What Is Authentica?

Authentica connects singles with photographers who focus on authenticity, comfort, and genuine expression.

Dating photos are often the first impression someone makes—long before a conversation begins. Authentica exists to move away from templates, heavy filters, and overly staged imagery, and toward photographs that feel natural, confident, and above all, human.

Authentica is a separate project from Headshots Matter, but it’s built on the same values: care, professionalism, inclusivity, and respect for the people we photograph.

The goal isn’t perfection. It’s connection.

Who We’re Looking For

We’re looking for photographers whose work—and approach—align with these principles:

  • A calm, people-first portrait style

  • Experience helping clients who feel awkward or uncomfortable in front of the camera

  • Natural, restrained editing (no heavy filters or AI-looking results)

  • Comfort creating relaxed, lifestyle-influenced portraits—outdoors, on location, or in lived-in environments (studio is fine, but not required)

  • An inclusive, body-positive, and respectful approach to all clients

  • Clear communication and thoughtful client care

Follower counts don’t matter here. Fit, consistency, and intention do.

The Founder Photographer Pilot

To help Authentica get off the ground, we’re selecting a small group of photographers to participate in an initial pilot.

Founding Photographer Offer

  • First 12 photographers accepted join free for the first year (and possibly beyond)

  • Featured placement in the Authentica directory

  • “Founding Photographer” designation on your profile

  • Early input into standards, structure, and future direction

  • Priority consideration as the platform grows

This pilot will help shape Authentica’s long-term model, including future subscription tiers and city coverage.

How Authentica Works

Authentica is designed as a lead-generation directory, not a commission-based marketplace.

Photographers are listed through an annual subscription model once the platform is established. There are no per-lead fees, booking commissions, or pay-to-respond charges. Client inquiries go directly to you, and all booking, pricing, and communication happens independently.

The focus is on long-term visibility, clarity for clients, and a fair, sustainable model for photographers.

During the founder pilot, participation is free. Future pricing will be simple, transparent, and shared well in advance.

City Coverage & Curation

Authentica is intentionally curated.

  • Small and mid-sized cities will typically have one photographer per city

  • Large global cities may include 2–3 curated photographers, offering stylistic or regional choice

  • Selection is based on fit, not speed of application

If your city is already represented, we may keep your application on file as the project evolves.

What We’ll Ask You to Submit

To keep the review process clear and fair, we ask applicants to complete a short form below, that includes:

  • Basic studio and contact information, including city and region

  • Links to your website and social presence

  • A few short questions about your approach and client experience

  • up to 5 images that represent dating-profile-appropriate work

  • Confirmation that you have permission to share these images publicly

These images help us understand your style and how it might translate to the Authentica directory.

Image Use & Permissions

By submitting the form, you confirm that:

  • The images are your work

  • You have the right to share them for promotional use

  • Authentica may display selected images on the website and related marketing, with photography credit

A Note on Expectations

Authentica is initially launching as a pilot.

We’re not promising volume, leads, or instant bookings. What we are building is a thoughtful platform designed to grow steadily, earn trust, and create long-term value for both clients and photographers.

If that approach resonates with you, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply to Be Considered

If you’re interested in being part of the Authentica Founder Photographer pilot, please apply using the form below.

Every application will be reviewed with care. We’ll be in touch once selections are underway.

[Apply to be considered as a Founder Photographer]

By submitting this form, you agree that we may use the data you provide to contact you with information related to your request/submission and any relevant Headshots Matter and/or Authentica information. (please add dwayne@headshotsmatter.com to your email address book, so our reply doesn’t find it’s way into your spam folder)