How To Take A Headshot: Tips from a Professional Headshot Photographer

First impressions are everything in this technologically advanced era. Whether you want to light up your corporate, acting, or personal branding, a headshot comes into the picture to depict your professionalism. 

However, if you want to know how to take a headshot photograph, below we'll walk you through maximizing the quality of your photo shoot.

Let's get started!

What is Headshot Photography?

Headshot photography is a kind of portrait that focuses on featuring the subject's head-to-shoulders or head-to-torso. While you post on LinkedIn, your business websites, or any marketing materials, your headshot is the best way to portray professionalism and approachability.

But this particular type of photography is thought to be the most crucial for establishing a lucrative career. Due to its quicker growth, the potential for higher pay, and advancement of your career, you must consider that your profile photographs look more professional.  

What's the difference between a headshot and a portrait?

When it comes to demonstrating the differences, most are confused because they are both likely similar. The confusion comes to an end when expert headshot photographers say, "Every headshot could be a portrait, but not every portrait could be a headshot."

Let's explore this more clearly!

The core difference between a headshot and a portrait is the focus. In contrast to portraits, which can narrow or widen their focus from just the face to the entire body, headshots concentrate only on the face or head-to-shoulders. Headshot photography brings professionalism, while portraits have artistic freedom. 

The minimalistic and simple background justifies the professional-looking headshots, while the background differs depending on whether it is professional or artistic. Portraits could be more expressive; on the contrary, headshots require purposeful expression. 

Different Types of Headshot Photography You Should Know

There are several types of headshot photography; now look at that! 

Acting Headshots

Actor headshot of Christina Jun by Tim Leyes (CC)

Acting headshots take portrait photographs of the actor's facial expression and sometimes the upper part of the body. It is mostly used in the entertainment industry for promotion or casting purposes. So, for the actors, headshots are more likely a calling card. 

Casting directors evaluate applicants' headshots to determine whether they have the charisma to succeed on the big screen. In these photographs, the subject's facial features, emotional range, and propensity for nailing a single expression are the main focal points. That makes them stay ahead of the long queue of acting auditions.

Business Headshots

Business Headshot by Don Orkoskey of WDO Photography

Business headshots depict subjects' professionalism, which engages others on social media, business profiles, and other industry specialty sites.

This is the classic photography style where business-people have headshots taken for personal branding or marketing collateral. This way they make their first impression on clients, customers, and partners accurately. 

If you're interested in updating your business headshots near Pittsburgh contact Don Orkoskey of WDO Photography.

Corporate Headshots

Corporate Headshot by WDO Photography

Corporate headshots share the same goals as business headshots. However, this sort of headshot also highlights the entrepreneurs, executives, or creatives' assuredness and approachability by emphasizing the environment in which they inhabit. 

Basically, in corporate headshots, you can see that the image speaks of professional communication. It tends to have more standardized and polished image targets for company branding.

Modeling Headshots

Model Headshot of Special K by Don Orkoskey

Professional portraits that are specially created for those pursuing a modeling career are known as "modeling headshots." For models, these headshots are an essential tool for showcasing their adaptability, appearance, and potential to prospective clients, agencies, photographers, and other professionals in the field.

It is required to build the model's portfolio. When applying for modeling jobs or seeking representation from modeling agencies, these portfolios are important to have.

Personal Headshots

Personal Headshots by Don Orkoskey

Personal headshots perfectly signify personal branding. It sets oneself apart. Because only the name isn't enough to hit the mark, the perfect headshots for social media sites like Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter attract something about your personality, style, and even the value of your work. 

When it comes to personal branding, a well-thought-out personal headshot is essential to taking your growth upward. 

Tips for Shooting Headshots from a Professional Headshot Photographer

Every headshot demands attention. Below, we have provided some great tips from what is generally regarded as professional headshot photographers.

Have a Pre-Session Consultation

To discuss how to shape the session's direction is a must-have before starting out. So you will understand their goals and vision at that point.

Because creating a masterpiece requires careful planning. When you know what your client expects from you, you can now have the time to plan the entire session. 

