Continuing our local body election coverage, Christine Cornege, an award winning Cambridge photographer who takes equestrian, portrait, family and business photos selects her “best of page” photos from last week’s Cambridge News.
Clockwise from top left, Hope Spooner, Jo Davies-Colley, Aksel Bech, Charlotte FitzPatrick, Peter Mayall.
We’re often told not to judge a book by its cover, but in local elections, a candidate’s headshot is often the first chapter voters read.
A political headshot is a handshake in visual form. It should communicate confidence, approachability, and professionalism, often within seconds. As a photographer, I was invited to critique the headshots featured across local election coverage in Te Awamutu News, King Country News, and Cambridge News, and there’s a clear range of quality on display.
Some candidates have clearly taken the time to invest in a professional or well-planned photo session. These images feature crisp focus, flattering lighting, and clean backgrounds, which immediately communicate preparedness. Notable examples include Jo Davies-Colley, Hope Spooner and Charlotte FitzPatrick whose images showcase confident but approachable expressions with polished composition.
A number of candidates submitted images that feel warm and relatable but lack technical polish. These portraits may have been taken in passing or with minimal preparation. While authenticity is there, a quick reshoot with softer lighting, a neutral background, and tighter framing could significantly improve their presentation.
Several candidates either used low-quality images or didn’t provide one at all. Harsh shadows, busy backgrounds, or placeholder silhouettes give the impression of a missed opportunity. When visual recognition is key, especially in local elections, a poor or absent photo sends the wrong signal.
What Makes a Good Political Headshot? Lighting: Soft, even, and flattering, no harsh shadows or blown-out highlights. Background: Simple and non-distracting. A blurred outdoor or neutral studio backdrop works well. Expression: Approachable but confident. Eyes should engage directly with the camera. Framing: Crop from just above the head to mid-chest. Avoid awkward cut-offs. Sharpness and Quality: High resolution and crisp focus. Avoid selfies or low-quality phone snaps. Clothing and Grooming: Solid colours or subtle patterns. Tidy, neat, and timeless in appearance.
The best of the front page pictures in the Cambridge News last week were of Hope Spooner and Jo Davies-Colley. Both present a friendly, professional tone with strong composition.
Liam Bullen, left and Liz Stolwyk.
Best of page in Te Awamutu News was the shot of Liam Bullen – it was a clear, bright and engaging image.
Best of page in last week’s King Country News in my view was the shot of Liz Stolwyk -it was a confident, well-lit portrait with a clean background and engaging expression.
Of the Waikato District and Cambridge Community Board candidates best of page were Charlotte FitzPatrick, Aksel Bech and Peter Mayall who all delivered standout portraits that combine clarity, confidence, and approachability. FitzPatrick’s bright, engaging expression and excellent natural light make her image instantly welcoming; Bech’s strong eye contact and clean framing project capability and trust and Mayall’s polished composition, with a natural background handled beautifully, creates a confident yet personable impression. Together, these headshots set the benchmark for professional presentation in this year’s election coverage.
In local elections, your headshot may be your single most powerful visual tool. Good images communicate professionalism, preparedness, and respect for voters.
Quick tips for future candidates – use soft natural light, choose a plain background, frame from above the head to mid-chest, wear solid colours, and look directly into the lens. Even a modest investment in a quality headshot can deliver big returns in voter connection.
See: Waikato candidates in their own words
See: Cambridge Community Board members in their own words
See: Candidates in their own words
Photographer at work: Photo: Tima Miroshnichenko, pexels.com
Photographer at work. Photo: Harrison Haines, pexels.com
