icon
Home icon

Home

Jobs icon

Jobs

Reviews icon

Reviews

Network icon

Network

Resources icon

Resources

|For Employers icon

For Employers

logo
about
careers
FAQs
privacy policyterms & conditionsfor employers
112k
20k
icon
© 2022 Fairygodboss. All rights reserved.
My ProfileMy MessagesMy NetworkMy SettingsGroupsEventsMy PostsLog Out
Mystery Woman
Tell us more for better jobs, advice
and connections
YOUR GROUPS
Discover and join groups with like-minded women who share your interests, profession, and lifestyle.
COMPANIES YOU FOLLOW
Get alerted when there are new employee reviews.
YOUR JOB ALERTS
Get notified when new jobs are posted.
Your post is published!
Anonymous
07/22/20 at 3:37PM UTC
in
Career

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?

Share

Join the conversation...
Iky
star-svg
897
Unlock & Amplify Your Greatness | ikychan.com
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
star-svg
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, HMCC
star-svg
154
Meetings & Events
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!
Julia
star-svg
376
Just a girl trying to find her purpose in life!
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
star-svg
167
#HandmadeEntrepreneur #FreshStart
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 Green
star-svg
441
On Air Beauty Expert, MUA, Hair Stylist
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 Pele
star-svg
3.96k
Retired Project Manager
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 Rhineberger
star-svg
2.29k
professional rofl nevermind lets just wing it
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 Rhineberger
star-svg
2.29k
professional rofl nevermind lets just wing it
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
Natalia
star-svg
706
Continuously Evolving
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.

You're invited.

See what women are sharing on Fairygodboss.
What's new today
wand-button
Personalize your jobs
Get recommendations for recent and relevant jobs.
Employer Reviews
SF-Marin Food Bank
4.5
Set clear boundaries about your time to help normalize more...
Penn Medicine
3.5
You will learn a lot of great skills. Additionally, there...
Recent Content
5 Impactful Steps You Can Take to Become a Better Ally in the Workplace
Be Open Minded, Ask Questions, & Find a Company that Encourages Growth: From a Young Professional
How I’m Helping My Company ‘Move Toward a Brighter, More Equitable Future’ — From a Director
icon
© 2022 Fairygodboss. All rights reserved.
  • about
  • careers
  • FAQs
  • privacy policy
  • terms & conditions
112k
20k