How to Do a DIY Professional Headshot
Unfortunately, the Coronavirus has taken its toll on the world. From a shortage of toilet paper, to people unable to even leave their homes, it’s easy to say that this pandemic has certainly turned our daily lives upside down.
One aspect that is truly unfortunate is the the number of people who have recently lost their jobs.
With the unknown job situation affecting nearly everyone, including our friends and family, and the fact that we cannot offer new headshots at the moment, we want to help you feel confident and look comfortable when capturing your own headshots.
We believe that everyone should be able to present themselves professionally through photography! That’s why, here at Tiberius Images, as Grand Rapids headshot photographers, we have gathered some tips to assist you with doing your own DIY professional headshots.
Perhaps a new headshot for your resume or LinkedIn profile will help you land the new position you’ve been dreaming of!
What to Wear. First off, you will want to ensure that you look the part for your headshots. After all, your photos will be the first glimpse that people will see of you as a business professional, and you will want to make quite the impression! To discover what you should wear for your own business headshots, be sure to take a look at this informational article, What to Wear for Your Business Headshots.
The Right Setting. Creating the right setting is important when capturing headshots. When considering where to be photographed, know that indoors is usually best, as it is away from direct sunlight. Indirect light, like window light is more subtle and flattering. In addition, it’s best that you are in front of a solid backdrop so you stand out as the center of attention, just as you should.
The Perfect Pose. Ideally, your professional headshot should actually be quite simple. By simple, we mean that you will want your eyes and smile to be the main focus of the photo. You should be centered from the waist up (approximately). In addition, you will want your shoulders to be at a 45 degree angle. This is how we help everyone we photograph look slimmer, just turn the shoulders. Also, most importantly, keep your eyes on the camera! Last, a great rule of thumb to keep in mind, is do you see one or two ears? One full, with a small amount of the second, is best!
A Great Expression. There are really no rules when it comes to the expression that you should present when capturing your headshots. After all, these are your photos, and your personality should certainly shine through! So, you can showcase a shy and simple smile, or, you can go all out with a laughing grin…the opportunities are truly endless! Overall, you will just want to ensure that your expression is warm and welcoming, and that you highlight nothing but comfort and confidence!
How to Capture. Obviously, it would be a bit difficult for you to capture your own photos. So, know that it would be ideal for a friend or family member to do so. However, if this isn’t an option, utilizing a tripod would be best! This way, you can create a set-up that will allow you to have a timer count down to take your images, or even have buttons that could be pressed to capture photos, making the process simple and efficient. In addition, be sure to capture an abundant amount of photos, so that you can discover the perfect one to utilize as your business headshot.
Proper Editing. Once you have captured your professional headshots, it will be time to edit them! Depending on where you will be showcasing them, such as on LinkedIn, or to go along with your resume, you will want to ensure that they are the right size for the platforms that they will be posted among. For example, different sites will require different sizes, pixels, and formats. So, it’s important that you make yourself aware of the proper edits needed.
There is nothing worse than losing your job in such a tough time. However, with these tips, you can capture your own great headshots, and begin your new career search with confidence!
While we can’t offer photography services at this time due to the Coronavirus, know that here at Tiberius Images, as a photographer in Grand Rapids, Michigan, we would be pleased with the opportunity to capture you and your business in the future! So, please feel free to contact us so that we can begin discussing your future photography plans.