The Headshot Intensive

This isn't a course in camera settings, but a mind-blowing master class in handling any human that steps in front of your lens with a recipe

Peter’s goal for each student is that they leave the workshop a more confident photographer equipped with the tools they need to produce top-of-the-line headshots for their clientele.

🎬 What You’ll Master in the Headshot Intensive

Get ready to pack your director’s toolbox with the exact techniques Peter uses to create world-class headshots — every time. Here’s a taste of what’s inside:

The Squinch™
Master the expression that changed the face of modern headshot photography.
Micro-Expression Mastery
Learn how to spot, guide, and refine subtle expressions for maximum impact.
Residual Laughter Magic
Discover how to generate natural, authentic energy with a trick Peter uses in every session.
Direction Through Mis-Direction
Tap into a system of verbal cues and creative pivots that unlock genuine expressions.
Hurleyisms in Action
Use Peter’s tried-and-true phrases and frameworks to elevate your direction and flow.
The Hurley Headshot System
Peter’s complete shooting workflow — from first frame to final shot.
The Ricochet Effect
How confidence behind the camera leads to confidence in front of it — and vice versa.
The Hurley Triangle & Signature Lighting Setups
Dial in Peter’s go-to lighting approach with key, fill, kick, and parallel setups that sculpt the face beautifully.

…and much more.

🔥 What You Get in Peter Hurley’s Headshot Intensive

If you want to take your headshot game to the highest level, this is the experience that will get you there.

In this immersive workshop, you’ll learn Peter Hurley’s signature Headshot Recipe—the gold standard in the industry and the system used by photographers around the globe to create headshots that actually make people look and feel amazing.

Here’s what you’ll walk away with:

💡 The Hurley Method — Unlocked

You’ll master Peter’s exact formula for producing consistently stunning headshots, built from decades of experience and trusted by celebrities, CEOs, and everyday people alike. This includes:

The Hurley Triangle Lighting Setup: Learn how to sculpt the face using Peter’s go-to configuration for clean, modern, flattering light that works every time.
Expression Coaching Techniques: Discover how to direct real expressions (no fake smiles here) and capture authentic, confident moments in your subject.
Trustability Framework: Learn how to build instant rapport and put anyone at ease in front of your lens—so their true personality shines through.

🎯 It’s More Than Just a Headshot…

This is about creating images that make people say, “Wow, that’s me?”

Peter teaches you not just how to make someone look good—but how to bring out the best version of them, right there in-camera. His techniques help photographers go from being button-pushers to artists, coaches, and collaborators.

✅ By the End of the Intensive, You’ll Know How To:

Create beautifully lit, editorial-quality headshots with confidence
Break down a subject’s walls and direct natural, powerful expression
Charge more and deliver next-level value with every shoot
Build a reputation for headshots that stand out in a sea of sameness

Whether you’re new to headshots or looking to refine your process at the top level, The Headshot Intensive is your fast track to mastery. You’ll leave with the knowledge, the practice, and the inspiration to take your work—and your business—to new heights.

💰 Investment & Schedule

The Headshot Intensive is a 2-day, in-person workshop priced at $2,497, limited to just 12 new photographers per workshop, plus 1 returning alum. Space is intentionally capped to ensure every attendee gets personalized attention and hands-on feedback from Peter.

📅 Daily Schedule:
Each day kicks off at 10:00 AM.
Day 1 wraps around 7:00 PM, and Day 2 ends sometime after 6:00 PM.

Once you register, you’ll receive:

Pre-workshop prep: Homework + exclusive video content to get you fully dialed in before day one.
Post-workshop strategy: A game plan to help you implement what you've learned and hit the ground running.

Approximately a week before the workshop, you’ll receive a logistics email with all final details. Please confirm you're good to go once you receive it. And if you ever have questions, Peter is just an email or text away.

🚀 Go Deeper with The Headshot INTENSIFIED

Want to take it up a notch? Add the INTENSIFIED for a third day of advanced training with Peter for $1,497 — or $1,297 when bundled with the Intensive (save $200).

This bonus day is your chance to:

Photograph Peter one-on-one and apply everything you've learned
Get direct feedback as Peter analyzes your shooting style and areas to level up
Sharpen your skills with more practice, guidance, and coaching

Only 6 spots are available for the INTENSIFIED, and it’s open to anyone who’s completed the Headshot Intensive — whether you take all three days in a row or return for it later down the line.

🔒 Payment & Cancellation Policy

Payment is due in full upon registration to secure your spot. Due to the limited number of seats, all sales are final and non-refundable.

