Photography Tips
20 Creative Portrait Ideas From a Pro Photographer
Twenty portrait techniques from Chris McCarthy's South Shore work — environmental, silhouette, low-key, motion blur, and more — with notes from real sessions.
Chris McCarthy
Professional Photographer, Photography Shark · July 2, 2024 · Updated May 11, 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions
How does Photography Shark incorporate creative portrait techniques into client sessions?
Chris McCarthy draws from this catalog of techniques — environmental framing, golden hour silhouettes, low-key lighting, motion blur, and others — and applies them based on each client's personality and goals. No two sessions follow the same formula.
Can I request a specific portrait style or technique for my session?
Absolutely. Bring reference images or describe the look you want during the pre-session consultation. Chris will match the right techniques to your concept and adjust lighting, location, and posing accordingly.
Where is the Photography Shark studio?
83 E Water Street, Rockland, MA 02370 — serving clients from Hingham, Scituate, Norwell, Duxbury, Quincy, and throughout the South Shore and greater Boston area.
What types of portrait sessions are available and what do they cost?
Headshots from $395, senior portraits from $1,500, family photos from $395. Studio and outdoor creative portrait sessions are available — contact Chris McCarthy to discuss the right option for your project.
Are these techniques used for both studio and outdoor sessions?
Yes. Many of the 20 ideas in this post work in both environments — environmental portraiture at Scituate Harbor, silhouettes at Duxbury Beach, or dramatic low-key lighting in the Rockland studio. The approach depends on what the session calls for.
How long after the session until I receive my portraits?
Gallery turnaround is 3–5 business days for headshots and studio sessions, 7–10 business days for outdoor and family sessions.
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About the Author
Chris McCarthy
Chris McCarthy has run Photography Shark Studios in Rockland, MA for over 10 years and 500+ sessions, with executive headshot work for Rockland Trust, Clean Harbors, M&T Bank, and McCarthy Planning; founder portraits for AI startups including Lowtouch.ai; product photography for South Shore brands like Lauren's Swim; and headshots across South Shore legal, medical, financial, and academic practices. Every session is personally shot and edited by Chris on Sony mirrorless and Godox strobe systems — no assistants, no outsourcing, no batch retouching. Galleries deliver in 3–5 business days. About photographer Chris McCarthy →
Photography Shark · Boston & South Shore MA
Ready to Book a Session?
Professional headshots, senior portraits, boudoir, and model portfolios. Studio in Rockland, MA — 25 miles south of Boston. Sessions from $395.