A good headshot can means a lot. This is especially true if you are looking to find your way to the job market. For jobseekers, social media or professional networking sites, such as LinkedIn, is where battle won or lost. Professional branding is now becoming more important; having good headshots or quality images can give you an edge in the market.
Unfortunately, taking a professional headshot is not an easy task. There are many factors at play. Factor such as background, lighting, and even camera work. However, it does not mean that you cannot do it. You can still take professional headshots, even without the help of professional photographer. Yes, you read it right; you can do it yourself.
All you need is a guideline. Follow the tips and explanations below and with the help of your phone and a self timer, you will find yourself taking all those professional headshots in no time.
Steps for Taking Professional Headshots
1. Use a Quality Camera for Professional Headshot
Although you can do it without professional photographers, you still need a good or decent camera to take a professional headshot on your own. Now, you do not need a professional camera here. All you need is a good camera from your phone.
Most of the smartphone’s camera today has been equipped with an HDR (High Dynamic Range) feature. This feature allows you produce real-like and quality images. You can try it yourself by taking a same photo using camera with HDR and non-HDR camera.
HDR usually combines the best parts of three separate exposures into a single photo. This feature is already available on the latest camera phone. Whether you are using an iPhone or Android, HDR is already available there.
So, take advantage of the HDR feature on camera settings to get the best pictures. Even you can use burst mode when making a DIY headshot professional photoshoot. All the images you get, you can choose as you wish.
As the golden rule, you need to remember not to zoom on your camera app. It is better to move your camera closer than zooming before you start shooting.
Also, you should not zoom the camera because it will reduce the resolution of the photo. It is better to get closer to the object than to zoom.
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2. Use a tripod
Sometimes the difference between good professional headshot and the bad one is stability. If your camera is shaking, then it will be very hard to take a good photo. That is why you need to consider a small investment in the form of tripod. It does need to be a fancy one; a mobile tripod is even better in this occasion since you are going to move a lot and quickly.
3. Find a Good Location and Lighting
Professional headshot means you need to look professional. One thing that can help you build that professional feeling is a good background. It does need to be a complex or grand one. Just a simple background like an office space or your real-life working environment if you are working mostly outdoors will do the trick.
Once you find a good background, it is time to talk abou the lighting. If you are shooting indoors, then you might have it under control. Just make sure to stand somewhere bright, and where natural light source is available, and you are good to go. However, if you are taking a professional headshot outdoor, then you have a problem called sun light. Make sure to not stand under direct sunlight because it can cast a shadow which makes your professional headshot looks bad.
If you want to spend more money, then you can approach a studio, professional headshot photographers, make-up artists, and lighting too. By asking these people for help with these things, the picture results will be much more optimal.
4. Posing Like a Professional
Look for a pose that is formal and can present you as a professional worker. This pose is also difficult because not everyone can pose in front of the camera. Quite a few of them look stiff in the end. If you are this type of person, try to practice in front of the mirror first. Find the best body language because the photos are in portraits mode. Check your eyes, hair, and outfit. So literally the focus is on your face. Find the best angle of your face so that later the results of the photo will be better. If you are still confused about how to pose like a pro, you can look for guide inspiration online.
You can see examples of people taking headshots in portrait mode on the internet. There are many types of people who simply cannot pose in front of the camera. However, in order to help your career in business and company, a good image in terms of photos must be obtained. If necessary, ask someone or a family member for help so they can direct you. Especially for your eye contact to camera and shoulders position. The posture of the body in front of the camera must remain upright. Especially in professional headshots photoshoots.
5. Wear Formal Clothes
For men, wear a suit with a shirt for a more formal style. A shirt is also sufficient. For women, you can use a blazer or clothes that are like office people. Using formal clothes will make your photos even better and can be used for various needs. From CV, LinkedIn profile picture, to social media accounts.
There are several colors of clothing that you can choose from. One of the most neutral colors that men and women can wear in photoshoots is navy blue. This color gives a good image in business and feels comfortable in front of the camera. Take this thing seriously for your career.
6. Check the Photo Results to Get the Best Business Headshots
There must be a lot of photo results obtained. This accuracy is necessary so that the photos you choose and use are the best. Check the lighting, the poses, eye level, light, head position, to the neatness of your clothes. If everything has been fulfilled, do not hesitate to choose the photo. And if you want the maximized results, you need to edit your photo-used photo editing app which is widely available at this time. You can also use photo editing apps from your camera itself.
Those are some tips on how to take a professional headshot. A great photo is a combination of many things, and it is the same with professional headshot. Make sure to find a proper background for your professional headshot. Also, find the best lighting possible. If possible, use props such as lamps, if you are shooting indoor, to provide a soft light. Use sunlight as a natural light, but do not stand under it directly. Use the best outfits to represent your ideal self, and use editing software to draw the best of your professional headshot for maximal online presence.
Unfortunately, not everyone can get a professional headshot. Therefore, Dropicts is here to offer professional photo retouching services. The photos that you have got Dropicts can help make them better through the retouching process. The photos that have gone through this process will be even better and more suitable for use in professional needs at work. Hopefully, information from this article will be of use to you!