Don't hire an expensive photographer. Learn how to take headshots that look professional using just your phone or basic camera gear at home. Simple, step-by-step instructions for high-quality results.
What’s a Professional Headshot?
Answering how to take headshots can be a subjective answer, but in literal terms, a professional headshot features genuine and relaxed expressions of a person in flattering poses. Everything feels natural, and the entire frame of such a headshot feels engaging without being pushy.
Such shots also avoid any form of distortion and unflattering perspectives in the frame by maintaining the same camera and eye level, or just slightly above, for the most natural look. The goal here is that your image engages the viewer without any distractions or fake expressions.
Moreover, professional photographers typically use a simple, distraction-free background and recommend that individuals in the headshot wear neat, neutral clothing. The apparel is selected based on your intended use of the headshot, whether it is for corporate, creative, or casual purposes.
Improving Your Headshots:
1. Lighting is key
The first thing in learning how to take headshots requires you to be an absolute master of using light in your photos. Natural daylight works best for headshots, but it is not accessible for some. However, you can replicate studio results at home without incurring significant costs. LED panels and ring lights are incredibly affordable on Amazon nowadays and can do a great job for you. Get the one that has the option to change the light temperature to match your skin tone.
2. Background check!
You want the viewer to focus on you, not on the background; that is why we recommend using plain walls if you are at home or even neutral curtains. Sometimes, subtle outdoor settings can also work, especially if your camera lens can produce a good amount of bokeh.
3. Wear Accordingly
Solid colors work best for headshots, particularly those with colors that are solid, mid-tone, or jewel tones. Choose from plum, navy blue, burgundy, charcoal gray, and deep green, selecting the one that best suits your skin tone and preferences. The goal here is to complement your skin and face to make them more pleasing and obvious in the headshot.
4. Camera Settings
You can use wider primes, such as the 35mm, to achieve unique artistic features with smooth bokeh and super-sharp details. Alternatively, you can also choose longer focal lengths, such as 85 mm and above, to capture those traditional, flattering portraits for headshots. You would want to have an aperture range of f/2.8 to f/5.6, with a shutter speed of 1/125th to 1/250th second, and an ISO setting of 100 or 200. Single-point autofocus and manual mode are available if you are using studio lighting.
5. Framing & Composition
Use the rule of thirds to frame yourself; place your eyes approximately one-third from the top of the frame for a professional and pleasing composition, while positioning the lens at exactly the same or slightly above eye level. To capture a natural perspective, place this camera almost three feet away from you.
Camera Lenses Matter More Than You Think
Nowadays, smartphones rival dedicated body cameras; however, the quality you get from larger and professional optical hardware is still much superior. Camera bodies and their bigger lenses can literally transform a flat snapshot into a breathtaking, dimensional headshot that looks crisper and engaging.
One such optical gear to bring life to your headshots is the SIRUI AURORA Series 35mm F1.4 Full-Frame Autofocus Lens, a next-generation piece of hardware designed to add character and professional traits.
What makes this lens a great choice for headshots is its focal length and bokeh features, as most of us typically shoot our headshots at home. If you have a tight space, this lens will be particularly useful due to its wider aperture.
Designed with a wide aperture of f/1.4 and aspherical glass elements, you achieve professional-grade sharpness in your images, accompanied by beautiful background bokeh, even in tight spaces. This naturally separates you from the background and smooths out distractions.
Wrapping Up:
Learning how to take headshots like a professional is not rocket science, but it requires making the best use of light, understanding what apparel and its colors match your skin tone, and using a proper camera to capture them. The SIRUI Aurora 35mm captures incredibly pleasing headshots with its high-performance optics, bringing in smooth bokeh.
