Hello there. I’m Ben Marcum.

I was the first photographer in Louisville to specialize in professional headshots.

So much so that I studied under world-famous headshot photographer Peter Hurley, became the first photographer in the region to earn Associate status in his training program The Headshot Crew, and eventually became the only photographer in Kentucky to serve as a mentor in that program, helping other photographers around the world improve their headshot work.

Based in Louisville, I specialize in creating professional headshots that help people stand out on LinkedIn, company websites, and in the media.

Before picking up a camera, I worked as a sound designer and engineer in professional theatre for many years. From 2001–2012, I was at Actors Theatre of Louisville, if you loved the spooky waltz from Dracula, that was me.

When I decided to turn photography from a hobby into a business in 2013, I thought,

“I’ve been around headshots for ages, seems like a natural fit.”

I quickly discovered they’re much harder to do well than many think. I also noticed that while a lot of photographers in Louisville offered headshots as filler work between weddings or family sessions, no one truly specialized in them. (Hence, my deep dive into training.)

Since opening my studio in 2013, I’ve created headshots for thousands of professionals, executives, lawyers, doctors, entrepreneurs, actors, and more. My clients range from Fortune 500 leadership teams to people just starting their professional journey.

I know most people would rather do anything than step in front of a camera. My goal is to make your experience as stress-free as possible. (Don’t take my word for it, check my 200-plus Google Reviews.)

This isn’t one of those sessions where you stand in front of a camera and I ask you to smile. Nobody likes those shots, and you deserve better than that. I’ll coach and guide you the entire time. If we are going for a smile, I’ll make you laugh. You don’t have to know how to pose or what to do with your face. I’ve got you.

There are no fake smiles here. If we’re going for a smile, I’ll make you laugh. We’ll capture a range of genuine expressions for you to choose from.

I shoot tethered, meaning my camera is connected to my computer, so you’ll see your new headshots in real time. There are no surprises when you leave the studio. You’ll know you’ve got fantastic new headshots ready to roll out on LinkedIn, your website, or anywhere else you’re seen.

While I built my business on headshots, I’m also an award-winning portrait and boudoir
photographer. (…just a little humble brag, when you visit the studio, you’ll see some of the awards). That work came later and grew into its own niche, more stylized, inspired by classic art and sculpture. Think the kind of imagery you’d expect to see over a fireplace or in a museum.

…and thanks to my dog, I now offer pet portraits as well.

When I’m not behind the camera, I’m probably spending time with my wife, our three cats, our opinionated husky, and five chickens. You’ll often find me hiking, at the gym, or trying to figure out how to play golf (we just started, if you play, you know the pain), and I’m a member of the St.Matthews Chamber of Commerce.

I’m fairly accomplished in the kitchen, a sucker for a great dirty martini, love good bourbon, and can easily be bribed with peanut M&M’s.

My studio is easy to find, located in the Plainview Village Shopping Center at Hurstbourne and I-64 (9940 Linn Station Rd, Louisville KY 40223).
Parking is simple, and the experience will be just as easy as your time in front of the camera.

I look forward to seeing you in the studio.