Headshot Photography: How I Capture The Perfect Headshot!
While I love working on still landscape projects, there’s something so special about photographing people. Whether it’s in my personal life or bringing someone into an inanimate shot, there’s an extra sense of warmth when people are in front of the lens. This is the very reason why headshots are one of my absolute favorite sessions to book!
Working on a headshot session is unlike any other project I get to be apart of. Usually the mood or vibe of a space is the focus, but headshots allow me to capture my client’s unique personality. It’s really special.
Without further ado, let’s dive in and chat all about how I capture the perfect headshot every time!
The Art Of Capturing A Compelling Headshot
Headshot photography is more than just clicking a camera; it's an art that requires finesse and skill. The secret to a compelling headshot lies in capturing the demeanor of the individual. Each person has a unique personality and story to tell, and my task as a photographer is to bring that uniqueness to life through a single frame.
When I approach a headshot session, I take the time to get to know my clients. Understanding their aspirations, the industry they're in, and what they want to convey through their headshots is essential. This connection allows me to guide them comfortably during the shoot and capture authentic expressions that reflect their true selves.
Headshots And Industry Go Hand-In-Hand
One of the most exciting aspects of headshot photography is the diversity it offers. Whether it's corporate professionals, actors, models, or even artists, every industry demands a distinct style of headshot. For corporate headshots, a sense of professionalism and approachability is vital. On the other hand, more creative industries need headshots that showcase their sense of personality and charm.
Understanding the requirements of each industry allows me to tailor the headshots accordingly. By capturing the right angles and expressions, we together can convey the desired message, leaving a lasting impression on potential employers, casting directors, or clients.
Practice Is Perfect When It comes TO Lighting
Ah, lighting, the photographer's best friend! The combination of light and shadows can drastically change the mood of a headshot. I prefer using soft and diffused lighting for a natural and flattering effect. Harsh lighting can create unflattering shadows, so it's essential to strike the right balance. That being said, diffused lighting is not always possible. Make sure to test your camera settings and personal comfortability for all types of outdoor lighting (bright, cloudy, dimmed, etc…) to ensure shoot day has no hiccups on your end.
What about indoor lighting you may ask? Professional headshot photography is equally as common indoors as it is outdoors, so working with artificial lighting is key. To become truly comfortable with manufactured brightness, play around with the settings. Jump in front of the camera, grab a few test shots, and be really critical of how your appear in the photos. Keep adjusting until you find the sweet spot that’s perfect for future clients!
Prepare A Go-To Posing Routine For Clients
As photographers, it’s our job to ensure clients are comfortable from start to finish during a photoshoot, especially for something as personal as a headshot. To maintain a relaxed environment on both ends, the posing routine you provide to clients needs to be well-rehearsed and easy to replicate.
How do you do this you may ask? Get in front of both the mirror and the camera! You want to be able to mimic the pose for clients, so practice allows you to recreate it effortlessly in person. At first it may feel silly, but you want to shake off any awkwardness on your end way before the shoot starts. Your clients deserve to feel nothing except relaxation and comfort for the perfect headshot.
Encourage A Soft Smile
Through all my years shooting headshots, it’s always the soft smile that ends up being the favorite between both myself and clients. Since the goal is to emulate someone’s natural personality within a single photo, a relaxed smile will bring a sparkle into their eyes unlike any other expression you could ask for.
To ensure the relaxed smile is actually relaxed, get to know your client before the shoot. Make sure you’re chatting, providing clear instructions, and leaving room for a little bit of jitters in the beginning. This will allow your client to shake off any camera-shy tendencies they have, leaving that soft smile for the majority of the headshot session.
A Little Post-Shoot Editing Magic Is A-Okay!
Post-processing is where I bring a little extra magic into each headshot- and it’s totally okay to do so! I believe in keeping the editing process natural and subtle, enhancing the photos without altering my client’s appearance. Skin retouching, adjusting exposure, and fine-tuning colors are some of the steps I take to deliver a polished final image. More often than not, playing around with brightness is all it takes to add that little extra bit of life into the photo- nothing more, nothing less.
Remember, headshot editing isn't about creating an unrealistic version of yourself; it's about presenting the best version of you while staying true to your unique features.
If you’re interested in booking a photography session, please don’t hesitate to reach out using the link below!
