6 Powerful Steps to Take Professional Headshot With Smartphone

A professional headshot can mean a lot. This is especially true if you are entering the job market. For job seekers, social media or professional networking sites, such as LinkedIn, are where the battle is won or lost. Professional branding is becoming increasingly important; having high-quality images can give you a competitive edge in the market.

Unfortunately, taking a professional headshot is not an easy task. There are many factors at play. Factors 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 a 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 a Professional Headshot

1. Use a Quality Camera for a Professional Headshot

Although you can take a professional headshot without a professional photographer, you still need a good or decent camera to do so. Now, you do not need a professional camera here. All you need is a good camera on your phone.

Most smartphones’ cameras today have been equipped with an HDR (High Dynamic Range) feature. This feature enables you to produce high-quality, realistic images. You can try it yourself by taking the same photo using a camera with an HDR and a 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 on both platforms.

You can use the HDR feature in your camera’s settings to capture the best possible pictures. You can even use burst mode when creating a DIY professional headshot photoshoot. All the images you get, you can choose as you wish.

As a general rule, please refrain from zooming in on your camera app. It is better to move your camera closer than zoom in before you start shooting.

Also, please don’t zoom the camera, as it will reduce the photo’s resolution. It is better to get closer to the object than to zoom.

Read Also: Life Hack Smartphone as A Camera

2. Use a tripod

Sometimes the difference between a good professional headshot and a bad one is stability. If your camera is shaking, then it will be tough to take a good photo. That is why you need to consider a small investment in the form of a tripod. It doesn’t need to be a fancy one; a mobile tripod is even better on this occasion, since you will be moving a lot and quickly.

3. Find a Good Location and Lighting

A professional headshot requires you to present yourself professionally. One thing that can help you establish a professional image is a good background. It doesn’t need to be a complex or grand one. A simple background, such as an office space or your actual work environment, will suffice if you work primarily outdoors.

Once you have found a suitable background, it is time to talk about the lighting. If you are shooting indoors, then you might have it under control. Just make sure to stand somewhere bright, and where a natural light source is available, and you are good to go. However, if you are taking a professional headshot outdoors, then you have a problem called sunlight. Please don’t stand under direct sunlight, as it can cast a shadow that makes your professional headshot look unflattering.

If you want to spend more money, you can approach a studio, professional headshot photographers, makeup artists, and consider lighting as well. By asking these people for help with these things, the picture results will be much more optimal.

4. Posing Like a Professional

You can look for a pose that is formal and can present you as a professional worker. This pose is also challenging because not everyone feels comfortable posing in front of the camera. Many of them appear 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 portrait mode. Check your eyes, hair, and outfit. So literally the focus is on your face. You can find the best angle for your face so that the photo results will be better later. 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. Many types of people cannot pose in front of the camera. However, to advance your career in business and within a company, a good image in terms of photos is essential. If necessary, could you ask someone or a family member for help so they can guide you, especially with maintaining eye contact with the camera and adjusting your shoulder position? The body posture in front of the camera must remain upright, especially in professional headshot photoshoots.

5. Wear Formal Clothes

For men, opt for a suit paired with a shirt for a more formal look. A sweater is also sufficient. For women, consider wearing a blazer or professional office attire. Wearing formal clothes will enhance your photos and can be used for various purposes. From CV, LinkedIn profile picture, to social media accounts.

There are several colors of clothing to choose from. One of the most neutral colors that men and women can wear in photoshoots is navy blue. This color gives a professional image and makes one feel comfortable in front of the camera. Take this thing seriously for your career.

6. Check the Photo Results to Get the Best Professional Headshot

There must be a lot of photo results obtained. This accuracy is necessary so that the photos you choose and use are of the highest quality. Could you check the lighting, poses, eye level, head position, and the neatness of your clothes? If everything has been filled in, please do not hesitate to select the photo. To achieve the best results, you need to edit your photo using a photo editing app, which is widely available today. You can also use photo editing apps directly from your camera.

Those are some tips on how to take a professional headshot. A great photo is a combination of many things, and the same applies to a professional headshot. Ensure you select a suitable background for your professional headshot. Also, find the best lighting possible. If possible, use props such as lamps to provide a soft light when shooting indoors. Use sunlight as a natural light source, but avoid standing directly under it. Use the best outfits to represent your ideal self, and utilize editing software to enhance your professional headshot for maximum online presence.

Unfortunately, not everyone can get a professional headshot. Therefore, Dropicts is here to offer professional photo retouching services. The images you have, Dropicts can help improve them through the retouching process. The photos that have gone through this process will be even more suitable for use in professional settings at work. Hopefully, information from this article will be of use to you!

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