Why Great Portraits Aren’t About Lighting with PETE COCO - Episode 297

About this episode

Pete Coco discusses the importance of connection over lighting in portrait photography.

Lighting is important — but it’s not what makes a portrait feel natural, confident, or authentic. In this episode of the Camera Shake Podcast, NYC headshot photographer Pete Coco joins Kersten Luts to explore the psychology behind portrait photography. From directing natural expressions to building trust with clients, Pete explains why connection matters more than gear, camera settings, or studio lighting setups. If you’re a portrait photographer, headshot photographer, or someone starting a photography business, this episode dives into practical strategies for working with real people in front of the lens. You’ll learn how to handle nervous clients, avoid stiff posing, and capture genuine expressions that elevate your photography portfolio. We also discuss the business side of headshot photography, personal branding, and what clients actually care about when hiring a professional photographer. Whether you’re an amateur photographer looking to improve or a professional refining your craft, this conversation will shift how you think about portrait photography. If you enjoy photography education, lighting tutorials, and creative business insights, consider subscribing for weekly…

People in this episode

Host: Kersten Luts

Guest: Pete Coco

Topics covered

• portrait photography
• psychology of photography
• client connection
• headshot photography
• photography business
• genuine expressions

Keywords

• portrait photography
• headshot photography
• natural expressions
• client trust
• photography business
• lighting
• photography education

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Camera Shake Photography Podcast, NYC

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