Nick Free is a Bournemouth-based portrait specialist delivering relaxed, natural portraits and professional headshots. His documentary, memory-driven approach helps clients feel at ease.
Nick Free is a portrait specialist based in Bournemouth, bringing a location-driven approach and a film-trained eye to every session. With more than 14 years shooting digitally and a foundation learned “old-skool” in the darkroom, Nick combines technical control with an instinct for real moments — the kind of photographs that become memories. Why choose Nick for portrait and headshot photography in Bournemouth and the South? He specialises in creating natural, relaxed portraits that reflect personality and purpose. Whether you want a warm, personal portrait or a professional headshot for LinkedIn and corporate profiles, Nick’s priority is authenticity. His background in press and PR photography taught him to work calmly under pressure and to capture decisive, meaningful expressions even when time is limited. What makes his approach special is a blend of documentary sensibility and studio-quality technique. As a location photographer, Nick delivers clean, considered lighting and composition that feel both timeless and immediate — often producing a studio look on location. He listens first: discussing what you need, where you feel comfortable, and how you want to present yourself. From there he uses gentle direction, subtle posing and conversational prompts to bring out natural expression and confidence. How he works with clients is straightforward and personable. Sessions are collaborative rather than scripted. Nick aims to create an easy atmosphere so even camera-shy clients relax and connect. For business portraits and headshots, he focuses on posture, eye contact and flattering, purposeful lighting so images read well across websites, social profiles and press materials. For personal portraits he leans into narrative detail — textures, environment and candid interaction — to produce images that feel like memories of a place and a moment. Nick’s experience ranges from assisting in London studios to photographing products in Paris warehouses, all of which inform his disciplined, creative practice. If you’re looking for portrait photography in Bournemouth that balances craft with warmth, Nick offers an experienced, personal service tailored to your needs. Get in touch to discuss your portrait or professional headshot requirements and plan a session that reflects who you are.