Photographers can charge upwards of $450 for a headshot. The main reason being is that headshots are an art.
So before we dive into this step-by-step, let's quickly recap the elements of a good headshot. These will help with some of the concepts we'll cover later.
The elements of a good headshot
- Clear focus
- Color balanced
- Background distraction free
- Light balance
- Professional lighting
- Neutral background
- Natural looking
- Accentuate your best features
- Clear focus
- Avoid flash
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Equipment
First off, you'll need a camera, a tripod, and ideally a prime lens. The best piece of gear to start with is a high-quality DSLR. You don't want to break the bank, but you'll get the best quality results. You also don't want to forget a charger, memory cards, and filters. You don't want your shots to end up looking like a jackass. You'll need to invest in a good backdrop. You can get one for free from a hardware store, and if you have a good studio setup, you'll be able to improvise, but you'll at least want a good backdrop. If you do have a studio, you'll want a single-angle headshot backdrop that matches the lighting in your studio. You can't just plop a weird-looking backdrop in the middle of a dark room. Unless you're going for something subtle.
Location
This may be the most important element to look out for when taking your own headshot. If you're going to be at a professional setting, you'll want to go with a location that is right for you and your skill set. For instance, a tall person with long limbs probably won't fare as well at a portrait studio, so you'll want to make sure you can fit into the frame. The lighting When taking a headshot, the lighting is one of the most important components. For instance, there's the natural light coming through a window in your apartment, versus sunlight spilling onto a set. The natural light will not be as flattering to your features, and the sunlight will be too bright. If you don't want to get up and walk around during the shoot, bringing a tripod with you will be essential.
Lighting
The best photos are those that are well lit. This doesn't mean a perfectly white background, but a dim one. It could also be just a small lamp that's shining directly on the subject. It also doesn't have to be dim enough that it's fully in shadow (although that can be nice). If you're taking your own professional headshot, or taking a portrait of someone else, you have a little bit more leeway in terms of the lighting. But to get a great photo, you're going to want to have it in a good lighting situation. Location Your headshot is going to be the top highlight of your online presence. Without a good headshot, you may not get that first impression or those first few phone calls.
Camera Settings
The first thing a photographer wants to have done is gotten a clear, focused, and sharp picture. This can be hard because for a split second, the photographer's brain is paralyzed as they look at the picture, deciding what to do with the image. It also has to be shot at an interesting angle, otherwise it's just a photo of the subject staring blankly into the camera, which is a waste of money. Most of the "professional" headshots at photography forums have something in common: They have a matte gray background. The first step of my process is to look at the picture in the camera and make sure I can see all the details of the subject. This is how the images usually end up: A whole lot of background noise, lots of head, some hair, and, occasionally, a hand. Not a very good headshot.
Camera Position
Take the picture from behind you. Just as a photographer wants a clear background, you want a decent sized subject in the frame. For starters, I always recommend shooting from directly above. As I'll explain below, it's much more difficult to take a bad headshot from that position. Hint: The lower you sit, the more comfortable you will be. Keep in mind that this isn't the ideal position if you are a guest in someone's home or other situation where you wouldn't feel comfortable. I wouldn't recommend this if you were taking your pictures at a party. Make sure that you're not obscuring windows or mirrors or other things that a person walking by would not be able to see. Take a test shot.
The Shoot
The photos should be taken in natural light, so choose a time of day when the sun is up. That's not to say you should go out at 6 AM if you work on the weekends. You want to be back home by 5, so make sure you are up by then. If you can't make it to daylight hours, then no worries. I usually shoot my subjects in a studio setting so I know that I'm protected from outside light, but there is no reason not to be outside if you have the opportunity. Do a dry run of the lighting setup. Even when photographing others, I will sometimes shoot them from the back of the head with my own natural light. I find this helps the light hold, and sets a nice style. Pay attention to your background.
Lighting
1. Get the light right. This might sound like a simple process, but in a professional studio it can be pretty complicated. Light is critical because it's what separates good photos from bad ones. The problem is that each photographer has their own unique approach to getting light right. For some, that means using a big, warm light source. For others, it means using a bright light source. So it really comes down to a matter of preference. 2. Position yourself correctly. The best photos are taken when the photographer is in the right place at the right time. When I shoot headshots, I find that having a fairly static position allows my subjects to look their best, as opposed to having to stay still all the time. Because if they do, their head could go from slightly leaning to fully upright.
Conclusion
If you want to take a quality headshot, you're going to need to work with a professional. Don't just hope for the best when it comes to photos. If you're seriously considering working with a professional to take your headshots, you'll want to contact one now so they can take care of the whole process for you. In our experience, those professionals are trustworthy, efficient and professional. If you have the budget, and you want that professional face, you can be sure you'll get the best results. If you're not ready to hire a professional to take your headshots, or you're not happy with the results you get from your phone camera, then I suggest using these six steps. It will save you a lot of frustration, not to mention the cost of hiring a professional. If that all seems like a bit out of your reach consider getting an illustrated headshot.
