No Time for a Photographer? Take a Great Headshot Yourself!

by Tiffany Buraglio, RGS Executive Assistant

If you are in need of a professional headshot but don’t have the time to go to a professional photographer, you can achieve wonderful results with a simple point-and-click camera or even a cell phone camera. Paying attention to details such as lighting, background, framing and clothing will go a long way towards alleviating the need for a professional studio and equipment.

Lighting

• Whether inside or outside, natural light is best. Try to shoot the photo when there is abundant natural light.
• Outside – Outside lighting can result in harsh shadows and cause subjects to squint against glare. A cloudy day or standing in the shade will reduce eye squint on a bright, sunny day. Utilizing a flash will even out shadows and fill in light if the subject is in the shade.
• Inside – A flash will almost always go off indoors and can cause red-eye. Cameras with a double-flash will remove red-eye, or editing the photo in any free photo editing program such as Picasa can remove red eye.

Background

• A plain background is best. Color is fine, but consider how the color will work with the subject’s clothing. If you don’t have a plain background, you can tack a sheet to a wall.
• If a plain background is not possible, choose the setting carefully so the subject is not standing in front of a busy background such as wild patterned wallpaper, an unattractive utility box or with other people walking by.

Framing

• The best framing will include the subject’s chest with a good amount of headroom. Remember, the background can always be cropped out, but is impossible to add in!
• Good framing will NOT be able to be achieved via a selfie. You will need either a tripod or another person to help shoot the image. A bookshelf or table that is at eye level with the subject can work in place of a tripod.

Expression

• Look directly into the lens of the camera and smile!
• Although your eyes should look directly into the camera, your body should not. Position the subject’s body turned slightly to one side with the head looking towards the camera.
• A true smile will read not just in the subject’s mouth, but also in their eyes. Try saying “That’s so cool!” or think of something that you are genuinely excited about so your smile reads in your eyes as well as your mouth.

Clothing & Appearance

• Choose attire that reflects the professional persona you are trying to project.
• Remove outerwear such as coats, jackets, baseball caps, etc.
• Avoid obvious logos and branding, with the exception of your company’s logo if desired.