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Any tips for taking your own headshot?
I need a professional looking head shot but the pricing is out of my range right now, most photographers in my area are charging a minimum of $500.
Does anyone have tips to get something professional looking using your own camera/phone (I have an iphone 11pro max that takes great photos) at home?
Iky
Unlock & Amplify Your Greatness | ikychan.com
897
08/03/20 at 4:16AM UTC
Great tips, everyone! Here are two fun and super informative videos from Peter Hurley, headshot photographer in NY:
It's all about the Jaw!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qe3oJnFtA_k&feature=youtu.be
It's all about the Squinch!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ff7nltdBCHs&feature=youtu.be
Enjoy and good luck with everything!
Christina Zolotova
21
07/31/20 at 8:38PM UTC
Great tips already above! If you don’t want to invest in a tripod, ask a neighbor or a friend to take at least 50 photos in Portrait mode (you can toggle between the different lighting options after you take the photo, I find “natural” or “studio” work best) as you change angles and looks (smile wider/little smile/slight head tilt/etc) ever so slightly. Find a plain color wall and a source of light to reflect in your eyes, diffused afternoon sunlight is best if you don’t have a Ring light or similar. Dress as you would at work. You can always fine tune your photo with free apps like Lightroom and FaceTune afterwards, if needed. Good luck!
Gail Orfanos, CMP, HMCCMeetings & Events
154
07/31/20 at 3:41PM UTC
Great tips everyone! Back in the day of face to face meetings, we had a sponsor that was offering free headshots. It never hurts to find someone out there that needs the practice and would be willing to help you at no-low cost. Good Luck!
JuliaJust a girl trying to find her purpose in life!
376
07/30/20 at 5:21PM UTC
I think this is definitely possible to do! I think you will need these key things:
-A simple, plain background; nothing too busy or distracting
-Good natural lighting
-Back camera seems to come out clearer than front facing selfie camera
-Portrait mode is your friend!! These come out so great. Play with it and experiment with different settings
I'm sure you could purchase a tripod for fairly cheap on Amazon or another place. You can set up the self-timer. Or if you have a friend or family member who can take shots of you from different angles and positions!
Good luck, I'm sure they will come out beautiful!! :)
Tammy#HandmadeEntrepreneur #FreshStart
167
07/23/20 at 1:50PM UTC
I second the Fiverr recommendation. Or find a friend to do the camera work, like mentioned earlier. Maybe a photography student. If there's a local gigs app specific to your city, post a gig there and pay someone to take your photos like you would on Fiverr.
Mindy GreenOn Air Beauty Expert, MUA, Hair Stylist
441
07/23/20 at 1:04PM UTC (Edited)
Photos are always challenging on your own. But I think you can do it. You seem to have a pretty good camera on that phone.
1. Lighting is key, you should try to have a window in front of you to have great natural light. Shoot midday for the best light. Earlier and later in the day is not as flattering. Also, consider investing in a ring light with tripod & phone holder (about $60 on amazon)
2. Play with portrait mode and the timing function to give you lots of options on your photos. You may need to use the front camera for a better picture. (It can still be done without a helper)
3. Look slightly up into the camera to avoid a double chin. And most people look better with some form of profile, than looking straight into the camera.
4. As others suggested, keep your background neutral and clean
5. Makeup & hair should be clean and simple, pretty and polished unless you’re in the beauty or creative fields (then you can be more creative).
6. You may want to do a virtual lesson with a makeup artist to make sure you show up your best. Your face will be the first thing people see, so don’t take chances.
7. If you still feel nervous, reach out to a photography school or community college that has photography classes and see if a student is willing to do it at minimal cost as a project. You may also find a freelancer looking to practice on Fivrr.
Lady PeleRetired Project Manager
3.96k
07/23/20 at 12:19PM UTC
Stand against a neutral background and look up at the camera rather than straight on. It's amazing how just looking slightly up can improve the picture.
Crystal Rhinebergerprofessional rofl nevermind lets just wing it
2.29k
07/23/20 at 12:02AM UTC
Best tip I can give w all serious humor
Never ask your 9yr old son to help.
Any photo he has helped me with I look like the mafia main hit man w grrr face
Rofl I love my son but photography is not his forté
Anonymous
07/23/20 at 4:41PM UTC (Edited)
My 13 year old seems to take amazing photos of herself, she looks like a Sports Illustrated model, only problem is I am not trying to get a job as an influencer!
Crystal Rhinebergerprofessional rofl nevermind lets just wing it
2.29k
07/23/20 at 3:12PM UTC
Hahahahhaha
Im so sorry to laugh
Its that thanx honey wasn’t exactly what i was going for
NataliaContinuously Evolving
706
07/23/20 at 12AM UTC
Not sure where you are based out of but I know here in LA someone who was doing headshots between $50-$100 (othreeproductions.com). I took my most recent one at a LinkedIn event last year with my phone, but they had the tripod to hold the phone and the ring light. I think if you have these as well as a neutral background as someone else mentioned then you should be good to go.
Anonymous
07/22/20 at 5:42PM UTC
I recommend asking a good friend to take it. A friend who has a knack for taking good photos. You can get all the free tips on the internet from photographers and put it to use.
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