Posted on by — Leave a comment

4 Secrets of a Professional Portrait That Open Doors in Barcelona

Retrato profesional en blanco y negro de mujer mostrando identidad personal mirando a cámara en Barcelona. Professional portrait photography in Barcelona to stand out.

4 Secrets of a Professional Portrait That Open Doors in Barcelona

Your portrait is the key to your personal brand and corporate image

We live in an era where first impressions don’t happen in a conversation but on a screen. Before shaking your hand or hearing your voice, most people have already seen your portrait on LinkedIn, your website, or a corporate presentation. That image speaks about you, your personal brand, and how you want to position yourself. And, most importantly, it can either open or close doors.

A professional portrait is not a luxury: it is a strategic investment. It is the most direct way to convey trust, stand out in a saturated market, and show who you are with authenticity. These are the 4 secrets of a professional portrait that truly transform your personal and professional projection.

The power of the gaze and body language in a professional portrait

Your body speaks even when you remain silent. In a portrait, your gaze, posture, and gestures tell an immediate story: do you inspire trust or caution? Do you project confidence or doubt?

The psychology of first impressions is clear: we need just 7 seconds to decide whether someone is credible. Not long ago it was 8 seconds. According to Harvard Business Review, this initial perception directly influences professional relationships and business opportunities (Harvard Business Review).

A carefully crafted portrait, with a natural expression and coherent body language, doesn’t just show your face: it communicates how you want the world to see you.

“Your portrait is your first silent dialogue with the world.”

A portrait that reflects identity and purpose: more than aesthetics, authenticity

A good portrait does not stop at beautifying. It goes beyond aesthetics: it reveals your purpose. Authenticity has become the differentiating value of personal brands. Showing who you are and what you stand for generates trust and real connection with your audience.

As a photographer, my work is not only about lighting a face correctly but about listening and understanding the story you want to tell. That story is revealed in the details: a calm gesture, a determined expression, a gaze that communicates passion. Forbes puts it well: “Your personal brand is what people say about you when you’re not in the room” (Forbes).

In a market where everyone is trying to stand out, authenticity is the one thing that cannot be copied.

“A good portrait doesn’t just beautify: it reveals your purpose.”

How your portrait influences social and professional perception

Science supports what we all sense: people with professional photos generate more trust, receive more responses on LinkedIn, and achieve better opportunities in hiring processes. Psychology Today highlights how a well-crafted image activates a positive bias in the minds of others, influencing credibility and likability (Psychology Today).

Your portrait is not just for “being in the picture.” It is a tool that opens doors: clients who trust you faster, contacts who respond to your message, and employers who see you as a solid and professional candidate.

“Your image is an accelerator of opportunities.”

Standing out in a saturated market with a unique portrait

We live in an ocean of images. Everyone has photos on social media, but very few have a portrait that truly stands out, speaks about them, and remains memorable. That is the key: the difference does not come from the camera, but from the vision behind it.

A unique portrait doesn’t aim for technical perfection but for capturing your character and delivering a clear message: who you are and what you bring. In the words of Entrepreneur, visual differentiation is today one of the most powerful tools in branding (Entrepreneur).

“How do you find drinking water in a flood? A unique portrait makes you unforgettable in a world saturated with images.”

Your portrait as a mirror of who you are

A professional portrait opens doors because it conveys trust, reflects identity, improves social perception, and helps you stand out. But there is something more: your portrait is also a mirror that reveals what you often don’t see in yourself.

Here is a practical exercise I often recommend to my clients:
Stand in front of a mirror and cover one side of your face with a sheet of paper. Then do the same with the other side. Ask yourself:

  • Do both sides transmit the same?
  • Is one side harsher while the other is softer?
  • Are there contradictions between what you show and what you want to communicate?

As a photographer, I observe these differences in every session. My goal is to balance them and use them to your advantage, creating an authentic, powerful, and purposeful image.