🎁 Bonus Perks & Epic Extras

We love to go big, so here’s the bonus loot you’ll walk away with (or have a shot at winning) when you join the Headshot Intensive experience:

💳 B&H Gift Cards

Two lucky photographers will score a $50 B&H Photo gift card —
• One given away during the Headshot Intensive
• Another during the Headshot INTENSIFIED

🧰 Tether Tools Starter Kit Giveaway

One participant will take home a Tether Tools starter kit — the perfect way to dial in your tethered workflow like a pro.

📸 Your Own SHABANG’in Hurley Headshot

Every attendee gets in front of Peter’s camera for a headshot session unlike any other.
He’ll coach, direct, and shoot you the same way he works with top CEOs, actors, and celebrities.
Not only will you walk away with killer images of yourself — you’ll also gain a whole new understanding of what your subjects experience during a session.

This part of the workshop often turns out to be a total game-changer for attendees.

🎓 The Legendary BFAS Degree

Complete the workshop and earn your BFAS: Bachelor in the Fine Art of SHABANG’ing —
your badge of honor as a graduate of the Headshot Intensive.
We’ll add the BFAS designation to your Headshot Crew profile to show the world you’re officially Hurley-trained and Shabang-certified.

🗓️ Workshop Daily Schedule

You’ll receive a detailed logistics email about a week before the workshop with all the location-specific info. In the meantime, if you have any questions, feel free to reach out to the studio anytime — we're here to help.

Day 1: Foundations + The Hurley Method in Action

⏰ 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM

We hit the ground running — no warmups, no fluff. Be fully geared up and ready to shoot from the jump.
Peter will be rolling out his signature headshot concepts throughout the day in an immersive, hands-on environment.

🕐 1:00 PM – Lunch Break
Take a break with the group or explore on your own. Meals aren’t included, so you're free to choose what works for you.
Got a travel companion? They're welcome to join us — and if they’re down to model, even better!

🍽️ 7:30 PM – Optional Group Dinner
We’ll head to a local spot for a casual group dinner (completely optional). A great chance to decompress, swap stories, and get to know your fellow headshot slingers.

Day 2: Expression Mastery + Signature Direction Techniques

⏰ 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

We kick off the day by digging into Peter’s most powerful direction tools — the ones that have made his work world-famous.
You’ll learn how to guide your subjects using techniques like the trademarked Squinch™, the Smile Generation System™, Residual Laughter, and other expression-hacking moves that create authentic, captivating images. This is where photographers learn to pull the gold out of people.

We’ll also review your shots from Day 1 and walk through Peter’s personal finishing approach — from color correction to final polish — so your work has that unmistakable Hurley finish.

🕐 1:00 PM – Lunch Break

🎯 2:00 PM – Live Shooting Intensive
The afternoon is all about application. You’ll get behind the camera and implement everything you’ve learned — from lighting setups to expressive direction — with a variety of live subjects.

Peter will be guiding you throughout, pushing you to refine your timing, direction, and connection-building. You’ll even be working toward creating specific image types Peter challenges you to achieve.

📸 Bonus Moment: Get in Front of Peter’s Camera
At some point during the afternoon, Peter will personally photograph each attendee. This isn't just a killer headshot for you — it’s an immersive experience that puts you on the receiving end of The Hurley Method™.
You’ll gain invaluable insight into how it feels to be directed by a master — a game-changer for your own sessions.
Welcome to SHABANG territory.

🎒 What to Bring to the Intensive

📸 Your Camera:
Bring a mirrorless, DSLR, or medium format digital camera — and make sure you know how to use it. (Get your grid on!) You’ll be shooting from the moment we dive in, so come ready to go.

🎯 The Right Lens:
For headshot work, focal length matters. Here’s the breakdown:

Full-frame DSLR/Mirrorless: 85mm–105mm is the sweet spot. Peter personally rocks the Canon RF 70-200mm, locked in at 92mm for that signature look.
Medium Format: Aim for 100mm or longer.
Crop Sensor: Around 70mm will do the trick.

Prime lenses offer consistency and make things easier during the learning process, but if you’re unsure, bring any lens you think might work. We’ll sort it out together in the workshop to find your best fit.

💻 Laptop (a must!):
You’ll use it to shoot tethered, review your images, apply post-processing, and take notes. Make sure your software is ready to roll. A flash drive, SD card, or external hard drive is a good idea too — Peter will be delivering your images digitally.

📐 Tripod (Highly Recommended):
A tripod that reaches at least 6 feet, with a center column and a ball head, is ideal. While you can shoot handheld, Peter strongly recommends tripod shooting for precision and repeatability.

His personal go-to is the Feisol tripod, paired with an Arca-Swiss P0 or P1 ball head — both trusted tools in his setup. Interested? Ask us about exclusive HSC discounts on both brands before the workshop.

🛏️ Where Should I Stay?

We recommend booking your accommodations as early as possible to lock in the best rates and availability. Since many of Peter’s workshops are held in new cities, we may not always have a go-to hotel recommendation—especially if it’s our first time hosting there.

