Headshots are an essential part of any professional’s portfolio, and you can make yours stand out from the crowd. Sure, headshot photography is simple. But it requires a photographer to master certain skills. Apart from a photographer, you as a client are also needed to keep important factors in mind.
Here we will walk through some headshot photography tips: these will help you get a wonderful result from your photographer.
1) Master natural light photography
While most headshots are traditionally shot indoors, I prefer to shoot natural light headshots outdoors. They have an innate warmth and beauty that can’t be replicated indoors. The sun is a harsh master, though, and there are a few things you should know before you get started: Location is everything – If your headshot session takes place on location, such as at your office or outside at a park or beach, take control of your lighting.
Pay attention to where the sun will be in relation to you; where it’s coming from makes all of difference!
Cloudy days often make better photos because they tend to diffuse sunlight over a wider area, while direct sunlight can give you that annoyed look in your eyes if not properly diffused through clouds.
2) What are you wearing?
Do you want to look professional and put together? Choose a business suit. If you don’t have access to a suit, even formal slacks and a nice shirt will do. Your outfit is one of your most important assets, because it helps convey your personality and professionalism before anything else. Make sure that everything from your hair down to your shoes is well-groomed. This can mean getting a haircut or manicure, or simply tucking in that shirt! Remember, even though you’re having headshots taken, no one wants to see bedhead in their photo.
- Avoid pattern and stripes.
- A Slimmer look, choose from – fitting & figure – hugging clothing
- Select sleeves that are flattering.
- Bring a variety of necklines to mix up your looks.
- Select classic jewelry and accessory pieces that won’t overpower your portrait.
- Bring a variety of colors. lights, Darks, and a hue you enjoy wearing.
- Remember, anything that shows off your personal style is best.
3) Focus on your face
Most photographers headshot will tell you that flattering headshots involve focusing more on your face than on anything else. For example, if you wear a business suit, your focus should be on your face—not on your perfectly coiffed hair or fancy accessories. If you’re wearing a hat or scarf in your photo, choose one that is large enough to not block any of your face. If you’re worried about looking too plain without a dramatic backdrop or jewelry and makeup, remember that it’s better to err on the side of caution than risk having any part of you looking distracting or out-of-place.
4) Work with a professional photographer
While you can certainly get a snapshot of yourself with your smartphone, you’ll likely want to hire a professional photographer to take your headshots. That way, they will be able to show you how to pose in order to highlight your best features and ensure that there are no embarrassing blinking or double-chin moments. Your picture is important, so make sure it represents who you really are.
Be professional: Your pictures say more about you than any text ever could, so take time to select an outfit that shows off your personality while still fitting in with industry norms and guidelines (i.e., don’t wear all black at a job interview). Make sure everything from your hair and makeup down to your shoes is well taken care of.
Photographers often specialize in a particular type of photography. Photographers take portraits of people in studios or on-location at various locations. Photographs taken by commercial photographers are used in books, ads, and catalogs.
5) Don’t be afraid to ask your photographer questions
First, ensure that you’re working with a professional photographer who has experience shooting headshots. (Ask friends and family, or do a little online sleuthing to find out whether their work has been featured in magazines.) Once you’ve found someone, be sure to tell them exactly what kind of look you’re going for—and give examples from popular actors and actresses (or recent grads from your school) as inspiration. If possible, have photos ready to show them so they can get an idea of how you want your hair and makeup done. It also never hurts to bring a few clothing options along with you when it comes time to shoot.
6) Take at least two pictures per headshot session
To make sure you have as many looks as possible, take at least two pictures per headshot session. It’s also a good idea to have various poses and angles so that you can choose from a wide variety of shots when editing.
Getting your subject laughing or smiling is another great way to capture more natural facial expressions and unique images. Also, consider bringing along a friend who can be a second set of eyes—this helps with posing, lighting and staying in focus!
7. Don’t wear too much makeup when taking your headshot
There is a lot that can be done with retouching. There is no need to wear layers of makeup. On your happiest day, you want to appear like yourself without looking like you tried too hard. Just be yourself.
Dress the same way for every audition as you would for any other day. Bring blotting papers to take the shine off. They spend too much on makeup only to look fake in all their headshots because they overdo it.
Conclusion
Find a photographer who understands you. There must be a connection between you and the photographer. This connection should make you feel very comfortable since you will hopefully be using this headshot for several years and sending it to everyone in town.
Check out, photographers. Take a look at their portfolios. Schedule a consultation. Get a sense of how they photograph your type, your ethnicity, your gender, etc.