Michelle Dulieu Photography

Michelle Dulieu Photography Getting you and your Brand in focus. An Essex based photographer, specialising in Brand and Headshot photography.

I am all about getting you comfortable in front of the camera, creating engaging actor and business headshots, alongside Brand imagery.

📸 Parents can have several concerns when scheduling an actor headshot session for their child ✨ Will they feel comfortab...
30/05/2026

📸 Parents can have several concerns when scheduling an actor headshot session for their child

✨ Will they feel comfortable?
✨ Will the photos look like them?
✨ Will they get enough variety?
✨ Will the images help them get seen?

🤔 There’s a lot to think about – they want to ensure they are getting images that will work for their child in casting – not just a nice portrait

☎️ It’s important for me to have a call with parents before booking a shoot – I can explain how I work, and answer any nagging concerns - and if they have an agent we can discuss what they are looking for

✨ My headshot shoots are unrushed – we have time to change clothing and hair styling, background and lighting – creating range

📸 The best headshots happen when young performers relax, settle in, and start to feel comfortable being themselves. That’s why my sessions are calm and friendly – there is plenty of time to warm up. I shoot tethered to a laptop so you can see how things are going as we shoot

✨ There is no rush to force the “perfect” shot in the first few minutes. We get the best shots when people are settled in and start enjoying the shoot

🎬 My goal is natural, engaging headshots that feel like them, while creating a range of images that gives them flexibility for different roles and casting opportunities

If you want to find out more about how I work just drop me a message

This is Lacey, who came to me for a shared shoot with her brother

✨ With half term here and lots of performers finishing exams and getting ready to leave college/drama school, it’s that ...
23/05/2026

✨ With half term here and lots of performers finishing exams and getting ready to leave college/drama school, it’s that weird in-between stage where you can properly relax before focusing on what’s next

✨ This time after training is exciting - so take a moment to enjoy it. You’re starting fresh, meeting new people, figuring out your casting, and heading into more auditions

🎬 There’s a lot to think about and getting a strong set of headshots is a good place to start, even though it can feel a bit daunting when you want to get it right

👩 Your headshot is usually the first thing casting directors and agents see before they meet you, so you want images that feel engaging, natural, and authentic

Not overly stiff
Not over-edited
Not trying to look like someone else

You want to show personality, presence, and a bit of range, while still feeling like you. The kind of images that make someone stop scrolling and think about where you might fit

📸 If you’re unsure about finding the right photographer, do your homework, look for a headshot specialist who understands casting, can draw out your range, and has a body of work that aligns with what you’re looking for

✨ I always recommend having a call before booking. I do this with everyone; it helps me make sure I’m the right photographer for you, and that you feel confident in the process

🔆 It looks like we’re about to have a stunning week weather-wise, so hopefully you get some time to properly switch off and enjoy it 😎

✨ I’m here if you need me - just drop me a message if you’d like to schedule a chat

05/05/2026

✨ A behind the scenes of how I ensure colours look correct in the final images delivered to the client ✨

📸 On the shoot I take a photo of my ColorChecker Passport – before we start and with the client at the start of the shoot

🖥 Before editing begins I calibrate my monitor – this is the screen changing colour in the video

🌈 I then use the image shot of the ColorChecker to ensure white balance and colours are accurate, and adjust as necessary

✨ Ensuring colour accuracy every time✨

This is one of the reasons if you order prints from an uncalibrated computer, the images may come back with a slightly different colour tone - print companies calibrate their monitors and printers.

✨ Don’t think of Brand shoots as just photographs of yourself – they can cover a lot more than that!📸 Images with you an...
21/04/2026

✨ Don’t think of Brand shoots as just photographs of yourself – they can cover a lot more than that!

📸 Images with you and your team in are essential, and depending on your business they may make up the majority of a shoot, … but they’re just one piece of the puzzle

A thoughtful brand shoot helps tell a fuller story about your business

It’s about showing:
→ what you do
→ what you offer
→ what it feels like to work with you

That might include:
• Product photography
• Your workspace or location
• Food or service-based imagery
• Behind-the-scenes moments

We can shoot in a way that suits your brand:
→ Clean backdrops
→ Your own space
→ On location
→ Or a mix of everything

Because every business is different
your images should reflect that

🗒 This is where I can support you
- I help plan and curate shoots around your business
- so everything feels aligned and intentional

🖥 You’ll come away with a bank of images you can use across:
→ your website
→ social media
→ marketing

And yes… we’ll still capture great images of you too

📸 If you’ve been thinking about updating your visuals,
this could be a really valuable next step

✨ Feel free to DM me “BRAND” if you’d like to chat it through ✨

13/04/2026

📸 Behind the scenes - packing down from a recent headshot shoot

✨ The shoot might be over but the work doesn't stop. Packing down, and readying the kit for a shoot on location

✨ I shoot the same high quality headshots - whether you come to me or I bring my studio to you

10/04/2026

🎬 Actors – are you showing your range?

Your headshots aren’t just about looking like you… they’re about showing where you fit 🎭

✨cCasting directors are often making fast decisions. They’re not just asking “are they talented?” they’re asking: can I see this person in this role?

That’s where range in your headshots becomes powerful.

If all your images feel the same, you’re giving one answer. But if you show variety, you’re opening multiple doors.

For example:
- A warm, approachable shot - the best friend, teacher, relatability
- A sharper, more intense look - the detective, antagonist, high-stakes drama
- A quirky or offbeat expression - character roles, comedy

Each image acts as a visual shortcut for casting. It helps them instantly place you in different worlds without having to guess.

