Great headshot photos are a vital marketing tool, and it’s crucial that you get it right. This means that you have to work with a professional photographer, and pay attention to particular details such as the background, facial expressions and so on.
Needing a headshot for your portfolio or business? Here are five tips on how you can get the best headshots.
Separate from the Background
It’s always best not to be too close to the background when taking headshots. If you’re using a wall in an office (or studio background) and you stand close to it, the photos will display your shadows on the wall. This makes the image look unprofessional.
When it comes to environmental headshots outside, you should consider separation from the background. This creates an exceptional nondescript background, especially when shot at a wide aperture. Consider aperture/8 for studio style sessions with light and f/8 for natural light and environmental sessions.
Keep Your Makeup at a Minimal
Most of your makeup can be done with retouching so that you won’t need much of it as it can make your headshot lookfake.
It’s also essential to work with a San Diego wedding photographer that makes you comfortable. You’ll be using the headshot for a long time so you’d better settle for a professional who you can easily work with.
Pay Attention to Lighting and Framing
A good headshot should be chest-up with good lighting on your face. Therefore, it’s best to avoid strong dramatic shadows. You need to understand that the shots are focused more on your eyes and not your shirt collar, or left ear. So, you should look directly into the camera.
Work On Your Expressions
Without the right expressions, you don’t even have to headshots. You need to understand that your eyebrows, eyes, and mouth are the three things that can control different emotions. It’s always advisable to work with a headshot photographer to help you work out your mixed emotions.
It’s much better if the photographer can tether the camera on his/her computer as you’ll get to see what’s going on in real-time. It isn’t possible to get it right the first time, but after taking several shots, you’ll have a more comprehensive selection option.
Position Your Body
Positioning is about getting the perfect angle. So, when taking headshots,one of your shoulders should face the camera with the other behind you.
Most people prefer the left side of the face, so they’ll always pull their right shoulder back and turn the left shoulder towards the camera. To get a stunning up-close headshot, you’ve got to raise your forehead and lock your eyes on the camera.