Offer some wardrobe advice

Outfitting is the most concerning part when deciding to capture professional shots for every individual. You can advise people to wear neutral colors for a non-competing and timeless look. The more minimalistic their appearance, the more professional they appear. 

Grey, dark gray, and a touch of cream, in particular, bring your photo to life. However, avoid wearing heavy patterns and cool colors, as this could backfire. Try some bold shades around the neckline to draw attention to your facial features and expression. White layering wear compliments your professionalism and full focus. 

Don't assume you need a studio

Starting your journey fearlessly, if you have nothing but a burning desire to begin, just begin without thinking once. It is exactly like thinking that you will not be able to do anything unless you have a full-fledged and well-equipped studio. That's completely wrong!

You can capture headshots anywhere, even in the client's office, or hire a full-fledged studio from Peerspace, which is a very creative solution for this situation. Look around for interesting backdrops and colors, as well as a library, cafe, or other location that best compliments your subject. 

Be Flexible and Creative

Since creativity and photography are intertwined, that lets you experiment with your shooting technique and break from tradition. Thinking outside the box is a challenge for you, but the unique concept makes your headshot truly memorable. 

Prepare All of the Essentials

Essentials do not define the equipment; additional props, which represent their brands, are needed for photography sessions. But it makes things clear that you shouldn't overburden them with their branding accessories, mostly on the subject's face and expressions. However, prepare the plan to keep the essentials in the place where it portrays the branding along with the headshots.

Keep the Client Comfortable

Most people are confused and occasionally anxious when it comes to taking headshots. Before taking pictures, a photographer must establish a friendly rapport. Make sure the shooting environment is comfortable, with the proper temperature and lighting. 

You must offer clear directions and make adjustments as required, maintaining a patient and respectful demeanor. It will make the client feel at ease, resulting in natural, stunning photographs that truly reflect their personality.

Keep Yourself Cool and Relax

Whether you're a newbie or experienced, doubt about your photography can erode confidence. Staying calm and relaxed is key to achieving great results. Confidence boosts the quality of work. So the more you calm yourself while capturing the shots, the better you get to establish your career.

Use the right gear

Generally speaking, without proper knowledge of using gear, photography is nothing. We've broken down the list of ways to use the right gear professionally. 

Camera

Whether DSLR or mirrorless camera comes in two formats: full-frame and crop sensor. With a full frame, your lens focal length is accurate. Crop sensor DSLRs have a 1.5x to 1.6x magnification factor, and crop sensor mirrorless (micro four-thirds) can go up to 2x. Canon, Nikon, Sony, Panasonic, and other brands are available for you to choose from. 

Other than that, it is undeniable that we are all familiar with using cameras and their various modes. But to truly have control over your final results, make sure your camera allows manual mode adjustments. 

Investing in a higher-resolution camera with a full-frame sensor can also enhance your photography, allowing for a shallower depth of field for stunning images.

Camera lens

A 50mm wide aperture camera lens is considered the best for taking portraits. This lens welcomes in a remarkable three to four times more light compared to your standard kit lens. Even several professionals consider the 85 mm lens for portrait photography due to its shallow depth of field to look great.

This extraordinary capability allows you to capture crystal-clear images even in the most challenging low-light conditions. By the way, if you want to get a better understanding of how the aperture affects images, use Aperture Priority mode (AV or A) and experiment with different apertures. 

Lighting

When you think of capturing headshots, there are several lighting setups required for your desired outcomes. For example,

•  Natural light minimizes harsh shadows for a natural look. It is considered the best lighting for headshot photography.
• Continuous light allows subjects to see real-time lighting effects. 
• Strobe lighting adds drama to photos. 
• Split lighting, with a key light at a 90-degree angle, creates striking, dramatic effects by dividing the face into equal halves of light and shadow.

What lighting you use entirely depends on the subject's facial features and the branding message they want to convey. You can play with the light concisely and where to use some light modifiers, look at the below!

Light modifiers

Light modifiers add a fresh feel to the lighting effects. It has the power to control or shape the light as you want it to fall on subjects. There are many different lighting modifiers available, and they all have different effects on light. Others narrow the beam to harden the light, while some modifiers widen the beam to soften the light. 

