Psyphotology: Peter Hurley & psychologist Anna Rowley overcome your fear of the camera lens

This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. Professional photographer Peter Hurley and psychologist Anna Rowley have devised a simple way to overcome your fear of the camera lens. They call this unique combination of their two disciplines “psyphotology,” and what they’ve learned can help us shift our perspective away from judgment and criticism and toward better self-acceptance.

Image via tscadfx.com

Anna Rowley is a consulting psychologist who works with senior executives and their teams helping them become more resilient and more effective. Over the last twenty years she has brought her brand of psychotherapy out of the consulting room and into the corner offices of many multi-national technology companies in North and South America, Europe, and India. She has been an embedded psychologist with corporations such as Microsoft, Yahoo, LinkedIn, and is currently working with GoDaddy. Prior to founding her own company, she was director of research at the Institute of Child Health in London. She has published a number of scientific papers and her book, ‘Leadership Therapy’ describes her unique approach to executive coaching and leadership development. Anna received her PhD from London University. In March 2013 she founded Psyphotology with photographer Peter Hurley. She describes herself as an agitator for personal and organizational change.

While training for the 1996 Olympic games in the sport of sailing, Peter Hurley met a designer for DKNY who sent him down a whirlwind path that landed him with a camera in his hands. He first found himself in front of the lens modeling for the likes of Ralph Lauren and Abercrombie & Fitch. During this time, his friend and mentor, Bruce Weber, encouraged him to pick up a camera. Within six months Peter booked his first commercial work photographing shoes for Reebok. Due to his experience, technique, and engaging personality, Peter has developed a particular forte of bringing out the best in his subjects.

He has focused his attention on perfecting the art of the headshot and recently began sharing this unique craft. His techniques have been featured in The New York Times and millions have enjoyed his self-produced YouTube series explaining how to look more photogenic while having your picture taken. He has spoken on the subject with Fortune 500 companies such as Google, Microsoft, and Apple. Peter is most proud of the portraits he photographed for the New York exhibition of “The Vilcek Foundation Celebrates LOST” where he traveled to Hawaii to shoot the cast and crew as they wrapped up their final season. Peter currently resides in Manhattan with his lovely wife and beautiful twin daughters.

Text and video via TEDx Talks and Peter Hurley