How to take a headshot

Smart Working

How to take a headshot

Aready photo is essential for an online presence or use in publications. I recently had photos taken and asked what the top tips are when thinking about headshots, especially if you can’t afford to pay for professionals. Here is Sadia Barlow’s advice:

We would always recommend professionally taken photos, because no matter how good your mobile device, you simply cannot beat a photo taken by a professional who understands all the components for a good photo. However, we do know that there are many circumstances where you need to take a photo and have no other option but to do it yourself. So here are the 7 essential points to consider when setting up your shot.

1. Look for the light source. The sun, a lamp or a naturally bright room, no matter where you are, just look for the light as this is going to help your exposure. I love to place my clients facing a large window or at a 90-degree angle to a light source. Experiment to see which angle is more flattering. For me, there is nothing more illuminating than having catchlights in your eyes (white, or bright reflections of the light source).

2. Check the background for any distractions. So many instances where we have seen headshots with a pole in the distance coming out of a person’s head, or a branch or other similar distractions. Instead, think of how to frame the shot. You can use natural foliage or architecture, or if possible, find a blank white space like a wall or a door.

3. Set up your camera on a tripod or get someone to take the photo – do not take a selfie! Your online presence should show professionalism and taking the time to think through the shot, is so important. It says a lot about you and just how seriously you take your profile. Remember, first impressions count!

4. Take the time to prepare your outfit, hair and accessories for the shoot. Both men and women need to remove the shine with a little translucent powder. If you have bushy eyebrows give them a little gel and comb, the same goes if you have a beard or moustache; just tidy up. Check your ears and nose for hairs that are long and noticeable and if so, remove with haste! If you have short hair, a little hairspray and gently running your hand over your hair will get rid of those pesky stray hairs standing up!

5. Think of where you are going to use the headshot and remember one thing; your body should face the written content. The reason for this is what we call the ‘reading line’. You want to keep the person interested and to read more, therefore your body is going to take the viewer from looking at your image to naturally following the ‘reading line’ to the content. This is something we tell all our clients. If you are unsure where you are going to use the photo, make sure you take photos with both poses; ie body facing right and body facing left.

6. Relax. If you feel uncomfortable in front of a camera, play some music and do some gentle exercises to help loosen those tense muscles. So, shoulder exercises, face exercises, etc.

7. Last but not least, look directly at the camera and smile! A smile that reaches your eyes gives the impression of a person who exudes warmth and likeability. If you don’t particularly want to smile, then smile with your eyes. Remember, if a headshot doesn’t give an immediate, positive first impression, then you’re probably doing yourself a disservice.

Coral Hill photographed by Sadia Barlow Photography

www.sadiabarlowphotography.co.uk

info@sadiabarlowphotography.co.uk