“Your portrait doesn’t just show you: it builds you.”

Make your image work for you: book your session in Barcelona

Don’t leave your first impression to chance. A professional portrait is much more than a picture: it is the key that can open new opportunities. If you want your image to speak of you with authenticity and purpose, book your session in Barcelona.

Know Yourself

Here’s an exercise I often use myself.

Stand in front of a mirror and cover one side of your face with a sheet of paper. Then do the same with the other side. Relax and take some time to notice the differences. Ask yourself:

  • Do both sides convey the same message?
  • Perhaps one feels harsher while the other feels softer?
  • Are there contradictions between what you show and what you want to communicate?

As a photographer, I observe these differences in every session. My goal is to balance them and use them to your advantage, creating an authentic, powerful image that aligns with your purpose.

I would love to know what you’ve discovered about yourself and whether this exercise has helped you become more aware of how much our face communicates—even before we have the chance to be truly known.

Leave your comments on this post, I’m reading.

Curiosity, surprise, energy


My left and right sides are very different—and so is the final result. If the face is the mirror of the soul, here I find marks that suggest wisdom, but also curiosity and a strong drive to discover the world.

Authority, somberness, witness


My right side reveals a highly analytical capacity, a strong sense of observation, and leadership skills. Not everything we transmit shows the best of ourselves; that’s why it is so important to recognize and refine it.

Confident, curious, assured.


In the overall portrait, everything blends together, and the result is not always the sum of its parts. This is part of the complexity of portraiture. From my perspective, there is a serene authority here, combined with a degree of approachability. Nothing to do with the parts when taken separately.

Make your image work for you: book your session in Barcelona

 

Don’t leave your first impression to chance. A professional portrait is much more than a picture: it is the key that can open new opportunities. If you want your image to speak of you with authenticity and purpose, book your session in Barcelona.

Para saber más.

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Professional Headshot – A Guide to Choosing the Right Outfit

headshot profesional del CEO de una empresa feliz con actitud de bienvenida

Professional Headshot – A Guide to Choosing the Right Outfit

In a professional headshot, the clothes you choose speak before you do. Your image is much more than just a photo—it’s the first impression you give to clients, collaborators, and employers. And while every session is unique, there are principles that can help you make the right choices.

In a professional headshot, the clothes you choose speak before you do. Your image is much more than just a photo—it’s the first impression you give to clients, collaborators, and employers. And while every session is unique, there are principles that can help you make the right choices.

In my work as an editorial and corporate portrait photographer, some of my clients prefer to select their own wardrobe. In those cases, I provide them with a detailed PDF style guide to make packing easier and ensure they arrive well-prepared. During the session, I may suggest adjustments and combinations based on what they bring along. For those who prefer to delegate, I can arrange a professional stylist to handle everything.

This article summarizes the essentials of that guide, offering recommendations that work in most contexts to make your professional headshot a success.

1. Match Your Outfit to Your Industry and Message

Your clothing should be consistent with the image you want to project. It wouldn’t make sense for a chef to pose in a business suit, or for an executive to show up in overalls.

If your field is formal, choose classic, elegant pieces; if it’s creative, incorporate distinctive elements that tell your story. The key is not to “dress up” as someone you’re not—if you don’t wear a tie daily, don’t include it in your headshot.

2. Aim for Versatility in Your Professional Headshots and Portraits

The images we create during a professional headshot, editorial, or corporate portrait session can be used in many ways: LinkedIn, websites, press kits, media features. That’s why I recommend bringing multiple wardrobe changes to achieve looks ranging from formal to approachable.

Mid-season and timeless pieces are ideal—they won’t tie your image to a particular time of year and will stay relevant longer.

3. Choose Clothes That Represent You

Beyond trends, your clothing should reflect who you are. When you feel comfortable, it shows in your expression and posture. During the session, I observe how you interact with each outfit and suggest what works best for you—but the final decision is always yours.