Our advice: Book a hotel where you have rewards perks, points, or membership benefits, and choose a location that’s close to the venue.

📍If you’re attending one of our NYC workshops, here are a couple of solid options within walking distance of the studio (on 26th Street between 6th & 7th Avenues):

Hilton New York Fashion District
Holiday Inn Manhattan – 6th Ave Chelsea
Renaissance New York Chelsea Hotel - newest and nicest probably

All are within a short stroll of the action and put you in the heart of Chelsea, with tons of great food, shopping, and transit nearby.

🔄 Can I Reschedule?

All payments are made in U.S. dollars and are non-refundable, so please make sure you're fully committed before locking in your spot.

That said, we get that life happens, and we do our best to accommodate changes. If you need to reschedule, just let us know at least two weeks before your scheduled Intensive. We’ll happily credit your payment toward a future workshop date.

If the workshop you’re unable to attend sells out, we’ll offer your spot to someone on our waitlist. If it’s successfully filled, you’ll have the option of a refund minus a 6% administrative fee, or we can help facilitate a transfer directly between you and the interested student. Tickets are also fully transferrable, so feel free to send someone in your place if needed.

🧠 What Else Should I Know?

This is called the Intensive for a reason—it’s full throttle from the jump! We dive in each morning and keep the energy high through to dinner. There are short breaks throughout the day and a midday lunch break, but be sure to get a solid night’s sleep beforehand so you’re ready to rock.

Meals are not included, so you’re welcome to explore local spots solo or join the group for lunch and dinner outings. Bring a travel companion if you'd like—they're welcome to tag along for meals and even model for you during practice sessions!

These workshops fill fast, so secure your spot early. If you're a returning student taking the Intensive again, don’t forget to ask Peter for your 50% off alumni discount code (applicable only to the 2-day Intensive, not the smaller Headshot Intensified session).

❓Still Have Questions?

We’re here for you! Email us anytime at info@headshotcrew.com or give the studio a ring at 212.627.2210. We want you feeling confident and fully informed before you step into the room.

We can't wait to see you at the next Headshot Intensive!

What Are People Saying?

Here's what some Intensive graduates have to say about the workshop.

Attending The Headshot Intensive was one of those experiences that completely changed the way I approach headshot photography. You could say "I did not know what I did not know". Watching Peter set up his lighting and direct his models was something that could only be conveyed in person. I cannot say enough about how positive and life changing was this experience. Do not wait, sign up today.

I can't say enough good things about the Intensive and Intensified. This was my second time doing this workshop and not only did I pick up a LOT more that I hadn't the first time, I saw the improvement in my work when I downloaded and edited the pictures. Peter definitely challenged me in the intensified, but that challenge moved me out of my comfort zone and I felt something shift when I was working with him. More confidence, less butterflies. I'd recommend this workshop to anyone serious about improving their headshot photography.

Since starting my photography journey (and what has become a 2nd career), I have attended many in person workshops, this one is stands out above the rest. Here's why: Peter. Yep, that's it! I'll explain.. other conferences and workshops have instructors who also know their craft well, and to varying degrees were able to share that knowledge. And most also gave opportunities for hands-on practice. The difference? The passion, enthusiasm Peter has for his craft! The only element that might surpass it is his generous commitment for me, the learner, to "get it". And it's done with this huge love of life, people, and photography. It's contagious, and needless to say effective! I had an amazing experience!

Intensive! Well, after being a part of the "crew" -- for many years of my photographic journey, I had the opportunity to travel to Chicago to Peter's Intensive workshop! What a game changer to be hands-on with a great and talented photographer and a like-minded group of willing learners! Money well spent to experience hands-on learning and training with state-of-the-art equipment all while having fun!

My advice is to jump on board early in your journey and hang on for the ride of constant learning and growth! It makes a difference to work with an instructor/leader who truly cares about your quality and success in the photography industry.

I've been a photographer for many years. I've shot everything from TV news to sports. I made a career pivot to working at a photography studio. ...Since taking the Headshot Intensive in April 2023, Peters method has changed the way I shoot. The biggest take away I learned, besides the light triangle, is how to direct people. Its a constant learning process and being in the crew has helped tremendously!

Attending The Headshot Intensive took me to the next level. Working with Peter in person is the BEST! Listening to his presentation first gave me the overview and details of his process, his background, his journey and how he does what he does. Then seeing the lights set up, how he maneuvers them for each person he captures was what I really needed. And of course getting in front of his camera and seeing him in action, and having the experience myself was the game-changer. I plan on continuing to take them because the investment into the Crew and my career will only multiply and have great returns.

