Television personality and AZfoothills.com columnist Nadine Toren is scouring the area, finding savvy Valley features, bringing readers “on the scene.” Every day she’ll introduce you to celebrities, athletes, and give you an inside look into local events and hot spots. She'll touch on topical issues, and keep AZ fans posted on all the big talkers around town.

Want to capture your sexy side?  Check out these savvy picture-taking tips, courtesy of a famed Phoenix photographer. 

When Phoenix photographer Peter Kertz contacted me about snapping some headshots, he swore he’d produce some of the best I’ve ever seen.  Little did he know I’m pretty picky and tough to please, but I decided to give the guy a try, considering he’s a friend of one my KPHO-TV colleagues.

Kertz took up photography more than 15 years ago, taking sky shots during his time spent as a flight instructor.  After having a scary mid-flight experience, the father of one (and one on the way) decided to stay close to the ground, joining a local TV station as a videographer.  He developed a savvy shooting style using angles, creative lighting, and a shallow depth of field; that’s what’s won him a number of Emmy Awards and Arizona’s Associated Press’ top photographer honor three years in a row.

But his true passion remains running his personal photography biz, specializing in snapping people’s faces.

“My mentor is Peter Hurley, the world’s best headshot photographer,” said Peter Kertz, Phoenix picture-taker.

Hurley taught Kertz the face includes 52 muscles, most of which control your mouth.  Our local artist instructs clients to move their muscles in a certain way; if they don’t, they’ll lose their headshot.

“I see it all the time: the mouth won’t match the eyes or brows,” said Kertz.

Kertz has worked with a number of celebs; most recently, an actress in the upcoming “Men in Black” sequel.  He says the trick to a fabulous photo is flirting with the camera—leaning forward, staring deep, and thinking of certain situations that trigger an appealing expression.

Logistically, good pictures are all about lighting.  Kertz suggests avoiding the flash because it flattens your subject.  Without the flash, you’ll undoubtedly miss a ton of shots, but a handful will hit the bull’s eye and grace the cover of your album.

Instead of using flashy camera features, Kertz likes using available light—any glimmer available.  (Flashlights, windows, headlights, etc.)  A simple twist or small adjustment can take a pic from good to great.

“Light your subject from 30-45 degrees off-center.”