Headshots for Authors, Artists & Creatives
Book in a session to get professional imagery you feel confident about. You deserve a great headshot!
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Creative Portrait Session include?
- 1 x 90-minute photography session at a London location (home, studio or office environment)
- Delivery of 20 portrait photographs – including headshots and full body if required
- Professional photo editing – grading, editing, light retouching and print-ready resolution
- Commercial usage and rights transferred to you in perpetuity (you own your own photos, forever, and can use them for PR and advertising without any additional fees. Yay.)
What will happen during our photography session?
Before our session we’ll define the creative look and style you’d like for your portrait photos. Together we’ll plan what you want to wear and other details to make sure you feel good on the day. Then it’s time to get a date in the diary to shoot at a London location!
Within 3 weeks, I’ll send over your images (known as a ‘contact sheet’) and you can shortlist your favourite photos. I’ll then deliver professionally edited images within 1 week – and you’ll get a set of banging professionally-shot images that you feel thrilled about sharing with the world, and that will help boost your brand online and beyond.
Why is it worth investing in professional photos?
This package offers affordable headshots for authors, artists and creatives in London because not only do you get to have professional portraits taken and edited (colour grading, light retouching – taking out anything distracting like stray hairs or plug sockets in the background), but also, the price includes all the legal stuff like image rights, commercial usage (which is usually charged annually depending on campaigns and press distribution). You’ll have the rights to distribute or publish the photos as you wish… forever!
I know we’re knee-deep in the #cozzielivs (cost of living crisis) and things can feel tough financially. HOWEVER, from a career standpoint, it’s really important to have press-ready images of yourself that you feel great about as a creative public figure that you can reuse again and again. Proper photography boosts credibility, professionalism, and ultimately helps you gain new work and recognition.
Can you tell me a bit more about yourself, Mel?
Sure! I’m Mel Legarda – a photographer who has shot writers, journalists, entrepreneurs, influencers and established music artists including Emile Sande, MNEK and Becky Hill. I have also created content for all sorts of global brands like Dior, Adobe, Jet2, Marriott, St. Regis, Miss Selfridge and UniQlo.
I love making portrait photography a fun, positive experience – especially if you’re not used to having your photo taken.
I also prefer working with natural light in homely environments, as this is where creatives tend to feel most comfortable, so if you’re looking for more of a glam studio shoot this package won’t be right for you.
How do I pay for the package?
A deposit of 50% is required before the shoot, with the remaining balance to be paid after delivery of images. If you’re self-employed, you might also be able to expense our photography session as it’s related to your work – check with your accountant!
I'm in! How do I book a session?
Drop me an email at hello@illumelation.com and we can get the ball rolling 🙂
Portrait Portfolio
Portfolio selection: Artist headshots, founder portraits, influencer content
How the Photo Session Works

Ready to book your photo session?
Reach out at hello@illumelation.com