4. Colors and Textures That Work

In photography, cool tones, darker shades, and soft pastels generally work better than overly bright colors. Avoid bold patterns or shiny fabrics that might distract from your face.

In corporate environments, I recommend covered shoulders and moderate necklines, as they convey professionalism, especially in leadership roles.

5. The Psychology of Color

  • Navy, gray, black: authority and trust
  • White, beige: clarity and approachability
  • Pastels: warmth and calmness
  • Red: energy and determination—but use in small accents

6. Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Wearing brand-new clothes on the day of the shoot (they may not fit perfectly)
  • Arriving with wrinkled clothes or visible lint
  • Wearing accessories that steal focus from your face
  • Relying on only one outfit for all uses

7. Quick Style Guide

  • Formal: well-tailored suit or blazer, solid shirt, neutral colors
  • Smart casual: shirt or blouse without a jacket, well-fitted trousers
  • Creative: textured fabrics, layers, or a distinctive accessory that doesn’t overwhelm

That said—don’t hesitate to bring extra wardrobe options. We love to experiment.

8. Guidance and Additional Support

When you book your session, you’ll receive my PDF style guide to help you prepare your wardrobe with confidence. If you’d rather not think about it, I can connect you with stylists I work with who handle everything—from selecting garments to final adjustments before we start shooting.

In Summary

Choosing the right clothing for your professional headshot is an investment in your image and how you are perceived. The wrong outfit can weaken your presence; the right one can amplify it.

See examples here: Professional Headshots and Portraits

Finally, I’d like to share how my clients use their images—and how their wardrobe choices support the message we want to communicate:

Learn more about my sessions → Book your appointment here

 

Posted on by — Leave a comment

The Art of Photography Beyond Gender: Powerful Truth, Vision, and Equality / 1

Photography Roundtable. Unmasking the art of photography beyond gender – portrait of Julio Barcena during discussion on truth, vision, and equality

Yesterday, we took part in a roundtable discussion on art and photography. There were four of us on the panel: two men and two women — perfect parity. I shared the table with Carla Armengol, Ulrika Talling-Smith, and Rani Bruchstein. We were fortunate to have both an in-person audience and attendees joining us online. I truly enjoyed everything I learned during the session.

It’s not my first time in front of a camera, nor my first time speaking at conferences or workshops. So when something manages to surprise me, I feel grateful. Many topics were discussed, and from a perspective somewhat different from what I’m used to. In many cases, the questions revolved around the artist’s relationship with their work. I’m not talking about the old debate on whether art should be separated from the artist, but rather about how passion drives us to create and how our personal lives influence our work.

Nothing too different from what happens to everyone else, but in the case of artists, this influence can be seen as a virtue, a flaw, or even the sublimation of the human condition. It all depends on the artist and on who is asking the question. In the end, we all admitted, in one way or another, that we are victims of our own humanity. The interesting part is how we each develop strategies to navigate that reality.

I don’t want to reinterpret what my fellow panelists expressed—they did so brilliantly—but I do want to highlight that we all share the view that our work is both a refuge and a platform. The act of creation is a unique and almost magical space where we explore emotions and private territories, but it is also a platform for connecting with our audience, a kind of flesh-and-blood social network. Ulrika experiences her work as a global endeavor, where relationships with artists and the very act of exhibiting become part of her artistic expression.

For Rani, it’s a process that takes time to develop, and the session itself is merely the necessary culmination of everything that has come before. For Carla, it is the result of a personal gamble—bold, solid, and uniquely her own. As for me, I experience it as a vital necessity, as natural as breathing, but infused with observation and synthesis.

After the discussion, it was time for audience questions. One of them caught my attention—not because I hadn’t heard it before, but because it was the first time I had to answer it directly:
“Does the artist’s gender influence the final outcome of their work?”

