Taking a great headshot photo doesn’t require expensive equipment or a professional photographer. With some planning and practice, you can learn to take headshots that capture the essence of a person and make a great first impression. From setting up the lighting to retouching your photos with Photoleap, follow these tips to get the perfect headshot.
Prep Your Subject
Before taking the photo, help prep the person being photographed. Have them brush their hair so it’s neat and tidy. For women, some simple makeup can help emphasize facial features. Avoid heavy makeup that looks overdone in a close-up shot. Have the person wear dark solids or simple patterns—avoid busy prints or stripes that can be distracting. Solid jewel tones work great and help the subject’s face stand out.
Light the Shot
Lighting is critical for a flattering headshot. Outdoors, aim for even daylight, not direct sun which can cause harsh shadows. Indoors, position the subject facing a window for nice diffused light. Turn the subject slightly away from the window to avoid shadows. Reflectors and white boards can fill in shadows and shape the light. For indoor shots without windows, point soft box lights or reflectors at the subject to evenly light their face. Avoid mixing light temperatures that result in an orange/blue color cast.
Choose the Right Backdrop
A solid, neutral colored backdrop works best for headshots so the subject stands out rather than blending into a busy background. Mid-tone grays, beiges or blues make a nice subtle backdrop. If you are using a wall as the background, look for one with a smooth, non-distracting texture and neutral color. Or hang a roll of seamless paper or a taut sheet for a clean, solid look. Keep the backdrop a good distance behind the subject to avoid shadows.
Compose a Flattering Shot
For the most flattering perspective, shoot slightly above eye level with the camera angled down. This helps minimize distortions from shooting straight on. Get close enough to fill the frame with the head and shoulders. Shoot both horizontal and vertical options. Square shots work nicely for profile images on social media. Position the subject at a slight angle rather than straight at the camera for a more dynamic look. Have them lift their chin slightly and relax their shoulders for a confident posture.
Snap Multiple Shots
Don’t just take one photo and call it done. Shoot multiple images, varying your angle, distance and framing slightly. This gives you options later when picking the best shots. Change up the subject’s pose and expression for added variety. For example, shoot some shots with a serious gaze, then try a slight smile or laugh for a looser look. Take some shots in portrait and landscape orientation.
Retouch Photos with an AI App
After shooting, you can edit the photos to perfection using an AI photo app like Photoleap. It uses artificial intelligence to instantly enhance the images with just a couple taps. Fix brightness, color balance and shadows. Smoosh away unwanted blemishes or objects in the background using the touch-up tool. Sharpen details like eyes and hair. Blur or swap the background. The AI does the work for you to retouch photos like a pro.
With a little practice and the right tools, anyone can learn to take professional-looking headshots. Follow these tips for lighting, framing, focusing and finishing up in post-production. You’ll get great shots that capture a person’s true essence for any promotional needs.
