Peter Hurley’s life has been anything but conventional. From sailing the globe while training for the Olympic Games to modeling for iconic brands like Polo, Abercrombie & Fitch, and Wrangler, he eventually discovered his true calling behind the lens. Today, he’s celebrated as the world’s premier headshot photographer, having captured over 20,000 faces—each framed just three feet in front of his camera. His mission? To reveal the unique beauty within every individual, helping them see their best selves. This purpose fuels his work every day, embodied in his mantra: “Your picture, my purpose.”
Peter’s passion for photography naturally evolved into a drive to educate. He has delivered inspiring talks for Google, Apple, Microsoft, and TEDx, teaching audiences how to become their most photogenic selves. His innovative techniques have garnered over 8 million YouTube views. Recognizing his exceptional talent, Canon named him one of their Explorers of Light, and in 2024, the International Photographic Council honored his illustrious career with the Professional Photographer Achievement Award at the United Nations.
When he’s not behind the camera, Peter dedicates his time to mentoring other photographers as the founder of Headshot Crew, the world’s largest network of headshot specialists. His book, The Headshot, became an instant bestseller, further cementing his influence as a thought leader in the field.
Through the twists and turns of his extraordinary journey, Peter remains deeply grateful for the path that led him to photography. He lives in New York City with his wonderful wife and their precious twin daughters, continually inspired by life’s unpredictability and the faces he has yet to photograph.
