Headshots are a challenge to get right. There are many factors that come into play when taking the perfect headshot and it is important that you know what you are doing before deciding to become a professional headshot photographer.
How your headshot looks can have a huge impact on your chance of finding a job, so getting the right photographer for the job is crucial.
For examples of professional headshots, see Trina’s Guelph headshots gallery page. To get some tips on becoming a better headshot photographer, read on.
Tips for a Professional Headshot
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Get the right equipment for professional headshots
Being a professional headshot photographer is an investment. The equipment required to take crisp and high-quality indoor studio headshots requires thousands of dollars’ worth of equipment. A camera capable of capturing every detail for a headshot could cost you between $1000 – $7000 depending on the level of quality you’re going for. You’ll also need a proper lighting kit and a backdrop to pull off the perfect headshot.
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Know what look you are going for
Depending on how you want to portray yourself, different lighting, props, and outfits can be used. If you are an actor or model, indoor headshots and outdoor headshots can be equally effective in their own way. Studio lighting can make your good features stand out more, and provides even lighting across your whole face. This is typical for business professionals who want a formal look. Natural light from outdoor headshots gives you a more creative look and can come across as more casual.
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Find the client’s best side
Nobody really has a perfectly symmetrical face and hairline. When taking a headshot of your client be sure to get them to turn their heads slightly to different angles so you can get an idea of which side of their face should get more exposure to the camera. Understanding each person’s most attractive angles will allow you to get the most flattering headshot. You will also have to adjust the lighting according to which parts of the face you want to accentuate the most, and which features you want to conceal.
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Make the client feel comfortable
If the client isn’t feeling comfortable during your professional headshot session, it is going to show in the photos. Some people are naturally skilled at getting their photo taken and enjoy the shoot. Many others will feel nervous or uncomfortable with the process of getting a photoshoot done and you must learn how to put these clients at ease. Engaging the clients in conversation and putting them at ease is a skill that you develop over time when doing professional headshot sessions.
Following these tips will help you to improve headshot photography! If you live near Guelph, Ontario and need your headshot done or want private lessons in learning how to use you camera better, contact Trina Koster.
Part 2 of professional headshot tips coming soon!