are Headshot Days?
Once a month, we dedicate a full day at our Portsmouth studio exclusively to headshot appointments.
Think of it as a studio event — a dedicated day where we welcome a limited number of people in for professional headshots.
Team Musselwhite
Aug 73 min read
Empowerment, Boudoir, Creative or Editorial? Understanding the Language of Modern Portrait Photography
We use the title: Creative Photoshoots.
Over the years, we've found ourselves using the phrase creative photoshoots more and more.
Why?
Because creativity doesn't come with assumptions.
It gives people permission to tell us what they want their session to be.
Maybe that's dramatic.
Maybe it's elegant.
Team Musselwhite
Aug 63 min read
The Difference Between a Selfie and A Professional Headshot
Your image is often the first handshake with a potential client. A professional headshot doesn’t just capture a face—it captures your story, your energy, and the person behind the business. It’s a powerful tool for connection, trust, and confidence, helping people see the real you from the very first glance. Is Your Selfie Good Enough? In business, we’re constantly encouraged to invest in professional help. Small business owners and sole traders hire web designers for their w
Team Musselwhite
Aug 64 min read
Why Every Creative Needs a Professional Headshot (And Why Selfies Don't Cut It)
Your Headshot Is Your First Audition
Before anyone hears you speak, sees your portfolio or watches your showreel, they'll see your photograph.
Team Musselwhite
Aug 14 min read
What Makes a Great Headshot
Your headshot should look like the person walking into the audition room....Casting professionals want confidence that the person they invite to audition is the person they saw in the photograph.
Team Musselwhite
Jul 293 min read
How To Prepare For Your Photoshoot
A little preparation can make a surprising difference to how you feel—and how you look—on the day of your photoshoot. The good news is that preparing for a professional photoshoot doesn't mean changing who you are. In fact, the opposite is true. The best portraits are created when you feel comfortable, confident and like yourself. Here are a few simple things we recommend before your session. Get a Good Night's Sleep It might sound obvious, but a good night's sleep is one of
Team Musselwhite
Jul 213 min read
Why Your Creative Photoshoot Should Push Beyond the Everyday
Don't play it safe
Often the images our clients love the most are the ones where they allowed themselves to explore something different.
Think Big & then Go Bigger.
Team Musselwhite
Jul 152 min read
Visiting Portsmouth for Your Photoshoot? Make a Day of It
Many of our clients travel from outside Portsmouth to visit our studio, and for some, their photoshoot becomes the perfect excuse to enjoy a little time away too.
Whether you're travelling from across Hampshire, elsewhere in the UK or even further afield, with a little planning you can turn your photography session into a relaxing day out—or even a short break on the South Coast.
Team Musselwhite
Jul 82 min read
In Colour For Canon
James had the pleasure of being asked to contribute for another feature article for Canon. Click to read article in full The above image...
Team Musselwhite
Jul 4, 20231 min read
The January Studio Diary
The Musselwhite Photography Studio Diary for January 2023 - starting the year with a retro throwback bang
Team Musselwhite
Feb 6, 20231 min read
Throwback Fun
Mr Blobby in the Riot Cabaret Rumble.
Team Musselwhite
Feb 6, 20231 min read
The November Studio Diary
A snapshot of the November studio shenanigans with Musselwhite Photography.
Team Musselwhite
Dec 5, 20221 min read
Messages From Santa Are Back - Help us Raise funds for Naomi House and Jacksplace
Special personalised Messages from Santa delivered by the magic of email by midnight on 23rd December.
Team Musselwhite
Nov 24, 20221 min read
Our October Video Diary
Our October Video Diary was a jam-packed month in our Portsmouth Photography Studio, full of amazing local adventures in Hampshire.
zoebeckie
Nov 5, 20221 min read
Off With Your Head...Shot
At our Hampshire based Photography Studio we offer a professional high-quality headshot that will help you stand out from the crowd.
Team Musselwhite
Oct 24, 20222 min read
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