Peter Hurley vs Dylan Patrick: Headshot Photography Compared
By Fstoppers | Published: 2026-10-20
Category: Comparisons
Compare Peter Hurley and Dylan Patrick's headshot courses to find which fits your style. Discover their coaching, lighting, and retouching approaches.
Quick Answer
Choose Peter Hurley's course if you want a systematic, expression-focused approach to classic headshots. Choose Dylan Patrick's course if you prefer a cinematic, stylized look with advanced retouching.
Different Philosophies, Different Results
Peter Hurley is known for his 'squinch' technique and his ability to coach natural, confident expressions. His course, Perfecting the Headshot, is built around the art of the headshot, emphasizing the connection between photographer and subject.
Dylan Patrick, on the other hand, has made a name for himself with a cinematic, moody style that stands out in New York and Los Angeles. His tutorial, The Cinematic Headshot, focuses on creating a specific look through lighting and post-processing.
Your choice depends on the kind of headshots you want to produce and the clients you want to attract.
Lighting Approaches: Classic vs Cinematic
Peter Hurley's lighting is clean, crisp, and designed to flatter the face while keeping the focus on the subject. He uses a simple setup that is easy to replicate and teaches you how to position lights for consistent, professional results.
Dylan Patrick's lighting is more dramatic and intentional. He uses shadows and contrast to create a cinematic feel, often with a single key light and careful use of negative fill. This approach requires more experimentation and a good understanding of light ratios.
If you prefer a straightforward, reliable setup, Hurley's method is more accessible. If you're drawn to moody, artistic images, Patrick's approach offers more creative possibilities.
Retouching: The Final Difference
Both photographers include retouching in their tutorials, but their goals differ. Hurley focuses on natural skin retouching that maintains realism, while Patrick's retouching is more stylized, often involving color grading and texture work to enhance the cinematic mood.
If your clients want clean, natural headshots for corporate or acting purposes, Hurley's retouching is more appropriate. If you're aiming for a high-fashion or editorial look, Patrick's techniques will help you achieve that.
Trade-Offs at a Glance
- Style: Peter Hurley delivers classic, clean headshots that appeal to corporate and acting clients. Dylan Patrick produces cinematic, moody images that suit editorial or creative brands.
- Coaching: Hurley is famous for teaching the 'squinch' to elicit natural expressions. Patrick focuses on directing the subject to fit a specific aesthetic.
- Lighting: Hurley uses a simple, flattering setup that is easy to learn. Patrick uses more dramatic lighting with shadows and contrast, requiring more experimentation. If you're new to lighting, start with Hurley's approach; if you're comfortable with light ratios, Patrick's style offers more creative freedom.
- Retouching: Hurley emphasizes natural skin retouching. Patrick includes stylized color grading and texture work for a cinematic finish. Consider your post-processing skills: Hurley's method is more straightforward, while Patrick's requires familiarity with advanced retouching tools.
Course Breakdown
- Perfecting the Headshot with Peter Hurley: Perfecting the Headshot is a 6-hour tutorial by Peter Hurley, who became a top photography instructor after the success of The Art Behind the Headshot. This course is ideal for photographers who want to learn from a proven expert in classic headshot photography, with a focus on expression and natural retouching.
Perfecting the Headshot with Peter Hurley - The Cinematic Headshot with Dylan Patrick: The Cinematic Headshot is a 6-hour tutorial by Dylan Patrick, a sought-after headshot photographer in New York and Los Angeles, covering his entire process of coaching, lighting, and retouching. This course is perfect for photographers who want to create a distinctive, cinematic style that stands out in a competitive market.
The Cinematic Headshot with Dylan Patrick
Which Course Fits You?
Best for
- Photographers who want a reliable, classic headshot style for corporate or acting clients
- Beginners looking for a step-by-step, easy-to-follow lighting and coaching system
Not for
- Photographers who prefer a dramatic, cinematic aesthetic and are comfortable with advanced lighting and retouching
