1. Get to know your client.
The first step to taking a great headshot is getting to know your client. What kind of personality do they have? What kind of look are they going for? Show them some examples of ideas. The better you know your client, the better you'll be able to capture their personality in a photo.
2. Indoor vs Outdoor.
Finding the right location is key to taking a great headshot. You want to find a place that has good lighting and is free of distractions. A studio or a blank wall can work well for headshots.
Indoor Natural Light PhotoSesh Headshots
Indoor Shoots on location: For indoor office headshots, you'll want to create a well-lit environment that mimics natural light and minimizes harsh shadows. If possible, position your subject near a window that provides soft, diffused natural light. This will help create a more flattering light source. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can create harsh shadows. If natural light is not available or sufficient, consider using artificial lighting. Use a softbox or umbrella with a continuous light source or flash to create soft, even lighting. Position the light source at a 45-degree angle from the subject to minimize shadows and create depth. A reflector can help bounce light back onto the subject's face, reducing shadows and evening out the lighting. Place the reflector on the opposite side of the light source, angled towards the subject's face. Select a neutral, non-distracting background for your headshots. A plain wall or backdrop in a solid color is ideal. Make sure there is some distance between the subject and the background to create depth and separation.
Outdoor shoots: Outdoor settings obviously have to be planned well with weather forecasting. The best weather for outdoor headshots is typically overcast or partly cloudy, with soft, diffused sunlight. This type of lighting condition helps to avoid harsh shadows and glare, which can be unflattering in portraits. Ideally, you should aim for a time of day when the sun is not directly overhead, such as during the "golden hour," which occurs shortly after sunrise or just before sunset. During these times, the sunlight is warmer and more diffused, producing more flattering, even lighting on the subject's face.
3. Use the right camera settings.
When shooting headshots, it's important to use the right camera settings. You'll want to use a high shutter speed so that you can freeze the action and avoid any blurriness. A low aperture will also help you keep everything in focus. Keep the ISO low to avoid noise. And lastly, make sure to turn off your flash! Flash can sometimes create an unwanted glare in headshots.
4. Pose your subject properly.
Posing is important when shooting headshots. You'll want to avoid any awkward positions or unflattering angles. Instead, go for classic, simple poses that will accentuate your subject's best features. Once you've found a pose that works well, have your subject hold still and take multiple shots so that you can choose the best one later on. Have the subject extend their chin slightly forward for a more flattering photo. Keep body language open and friendly - make sure they don’t lean too far back or cross their arms tightly.
For smiling poses: Tell your client to relax their jaw to get a more natural smile or laugh.
For Serious/Focused Poses: Have them show a slightly confused look (sounds like an oxymoron, but have them try it out to see what we mean).
Perhaps you can tell them to practice some of these tips in the mirror before your session.
5. Edit your photos carefully.
Once you've taken all of your shots, it's time to edit them carefully in post-processing. Choose only the best photos to edit and don't overdo it with the editing software! A few small tweaks can make a big difference in the final headshot, so take your time and make sure you're happy with the results before sending them off to your client.
Bonus Tip: HAVE FUN!
Taking great headshots doesn't have to be difficult! By following these tips, you'll be on your way to booking more and more headshot jobs as your portfolio grows. Don’t forget, personality and making your client feel comfortable goes a long way. So get out there and have fun!