This workshop is incredibly detailed and delivers so much value! I took part in it in January 2018 and was blown away by the quality and insights I got out of it. The money I spent on the course I earned back in a single booking that I only got because of the knowledge and skills gathered from this course! If you're serious about photographing humans (not only headshots) then this workshop will elevate you to the next level.

All I can say is WOW! I was really nervous about investing the money in myself and my business, but I am so glad that I did. To Peter and the Headshot Crew member that were there--THANK YOU for all that you do. Its people like you that make our profession so great.

I can totally relate to feeling hesitant about investing in The Headshot Intensive workshop. However, I took the plunge and I'm so glad I did! The workshop turned out to be an incredibly valuable experience, both in terms of the skills I learned and the connections I made with other photographers. JUST DO IT!

The Headshot Intensive was three days that changed my photography career forever. If you are serious about getting to the next level of headshot or portrait photography there’s nothing better than learning from Peter Hurley, the best in the business. The smartest decision you will ever make!

Without a doubt the #1 undisputed champ when it comes to the best information I've ever received as a portrait photographer.

One of the standout aspects of the workshop was the peter’s excellence in guiding the class. his ability to break down techniques and concepts into digestible segments was truly commendable. This made the learning experience not only enjoyable but also remarkably effective. If you're passionate about Headshot photography and seeking a workshop that combines excellence and practical learning, this is one experience not to be missed.

Attending the Headshot Intensive and Intensified workshop was one of the best decisions of my life, besides asking my wife to marry me. Not only did I learn about Peter's techniques and mindset of his shooting style. I also learned what I am capable of. You are given the tools to succeed. Peter was able to find in me and show me that I have what it takes to be a headshot photographer. This class is only the start of my journey and I will be back for another session. I left feeling like I belonged and was a part of this community and was openly welcomed by all. The associates that were present were also very helpful in guiding us and ensuring we understood the technical aspects of shooting. Thank you for everything!

It was by far one of the most insightful weekends I've had in a while. There was so much information to absorb, but it was easy to understand and so relevant to what I wanted/needed to learn.

That weekend helped cement in my mind that I wanted to put in the work, focus on my craft, and grow my skill and business as a headshot photographer.

Learning from Peter to understand the people requests for photo-shoting, what they expect at the end and learn how to direct them to reach the best result it was amazing. Peter was amazing with his jokes, calm and teaching style making you act directly under fire...
Great experience, great classes!

It has made such a huge impact on not just my photographic skills but also my interpersonal skills as I am an introvert. Peter has provided the tools, the recipe, and the forum to get better and I know for a fact the I wouldn't be where I am at if I didn't attend the Intensive. Additionally, the Intensive is a launching pad to networking within the Headshot Crew.

I had purchased some of the videos Peter made before I decided to fly out to NYC. The videos are good. The videos provide value. The Intensive is intense and it's hard to put into words unless you actually attend one.

The amount of golden nuggets that i've received on the intensive and the entire process was exceptional not to mentioned that I was shoot by Amazing Peter Himself. That session itself was worth it alone, not to mention all the learning and amazing new connections that were built during the intensive workshop.

I am a procrastinator at heart, and kept putting this course off for YEARS. One day I pulled my head into the clear and decided to take the dive, and it was the best investment I've made in myself and in my photography in a long time. Peter's no nonsense approach and his personality make it all the better - it was amazing to watch him change the material as we learned it because we are never ever ever too old to learn and the trick you learned an hour ago was replaced by the trick you learned 2 seconds ago. It's all about risking forward when it comes to what you learn - you have to do the thing though and don't keep putting it off like I did...

The Headshot Intensive Workshop was an amazing experience. Not just that Peter in an entertaining way spreads his knowledge paired with fun comments and always new terms no, you also can meet and make new friends which are there for you in the future. I highly recommend to join his events!

Attending the New York Intensive was an incredible experience. This workshop was a real game-changer, allowing me to dive into my craft without any distractions. Working alongside Peter and a new group of passionate learners was so energizing.

The intensive provided insights into different equipment and training in a fun and engaging environment. Investing in this workshop was absolutely worth it. It gave me valuable skills and knowledge that have helped me level up my business, improving the quality of services I offer my clients. If you’re serious about boosting your photography skills, I highly recommend attending an event like this and embracing the ongoing journey of learning and growth.

About four years ago, just before the pandemic, I had the privilege of working with Peter at his intensive workshop (then went back for a second a year later). I can confidently say that Peter is more than just a photographer.

Peter's teaching has profoundly transformed my photography skills. His workshop, is a game-changer. Peter’s expertise and passion for photography are unparalleled, and he has a unique ability to convey complex concepts in an accessible way. Under his guidance, I learned not just the technical aspects of photography but also how to see and capture the essence of my subjects. Peter's mentorship has made me a more confident and skilled photographer, and his influence continues to inspire my work today.