Rich Schaapkens Photography

Hi — I’m Rich Schaapkens, a portrait specialist based in Cramlington, serving Newcastle, Gateshead, Sunderland and the wider North East. My focus is simple: creating professional portraits and business headshots that look authentic, polished and ready to represent you — whether it’s a LinkedIn photo, a company profile, or a personal portfolio image. I work from a studio and on location, giving you the flexibility to choose a setting that suits your style and purpose. Studio sessions are ideal for clean, controlled headshots and professional portraits; on-location shoots add context and personality when you want a more relaxed, environmental look. I do my own editing and retouching so every image is finished to a high standard and true to the look we discussed. What sets my portrait work apart is the combination of technical craft and a relaxed, collaborative approach. Years working across fashion and portraiture informs the way I light, pose and direct — I aim to bring out natural expressions and confidence without resorting to stiff, staged poses. Before each session I’ll talk through wardrobe, background and the final use of the images so we capture the right tone for your business profile or personal brand. For business portraits and headshots I focus on clarity, eye contact and flattering yet natural lighting so your image reads strongly at thumbnail size for LinkedIn or on company websites. For creative portfolios and personal portraits I bring in stylistic choices from my fashion experience to produce images with character and impact. My goal with every shoot is to deliver professional portraits that make people say “WOW” — attention to detail in capture and in post-production ensures the final images are polished and ready to use. If you’re in Cramlington or the North East and need a specialist portrait photographer who combines studio precision with on-location flexibility, get in touch. I’ll guide you through the process from planning to finished retouched images, so you walk away confident that your portrait truly represents you.