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If your style is not very traditional, and your industry works well with a bit more progressive image, this metallic backdrop can add a bit of futuristic tone to your headshot. This is appropriate for technology, healthcare, higher education or other industries based on skill, technology or brain power. Yes, I do recommend a makeup artist for my female clients. I work with an excellent makeup artist who understands how to apply makeup specifically for headshots. If you choose to do your own makeup, the key is to keep everything simple, not use a lot of foundation, and not use a lot of dark color around the eyes.

In simplest terms, a professional headshot is a type of portrait. A headshot is a tightly cropped photo of the face, from the shoulders up. The subject is camera aware — typically looking right in the lens.

For example, modeling shots are often preferred in black and white – you may have to remove the color in post-processing software afterward and play with the contrast etc. Alternatively, a branded headshot may require a company logo inserting, or the background color changing to match a corporate schema. Capture a classic graduation memento with a traditional portrait! Be sure to bring your special academic tassel, or cords; organization sash/stole or decorated cap. Bring other accessories to create that complete individual moment.

Let’s break down what defines these types of photography and how they differ. Controlling the light is important for headshots and so they are usually shot in a studio with neutral backdrops and strobes or continuous lights. Portraits can also have the subject looking to camera but can also include off-camera looks to create a more candid, intimate feel often seen in lifestyle or documentary portraits. Just a sliver of light might illuminate the face in dramatic portrait or editorial shot. As cool as that might look, it’s not where you want to start for a headshot (even an actor’s headshot).

I am a headshot and personal brand photographer based in Honolulu, Hi. Check out my Headshot FAQ for more posts on all things headshot photography. We all carry around thousands of photos in our phones. Backup and cloud technology is getting better and better. But viewing a portrait print requires no more technology than a light bulb.

A super simple background is key to a polished headshot. Portrait posing is all over the place and can even be intentionally awkward — especially in fashion or editorial looks. The pose will underscore the feel of the entire image, so attention must be given to the posing.

Appointments last approximately 30 minutes in the studio. There is plenty of time to get a variety of poses, including a few in your dress wear for professional headshots for resumes and applications. Lighting is an essential part of professional headshot photography, and you one-hundred percent cannot skimp on your lighting techniques. Lighting should be controlled and carefully positioned.

If something doesn’t look quite right, such as the focal length, don’t simply plow on – have a respite, review your camera settings, and take more photos. Ideally, you want a higher potential aperture – this will allow you to create that excellent out of focus background that is so desirable (If that’s what look the client wants!). An aperture of f/1.2 – f/2.8 can Headshots and Portraits provide excellent headshot photos. Typically, headshots only include the shoulders upwards of a person but there are many variants. Headshots are often used as promotional material or for business purposes. We offer quality portraiture for both professional and personal needs, including book jackets, web pages, speaking engagements, media requests and more.