I believe the talk was recorded, so you’ll be able to watch our answers, but here is my take. As human beings, we have the ability to leave a personal imprint on what we create. This happens regardless of talent; all it takes is developing that ability and wanting to use it. I’m not talking about creativity, but about originality. Creativity can be trained. Talent, too. But originality… that, I’m not so sure about. And in my opinion, originality has nothing to do with gender.

If what we create is truly genuine and not a mere copy, none of us will ever arrive at the same results, because we are all different. Regardless of gender. So then, why do we see patterns in the way artworks take shape? Because nothing is black and white. We all have fears, experiences, hopes, beliefs, culture, goals, families, children… A countless number of factors shape us. And our art is shaped by them, too. Only when we reach a deep enough spiritual connection can our work transcend all of that. That is the moment when art ceases to have gender.

In my case, I’ve only managed to do so in fleeting moments. But at least—I have been there.

If you couldn’t attend this time, sign up for the newsletter to stay informed about upcoming talks.

Recommended reading on gender bias in art

If you couldn’t attend this time, subscribe to the newsletter to stay informed about upcoming talks.

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Captivating Portrait of Marie Colomb

Retrato editorial de la actriz francesa Marie Colomb en Barcelona, capturada por Julio Bárcena. Expresión íntima y poderosa de su estilo interpretativo. // Portrait of Marie Colomb, French actress, captured in Barcelona by Julio Bárcena. A vivid portrayal of her emotional depth and visual elegance.

Captivating Portrait of Marie Colomb

Marie Colomb is a French actress who has become a standout figure in contemporary cinema. Her on-screen and off-screen charisma is undeniable. I had the privilege of photographing her in Barcelona, in a session that revealed her rare ability to connect with the camera in a deep, direct, and emotionally honest way. That experience left me with a series of striking portraits—and the certainty that she is an exceptional artist whose talent reaches far beyond acting.

Since that encounter, I’ve followed her career closely. One of her most recent standout projects is the short film La cassette (2024), in which she plays Joana, a young woman confronting emotional tensions from her family’s past. Although brief, the film is rich in emotion. Colomb conveys the psychological complexity of the character through subtle yet expressive body language. Her eyes, gestures, and pauses create a performance that transcends the script. Her role has received critical acclaim, and the film has been selected by several European festivals as listed on Cineuropa.

Another of her most talked-about performances is in the series Culte, where she plays Loana Petrucciani. This role presents another challenge: a character who is both fragile and brave, caught in a socially charged drama that demands raw authenticity. In Culte, Colomb showcases her range by channeling complex emotions without ever falling into theatrics. As she explained in a Télérama interview, “each role is a way to connect with others through vulnerability and emotion.”

From a visual standpoint, photographing Marie Colomb is like witnessing an emotional choreography. Her presence is unique—she can convey strength and fragility in a matter of seconds, simply through a turn of the head or shift in gaze. As a photographer, this kind of talent is pure gold. She doesn’t just perform; she lives each character. That truth translates into editorial portraiture as well, where the goal is to capture authenticity. During our Barcelona session, every image revealed a different, honest layer of her personality, with no need for embellishments.

Her rise hasn’t gone unnoticed. Marie Colomb is now seen as one of the most promising talents in recent French cinema. Her name is beginning to circulate among international festivals and discussions around the Goya Awards. While she hasn’t yet received a nomination, many in the industry believe it’s only a matter of time. Her emotionally bold style aligns with the new wave of European cinema that favors human, intimate, and layered storytelling.

What truly sets Colomb apart is her genuine compassion—something evident even off set. During our brief collaboration, her attentiveness and interest in others stood out. That empathy makes her not only a generous scene partner but also enhances her ability to embody nuanced, believable roles.

She also continues to choose roles that challenge convention. Rather than conforming to traditional expectations of female characters, she often portrays women who are complex, conflicted, and driven by inner transformation. This refusal to be boxed in creatively is part of what makes her career so exciting to follow. Each new project offers a deeper look into her artistic intentions, and reaffirms her commitment to truth in storytelling.

