How to Take a Headshot

Taking a headshot can seem to be an overwhelming task. Having a person in front of your lens that relies on you for direction and your ability to create stunning images, is a daunting task. Most people are extremely critical of themselves and feel nervous or may have some anxiety. For the folks that you need to put at ease while getting their headshot taken, here are some easy tips you need to know.

1. Headshot Consultation

When the client reaches out to you, make sure you find out how they’ll be used and what style they prefer. From the very start, talk to them and help them get relaxed about their session. You can do this face-to-face, over the phone or even via email if necessary. Giving more information here is the key. This allows them to prepare for the session and let’s them know what to expect from their headshots while putting their concerns at ease.

It’s important to note what profession your client is in since you want to capture what will work best for them. An actor will have a notably different use than an attorney. Realtors should be photographed slightly differently than an entrepreneur with a bakery. You get the point. Ask the right questions during the consultation to determine how to approach your session.

2. Clothing- Choosing the Right Ones

Most would agree that neutral, solid colors work best for headshots since you want to avoid busy prints and crazy colors that will take away from the intent of a headshot- the face and eyes. When photographing a team, make sure everyone is on the same page. You don’t want to show up to shoot 20 headshots for a property management company and see that some of the men have suits while others have t-shirts. It isn’t uncommon for people to forget their suit jacket, tie or other important wardrobe pieces.

Here is some example of great clothing:

3. Separation from the Background

You’ll usually find that subjects tend to stand very close to a backdrop. If you’re in a studio or on location using a portable backdrop, make sure they are at least 6’ from it. This will allow the separation that’s needed to ensure you have a nice smooth backdrop with no shadows. When shooting outdoors the same applies. If you have the space, creating a very large distance between your subject and the background, whether it’s trees, a building, wall or other features you may find outdoors will give you beautiful bokeh. Normally I shoot studio headshots around F8 while outdoors I love to push it to F2.8 with the Canon 70-200mm IS III. This creates a very nice look that most people love.

4. Starting the session

If your headshot photography session is for one person or an entire team, please be sure to take a couple of minutes to speak with every person to put their mind at ease. Even if you only spend 30 seconds making small talk, asking how they are today, compliment them or tell a joke, it will help with the final images. I can speak from experience here that most people show up like they’re attending a funeral but quickly realize it doesn’t have to be tense and uncomfortable. Find something you can relate to with them whether it is a hobby, pets, location or sports. This will help people feel a bit more comfortable being in front of the camera.

5. Make Faces!

Most people are willing to make silly faces. The intent is not to capture 1000 frames of people’s funny faces, but to allow them the space to relax. I use this almost every session and it works like a charm. If you are just getting started with the session, this is the time to dial in your lighting and camera settings. Most will do it, but some will nicely decline but once they do, the rest is easy. This is the point where your direction can really shine.

6. Lighting and Angles

For most business headshots I usually light the clients evenly to minimize deep shadows. For this my go-to setup is one Paul C Buff AB800 with 2x3 softbox directly in front right out of camera frame, another AB800 with grid on the backdrop with another in the back on either side to add separation otherwise known as a hair light or kicker. For these I normally use a grey backdrop from Savage.

When shooting actor headshots my setup is slightly different. I prefer to use a large octabox on camera left pointing down at about 45 degrees. I also like to add the kicker on the right, slightly out of frame behind the subject. I often shoot these on grey or white. For a solid white backdrop, I’ve found that using a Westcott 72” parabolic umbrella creates a nice clean white while being large enough to photograph headshots against.

For both mentioned above, I normally have the subject turned slightly one way or the other and use a Westcott Eyelighter to fill in shadows. Occasionally I will shoot straight on but it’s not for every subject. Have them look straight into the camera while keeping the chin down and out.

7. Sit or Stand

Generally, I like to have people stand if possible, to allow movement and ensure posture is good. Having your subject sit can be useful as well when they feel more comfortable this way. For people that have uncomfortable hands, it can be useful to have them rest their hands in their lap. Sitting is especially useful for children that bounce around too much.

8. Very Slight Movements

The small changes and movements can really separate you from the competition. Take the time to let your client know that small movements are needed as most will move very sudden and too much. From a slight head tilt to turning the head to hide an ear, can make a huge difference. Even having them think of something can create interesting expressions. Be ready to capture them!

9. Chit-Chat

While taking headshots, be sure to stay engaged in conversation with your subject. When there is silence, most will begin to wonder what they’re supposed to be doing while losing confidence. Whenever you aren’t getting the look you’re after, chance things. If you find that a certain pose isn’t working or the lighting isn’t looking good on them, keep it to yourself. Take this time to change your lighting or pose. Whatever the case is, keep talking.

10. Show the Client

As you make your way through the session, stop to show the client some of the images on the back of the camera. This will often quickly identify any concerns they have while giving a ton of confidence. I’ve found that this will almost eliminate any issues that happen later when the client sees the proof gallery.

If you have any tips or tricks that you’ve found work well, please comment below, I’d love to hear them!

Doug Burke Photography is a headshot photographer based in Greensboro, NC. We serve many different clients from Realtors, Attorneys, Professionals, Corporate Officers, Models and Actors. If you are in the Greensboro area and would like to schedule a headshot session, please contact us today at 336.486.9932 to schedule your session.

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