With so many photographers out there coming up with literally dozens of photos including headshots, the key differentiator is always professionalism, viz. the quality of photos.
So, how do you consistently come up with professional headshots?
In this article, we share 7 incredible tips on how to get professional headshots. Reading through, you will have an excellent idea of how to easily and quickly produce professional portrait headshots that stand out.
#1 Getting the background right
Professional headshots are best taken against a monotone background. Any time you have too much happening in the background, it is likely to take attention away from your subject. That will clearly defeat the very purpose of your headshot photography session.
Having said that, do not hesitate to take headshots outdoors with possibly more vibrant backgrounds, as described later in this piece.
#2 To smile or not to smile
Gone are the days when headshots meant overly serious expressions. These days, there is absolutely no harm in having your subjects smile while taking their headshots.
The key is to retain a professional look. This is done by ensuring a slight smile without going over the top. Of course, there can be exceptions if you’re a professional comic!
#3 Dress the part
Headshots are usually taken for professional purposes. Instances include your resume, your LinkedIn profile, or perhaps your new passport.
Typically, we do not take headshots dressed as hippies!
Instead, we dress in a manner which is in line with professional pursuits. This includes sober colours and designs in styles that are formal in nature.
Your responsibility as a headshot photographer would be to ensure that your subjects dress the part. That is when your headshot photos will come out best.
#4 Posing right
Although we are talking about “headshots” here, the posture and pose of your subjects would certainly matter. After all, frequently you might take photos extending below the head onto the shoulders or further down.
There is certainly no right or wrong here. Key elements include confidence and poise. The way your subjects pose should amply reflect their own self-confidence and a positive frame of mind.
#5 Makeup
Ladies especially want to be sure about whether makeup in professional headshots is okay and if so, how much. Again, we would stress here that there is no rule etched in stone.
Yet, it certainly augurs well to keep the makeup light without going overboard. Some basic touch-up and foundation would probably be all that your subjects need. Also, depending on the situation, your male subjects may also require some basic makeup.
The key is to be in sync with the purpose of the photoshoot. If, for instance, your subject is a makeup artist, there is no harm if that individual has sufficient makeup on, simply to showcase their makeup skills.
#6 Choosing between outdoor and indoor locales
In the past, photoshoots for headshots would almost certainly take place in indoor studios exclusively. Of course, even today, you’ll find the majority of headshot photos being taken indoors where there is greater control over the overall environment with minimal scope for external distractions.
Yet, recent times are witnessing ample flexibility on this front. Therefore, while taking headshots, you need not restrict yourself to indoor settings. This is especially true for subjects whose personalities may reflect a greater degree of vibrancy while being outdoors in an unhindered environment.
#7 Pro Tip – Taking headshots with your phone
Today we inarguably have some of the finest phones we have seen ever. A lot of them are genuine “all-rounders” with a wide range of capabilities. High quality photography is certainly one of them.
Therefore, if you find yourself sans your usual photographic equipment, but with a good phone that takes excellent photos, you should have no problem taking professional headshots with it.
Some tips on this front:
- Use the zoom function minimally (if at all) as it tends to create slightly distorted/pixelated photos.
- Make full use of HDR (available on most modern phones).
- Use the portrait setting on your phone (of course!)
- Feel free to use editing or touch-up apps after the photoshoot to further enhance your results.