Shape your shots lightening effect with an umbrella,

• Silver umbrellas provide cooler light for large groups.
• A white reflective umbrella provides even light with less contrast for groups and events where people need to move around. 
• The -shoot-through umbrella diffuses light evenly and is perfect for beginner modifiers. 

Softboxes are a popular light modifier choice for headshot photography. It creates even and soft lighting and mitigates the harsh effects.  

Reflectors bounce natural and artificial light, allowing you to add a soft and flattering glow to photographs.

These are the most important ones to remember! 

Tripod

A tripod, a three-stand-legged stand, keeps your camera stable. It causes the subjects to be perfectly still for a few seconds. Adjust the height and position of the tripod to frame the entire subject, which adds a dramatic feel. 

When you use a tripod, you have a better chance of getting the perfect composition, framing, focus, and camera settings.

Adjust the camera settings

Camera settings revolve around ISO, aperture, and shutter speed. When there is plenty of light, you can capture photos quickly, but low-light situations necessitate a higher ISO. 

On the other side, shutter speed and aperture have a creative influence on photography. When taking headshots, you will want to make sure you get good exposure with good details. 

Fix Your Focus

Precise focus is a must for capturing headshots. As you know, professional photographers click on several lights; the manual focus is the best for controlling the fine-tuned focus for headshot photography. 

Using a wide aperture with f/1.8 or f/2.8, a shallow depth of field clears out the sharp focus while blurring the background. 

Find The Perfect Angle

Perfect angles in photography are mostly directed toward the eye level, a safe starting point, and create approachability in shots. But most headshot photographers also define the angle considering the face shape. 

For example, taking shots from above looks good for the subject with a rounded face. You can also change your photographic angle by adjusting the lighting, but this is entirely up to you.

Experiment with various poses

Since headshots are professional, there is no need for lots of poses; instead, consider some like-

• Head-to-torso pose where the subject faces the camera directly
• Profile pose to show the facial profile to highlight unique features
• An angled pose in which the subjects tilt their heads slightly to the side to the side
• Chindown pose to tilt the subject's chin downward to define the jawline and reduce the double chin. 
• Cross-armed pose, where subjects cross their arms and show confidence and professionalism. 
• Experiment with the hand placements for portraying their personalities. 

Choose the Right Background

Photographers know the importance of keeping backgrounds clutter-free for a professional touch. Opt for muted or neutral colors, such as white or solid colors, to maintain simplicity. If you're feeling creative, consider wooden or brick backgrounds that complement the professional aesthetic.

Post-processing

Every raw image requires post-processing. It is something many photographers struggle with the most. It's better to polish the capture with professional portrait retouching services for unrefined raw images. 

Editing corrects the images and improves the mood, which does not brighten the raw ones more clearly. On the other hand, it relieves the photographers' stress, allowing them to maintain their focus on simply taking pictures. 

FAQ

How much should I charge for headshot photography?
Beginners at this level should charge between $50 and $100. As you gain experience, you should be able to charge upwards of $500, even as much as $2000 whether you work outside or in a studio, the quality of the work, and the demand for the service. 

What is the Best Lens for Headshot Photography?
Prime lenses with wide apertures are considered the best lenses for headshot photography.

What is the Best Focal Length for Headshots Photography?
50 mm and 85mm are the best focal lengths for headshot photography due to their versatility in taking shots.

What is the Best Color to Wear for a Headshot?
There is a lot to suggest, but the main thing to remember is to pick an outfit that complements your skin tone and goes well with your hair color. However, black, navy blue, dark gray, and even some neutral-tone outfits really works great with the headshot.

Practice Makes Perfect 

Whatever you do, practice is the key to getting from start to finish with constant growth. It lets a novice photographer explore new compositions and camera settings. 

Hope your struggle with being mediocre comes to an end without the above headshot photography tips and a growth mindset. However, if you do not practice consistently, you'll lose your photographic knowledge, making yourself unable to run a long way!

Lisa Rose has been creating quality and satisfactory content for more than 7 years. Having appropriate insight into writing has helped her understand clients' requirements. At present, she is a dedicated cognizant writer and applying her skills to numerous people and their businesses to reach more people.

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