🎭 For my Actor headshot shoots I always recommend a variety of looks that we can adjust throughout the shoot – creating images that represent the type of role you want to appeal for.

✨ Your headshots are doing the pitching for you - make sure they’re telling more than one story ✨

31/03/2026

🎭 A short behind the scenes from an actor headshot shoot yesterday

Wonder why I shoot tethered to my laptop 👀

Every shot appears instantly on the larger screen, which means no guessing, and no “hope that worked,”

✨ It helps me check details in real time – and make tweaks as needed
✨ And importantly – you can see what’s working, which builds confidence

It’s all about ensuring we get the strongest images; headshots that feel like you at your best

Drop me a message to find out more about how I work, or give me a follow if you’re not quite ready yet 🎭

So - Actor Headshot retouching. 👩‍🦰 A headshot is just that - a close-up pretty tightly framed image of your face. An...
04/03/2026

So - Actor Headshot retouching.

👩‍🦰 A headshot is just that - a close-up pretty tightly framed image of your face. And because of that - the camera picks up alot of detail - things that you may not usually notice.

✨ That is why we retouch ✨

📸 When I photograph and retouch actor headshots - my approach is simple - natural, honest, and casting ready.

✨ My aim is always to get the very best out of you in camera first. Using my knowledge of lighting and posing, I set the lighting to flatter your features, guide you into positions that feel authentic, and create expressions that look natural and not forced.

👩‍💻 When it comes to retouching, I carefully remove non-permanent blemishes - the breakout that appeared that morning, a scratch, stray hairs, etc - but I don’t erase the features that make you who you are.

✔ I keep real skin texture
✔ I preserve your natural lines and expressions
✔ I maintain true-to-life tones and proportions
✔ I enhance without reshaping

✨ The goal isn’t to “perfect” you. It’s to present the strongest, most confident version of you - you on a good day - but making sure that when you walk into the audition room, casting sees the same person they saw in the photo.

✨ Your headshot should feel polished, professional, and believable - dare I say it not a filtered or AI-smoothed version of you - casting directors aren’t hiring flawless… they’re hiring real.

📸 If you’re ready for headshots that still look like you - just elevated, get in touch - I'd love to help. And if you aren't quite ready yet give me a follow for tips, insights, and behind the scenes from my shoots.

26/02/2026

I was at a networking event earlier this week, and a few of us were discussing how Brand shoots work – and someone mentioned they like the idea of doing a shoot but wouldn’t have a clue what to wear – it reminded me it wasn’t something I’d posted about.

So, here are some tips from me

🗒️ Plan ahead
To get the most out of a brand shoot we plan ahead – understanding you and your brand, the message you want to give about who you are, and the types of imagery that tell the right story for your business – appealing to your ideal client.

This includes what to wear – Consider what you would wear to a meeting with your ideal client, your brand colours, and your style. Eg, relaxed, bold, vibrant, minimal, polished, creative …

I would suggest 2 to 4 looks to create range, with more relaxed and more polished options, and layers for variety. Classic looks always work well vs on-trend items that may date

For most shoots we will want to capture you in a more relaxed/home environment, as well as in a work-related environment – driven by what works for your brand

👚 Be comfortable
When you wear clothes that fit well and are comfortable – it gives you confidence. Choose well-fitting clothing that you can relax and move well in.

💙 Keep colours cohesive
Colours that are cohesive with your Brand palette are a good option – colours that will work well together when viewed across social media or on your website.

I recommend solid and neutral colours in natural fabrics, avoiding distracting patterns, unless that is part of who you and your brand are.

✨ Importantly – be you ✨
You will be more comfortable, and therefore more confident if you are wearing clothing you are comfortable in that reflect your personality

I hope this helps !

Hello !Its been a while since I introduced myself – so here you are – a bit about me.I’ve been doing what I love profess...
24/02/2026

Hello !

Its been a while since I introduced myself – so here you are – a bit about me.

I’ve been doing what I love professionally for 9 years – working with actors and business owners tell their story through photography.

Most people who know me well know that I absolutely hate having my photo taken – I am most at home behind the camera. And I know a lot of my clients feel the same – but they know showing their best self is essential to creating that right first impression. I get a lot of joy in seeing the surprise people have of how great they look, and how much they have enjoyed their shoot.

If you feel the same you are in the right place – I am very much all about creating relaxing photography sessions, that bring out the best in you – with pre-shoot planning that puts you at ease.

A little more about me personally

🏠 I’m from Essex. I’ve lived away a few times – with work and university – Belfast, Bath, and New York – all of which I loved and recommend visiting – but home has always called me back

📸 I absolutely love photography – and will shoot to relax in my down-time

⛺ I’m a happy camper – I grew up with my parents taking us camping for most holidays when I was young, and it stuck with me. I get the best sleep in a tent

🎶 I love live music, and in particular at a festival – give me a field over a stadium any day

🍷 My favourite tipple is a glass of red wine

🧀 Dairy doesn’t agree with me – yes I am that person that doesn’t eat chocolate or cheese

⛷ I love to ski – I started when I was 17, and it is still my favourite holiday. The feeling of being up a mountain in the sunshine – just the best. I’ll be going until my body tells me I can’t

💙 My favourite colour is blue – you will see that in my brand colours – the calm of blue comes through in the way I work

So this is me – I’m all about getting you comfortable in front of the camera – and my account here will give tips and info to help you on that journey

Address

Chelmsford
CM33PB

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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