Today we’d like to introduce you to Christian Berens
Christian, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve loved photography for as long as I can remember, inspired by my grandfather, who was always capturing moments with his camera. Our family photo albums hold a special place in my heart, sparking my passion for preserving memories.
In 2008, I bought my first DSLR after years with a point-and-shoot camera, initially focusing on automotive photography. I loved the challenge of capturing both static cars and action-packed moments like rally races. My transition to portrait photography began when a friend’s sister asked for portraits. That experience sparked a new interest, and I immersed myself in learning—from online tutorials to conferences and critiques that pushed me to grow.
A pivotal moment came at a local photography conference, where I saw Peter Hurley speak. Known as one of the best headshot photographers, his work inspired me to explore headshots. I found parallels between automotive photography’s precision and the art of capturing human expression, and I was hooked.
In 2019, I joined Hurley’s HeadshotCrew, refining my skills in lighting, posing, and evoking genuine expressions. Weekly competitions and critiques have sharpened my craft, and I’m always seeking improvement, whether through mastering new techniques or streamlining my workflow.
For me, creating a great headshot isn’t only about lighting or angles (which are obviously super important)—it’s about connection. I love making my clients laugh, whether through genuine conversation or saying something ridiculous. Those moments of joy bring out natural expressions that elevate the entire session. Photography should be fun, and I strive to make every session an enjoyable and memorable experience.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road hasn’t always been smooth, but I’ve embraced the challenges as opportunities to grow and improve. Every struggle pushes me to refine my craft and strengthen my business.
One of the toughest—and most essential—aspects of photography is running the business side. Building a website optimized for SEO, staying visible in my niche, and competing in crowded spaces like Facebook posts or photography groups can be daunting. When posts are flooded with replies, it’s tough to stand out. I rely on my work speaking for itself and hope it resonates with clients who value the care and detail I pour into every image.
Finding my niche was another significant challenge. I started with automotive photography, moved on to portraits and fashion, and eventually found my true passion in headshots. Each step taught me something new, but headshots gave me the perfect balance of creativity and precision. I also have a deep love for landscape photography, which helps keep me creatively inspired. Recently, I’ve started marketing and selling fine art landscapes, and carving out time to create these pieces has been a fulfilling addition to my journey.
I’m fortunate to have a strong network of fellow photographers and small groups who recommend me through word of mouth, which has been invaluable. Figuring out what I’m passionate about and where my strengths lie has been a journey with its share of bumps, but I’m grateful for the friends, colleagues, and subjects who’ve helped along the way. Their honest critiques and willingness to let me practice have been key to my growth and to delivering a better experience and product for my clients.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in headshot photography and pride myself on a unique approach to lighting. Rather than relying on a standard setup, I often use 2 or 3 Westcott Flex Panels arranged in a triangle. For clients who want an edgier look, I’ll use one panel as the key light, another as a fill, and a third as a kicker. This lighting style, taught by and inspired by my mentor Peter Hurley, is constantly evolving. Clients often find the setup unusual at first, commenting on the angles and style, but their reactions shift once they see the results. It’s always rewarding to watch someone go from, ‘Let’s just get this over with,’ to, ‘Can we try a few more?’ Some even jump behind the lights to take selfies—it’s a fun transformation to witness!
Your headshot is essentially your digital business card—it’s everywhere. It’s the first impression you make on platforms like LinkedIn, your company website, or even social media. When you walk into a room, people already know what you look like because of that photo. That’s why it’s so important for your headshot to reflect the best version of you and to look like you at your best. Helping clients achieve that is what I love most about headshot photography.
I also specialize in automotive photography. Recently, I completed a project for a SEMA build, where I created a series of detailed and dynamic shots. After fulfilling the client’s initial requests, I experimented with a few “HERO” shots that ended up exceeding their expectations. One of these became the centerpiece of their advertising pamphlet, and they’ve since called me back for additional work. It’s always exciting to see my creative risks pay off in ways that resonate with clients.
I’m most proud of my perseverance and commitment to finding new passions that keep me engaged and learning. Many photographers hit creative ruts and struggle to recover, and I’ve been there too. During those periods, I photographed everything I could, learning new techniques but sometimes losing the spark. Discovering headshot photography—and later, my renewed love for landscapes—completely reinvigorated my passion for photography. These genres gave me the opportunity to combine technical precision with artistic expression, and they keep me excited about what’s next.
What sets me apart is my dedication to delivering bold, consistent, and eye-catching images, whether they’re headshots or automotive photos. For headshots, I tether my camera to a laptop so clients can see their photos immediately and be part of the process. My automotive photography is equally meticulous, ensuring every detail is crisp, clean, and impactful. My goal is to create images that not only meet expectations but exceed them.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Trends come and go, but recognizing when a trend signals a genuine shift in the industry is crucial. It would be naïve to think any industry will remain unchanged, so staying observant, adaptable, and prepared is key.
As for where I see photography heading, I believe headshots will remain a vital necessity across many industries. However, I anticipate the demand expanding as more professions and industries embrace the need for a professional image. With the rise of remote work, virtual interactions, and the resurgence of large conferences, the importance of headshots as a personal branding tool will only grow.
AI is another topic that’s becoming increasingly relevant in photography. While it will undoubtedly impact the industry, potentially even encroaching on the headshot market, there’s one thing AI can’t replicate: genuine human interaction. In my sessions, the ability to connect with a client, make them laugh, and pull out a real, authentic expression is irreplaceable. As my mentor Peter Hurley says, we’re “Facial Conveyance Strategists,” and that personal connection is what sets us apart. For now, AI can’t replicate the warmth and authenticity that comes from a face-to-face discussion and a genuine connection, and I believe that will continue to be pivotal in headshot photography.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://cberensphoto.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cberensphoto/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CBerensPhotography/