In short, Marie Colomb is more than a rising actress—she is an artist who deeply understands emotional storytelling. Every character she brings to life, every gaze she offers the camera, builds a bridge between fiction and reality. Photographing her was an honor, and watching her career grow confirms that her journey is just beginning. Her upcoming projects will no doubt continue to push her creative boundaries and captivate audiences across the globe.

More images Marie Colomb here

If you’re looking for an editorial portrait session that captures your true self as an artist or professional, let’s schedule a call.

Posted on by — Leave a comment

2025 Trend Headshot & Portraits

Headshot of Anna Rossolovich with a Tommy Hilfiger T-shirt in my studio

The Impact of a headshot. What’s Real in the Age of the Artificial

We live in a time of hyper-communication, and photography—especially headshot and portraits—is part of that daily exchange. According to InfoTrends, over 1.8 billion images are shared online every day. And yet, the more photos we see, the less we seem to trust them. In this flood of visuals, authenticity has become a rare and highly sought-after value. Particularly in headshot and portraits, where realness can make the difference between a forgettable image and one that truly resonates.

In this context, the question is no longer just what we see—but whether what we see feels real.

Authenticity in Portrait Photography as a Contemporary Luxury

The New York Times highlighted it in an article titled “The Age of Instagram Face” (NYT, 2021): social media, filters, and digital retouching have pushed us toward a homogenized, artificial standard of beauty that dominates modern photography. This isn’t just limited to fashion shoots or casual selfies—it also affects how we portray and perceive ourselves.

In response to this distortion, creating authentic headshot and portraits becomes almost a political act: a stand for the real, the tangible, the emotional. Showing someone without artificial enhancements is, today, a form of resistance. As Time Magazine noted in its piece on AI and hyper-realistic portraits (Time, 2022), it’s becoming increasingly difficult to tell the difference between what’s human and what’s machine-made.

To Be or To Be Present: A Subtle Yet Powerful Shift

There’s a key distinction in how we approach a portrait. It’s not necessarily about showing who someone is—that would require a godlike or psychological insight—but about revealing how they are in that moment. A photograph can capture a state, a gesture, an energy, even a subtle tension beneath the surface. It’s not about constructing identity, but about observing presence. The way someone holds their shoulders, where they place their gaze, or how their expression shifts in a fraction of a second—these small details reveal more than words. And within that fleeting instant lies the truth.

As a photographer, I keep digital retouching to a minimum. I don’t use AI. I work from a place of respect for the human subject. I rely on light and genuine interaction to reveal something you can’t fully plan. That’s where connection happens. As Shakespeare said, to be or not to be—but in portraits, the real question is: is this person or is this person being? The latter feels infinitely more honest.

The Emotional Power of Realness in Photography

Authentic portraits don’t just feel more human—they’re also more memorable. According to Psychology Today, 2022, images that show real imperfections create greater empathy and trust in the viewer.

In a world where the image is a tool for marketing and personal branding, this kind of portrait has a unique impact. It doesn’t sell an unattainable perfection; it offers a sincere connection. It’s not driven by algorithms—it’s rooted in humanity.

Portraits as a Mirror of Our Time

Portrait photography has always reflected its era. From 19th-century daguerreotypes to today’s AI-enhanced imagery, each chapter has shown both technical advances and cultural needs. Now, in an oversaturated visual landscape, the most radical thing a photo can do is be honest.

That’s why some photographers—myself included—are turning away from technical perfection and toward creating more human images. Portraits that reflect tension, beauty, or vulnerability. Because when everything can look real, what’s truly authentic hits harder than ever.

I work between Barcelona and Madrid, creating honest, emotional, and memorable headshot and portraits for individuals and brands.

More on this in: Creatividad y copia: El dilema del fotógrafo en la era de la repetición

Retrato fotográfico