Professionals of all industries use headshots for personal branding and corporate portfolios. A headshot is an initial introduction to a person’s personality and profession, so it is essential that a photographer can capture features of both accurately. Headshot photography has a lot in common with portrait photography, though there are essential differences in how a subject will be captured in portraits and professional headshots. A Chicago based accountant looking for headshots might choose their office as the shoot location, while a photographer taking lifestyle portraits might select Park Millenium for their area. The style and essence of a headshot will depend on the industry the subject is in – here are some top tips and concepts to keep in mind when taking headshots.
Headshots for professional use
Many professionals who work in a corporate setting use headshots to advertise their brand or company and for personal representation on corporate networking sites like LinkedIn. Traditionally, corporate headshots have soft white lighting and a plain white backdrop. However, they can be taken with themed backgrounds, harsher lighting, or in an outdoor or corporate setting. Those working in more creative industries (such as actors or other performers) may incorporate more artistic choices into their headshots to display their talents and personality.
Lighting
A typical professional headshot is taken with the subject in front of a white background and illuminated by single or multiple light sources (this usually depends on the photographer’s style). The lighting aims to flatter and soften the subject’s features and eliminate shadows. This is why photographers tend to use diffused, soft lighting if they are shooting indoors and prefer shady places if shooting outdoors. Photographers may choose much more dramatic lighting or different lighting effects for their subjects when shooting creative professionals. This can bring dramatic effects to the images and help a subject to stand out.
Background
Though a plain white background is typical for corporate headshots, it is not unheard of for subjects to choose a different color for their background. It will usually be advised that this be a neutral color free of busy patterns and flatters the subject’s skin tone. The subject’s face must remain the focus. The person photographed may want to choose their corporate setting as their background – this can nicely frame someone within their professional context. An outdoor location can also work for a headshot location, taking advantage of the natural light and a range of options for the background. The background of a headshot can contextualize the subject’s profession or location – a lawyer wanting professional headshots Chicago could have their photograph taken in front of a local landmark, for example. Both choices allow the subject to promote themselves and their brand in a unique way that demonstrates a part of their character. In both cases, the background is essential for a contextual purpose but does not distract from the subject’s face. For example, a photographer may make more creative or unusual choices for the background when shooting for an artist or actor, showcasing the subject’s character.
Poses, props, and clothing
Professionalism is critical for nailing a corporate headshot. This will be the first impression of a person, company, or brand for prospective employers or clients. The subject should make eye contact with the camera to establish an authentic connection with the viewer. If the subject is not making eye contact, they may appear insincere and could disengage their audience. A genuine smile is also important to create a warm and open connection with the audience. A sterner expression may be uninviting for an audience, regardless of the industry. Props are not very common in corporate headshots but can be used as identifiers for a subject’s profession. A doctor may choose to have a stethoscope visible in their headshot so viewers are immediately aware of their job. Similarly, clothing can be used as a contextual indicator of someone’s profession – a lab coat or branded clothing can be worn to identify the subject’s industry or company. For artistic headshots, props can add fun and life to a subject’s headshots. This is a chance for photographers to exercise their creativity and showcase their stylistic versatility. Creative professionals may also dress in their day-to-day clothing (rather than a specific ‘uniform’ clothing), allowing them to embrace and demonstrate their own identity for the camera fully.
