Taking Professional Headshots

By following these simple tips and enlisting the help of a family member, friend, or co-worker, you can easily take a professional headshot allowing you to put your best foot forward.  (You could also consider using a tripod, but we typically find that getting feedback as you go from someone you trust is the best way to take a professional headshot.)

Master your technology set-up:

First, make sure your phone is set to HDR (High Resolution mode) for better quality images that pop. With iPhones 4S or higher, the HDR feature is built into the software. Simply open the camera and tap HDR at the top. Some Android phones include HDR and can be accessed by going to your camera>Scenes>HDR. For those phones that do not have built-in HDR, Pro HDR is available in the Play Store for $1.99.

Do not use zoom. Using the zoom feature in your camera will yield a lower resolution photo. Instead, have the photographer move closer to you. Tapping the screen will keep the focus locked on your face.  You can always crop your photo in while you’re editing it (see below for best practices for cropping your headshot).

Pick the right location and lighting:

Select a simple background. Pick a background that will not have a tree, street sign or light post sticking out of your head. Make sure there are no cars or other people in your shot as well. Ideal backdrops are solid colored concrete walls or a clear blue sky. Simple textures also can be nice backgrounds too.

Choose flattering lighting (ideally outside). Natural light is best. Office lighting is not ideal for portraits because most fluorescent bulbs create a green cast and shadows that are not flattering.  Most offices are too dark which will produce grainy images without a flash. (You’ll want to avoid using a flash because it causes red-eye and can wash out your face.)

For outside photo shoots, position the sun behind you. Step outside and look for a location in an area that is not in direct sunlight. Stand with the sun behind you to avoid squinting your eyes and shadows on your face. 

If taking photos inside, use a movable dimmable light to optimize the lighting.  While natural outdoor lighting is usually best, you may be limited due to weather or time of day, (early morning or late afternoon has the best lighting). A great solution is to use a dimmable light that will allow you to simulate daytime lighting and fill in undesirable shadows on your face. Here are three tips for using this type of light to get the best results:

·       Place the light to one side of your face.

·       Make sure the light is slightly above your eye level.

·       Use a simple white board on your lap to reflect the light back onto your face.

Pose like a pro:

• Don’t choose cluttered backgrounds

• Don’t use unflattering lighting

• Don’t shoot straight on, use angles in your posture

• DO, use simple clean background

• DO, find good outdoor lighting with the sun behind you

• DO, angle your posture

Stand up straight with your shoulders back and chin lifted toward the camera.

Then turn your upper body slightly at a diagonal while keeping your head turned toward the camera. This posture creates a nice angled body image and avoids the wide squared off look. You can keep your hands down at your side or take a few with your arms folded across your chest. If you feel more comfortable, place one hand in your pocket.

Your back should be straight, but leaning forward toward your phone will have a slimming effect and help you avoid a double chin. Avoid facing the camera head on because this pose makes your shoulders appear wide and your head small. 

Keep your shoulders relaxed. You may not realize it until you see yourself in the mirror, but if you are tense it will show with your shoulders appearing too high and touching the bottom of your ears. Take a few deep breaths and exhale slowly to lower your shoulders. It can also be helpful to practice where you will place your hands, which can affect your shoulders.

Make adjustments to your pose as needed. Because not everyone has the same shaped face, you might need to make adjustments like these:

·       For double chins – raise your light higher to cast a darker shadow and definition under your chin. You can also lower your reflector.

·       For round faces – aim for a slightly higher angle when placing your phone. Turn your head to get a ¾ view and get another person to hold your reflector on the side of your face for a slimming effect.

·       For deep set eyes – Lower your light to eye level to fill in your eye sockets to avoid a sinister look.

Dress for success:

It should go without saying, but make sure you wear a freshly cleaned suit or dress for ladies.

Avoid bold colors and patterns for shirts and blouses; the pixels in high resolution images can make stripes and patterns appear distorted. Darker colors will draw more attention to your face. Women should stay away from wearing big hoop earrings or chunky necklaces because they can be distracting.

Women should apply make-up a little heavier than usual. Pictures are not three dimensional so makeup will create depth and definition in your face. If you don’t tend to wear any makeup, at the very least choose a neutral cheek and lip color, and mascara for your photo session.

Don’t rush the process when you take a professional headshot:

Have the person helping you take at least a dozen pictures and allocate at least 30 minutes to get the right setting and expression. Undoubtedly, you will be making adjustments as you go, so take your time.