How to Take Your Own Quality Headshot
Quality headshots are a vital part of a resume for actors, models and others interested in entering the world of performing arts. Headshots are not just for performers, however; headshots make fabulous gifts to parents and loved ones. Many studios specialize in taking quality headshots but it is not necessary to visit a professional studio in order to take a quality headshot. With a little patience and creativity, you can take your own quality headshot in the comfort of your own home.
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Instructions
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Choose a simple, dark background. You want a background that won't draw attention from your face and won't reflect light. A black velvet drapes works well as a background.
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Set up a light reflector. Rather than aim a light directly at yourself, you want to direct the light towards a mirror and allow the light to reflect onto yourself, creating a softer effect.
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Use a flash diffuser to soften the glare created by using a direct flash. If you are not using a flash, you can skip this step.
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Zoom in as far as possible and position your camera as close to your position as possible while still capturing your desired headshot in the photograph.
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Use a tripod to avoid blurring caused by camera movement or shaking. Using a tripod also allows you to more easily take a few trial shots as you set up your light, background and distance.
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Adjust the angle of your camera according to the needs of your shot. A shot taken at a higher angle, looking slightly down, will accent eyes and slim the face. A shot taken at a lower angle, looking slightly up, will accent more masculine features.
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Focus as much as you can on your eyes. Eyes are expressive, giving the viewer of the photograph a feel for personality. A focus on eyes can draw attention away from other imperfections.
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Be candid when posing for your photographs. Don't force a smile; if the smile is not natural and reflected in your eyes, viewers will notice. Experiment with different expressions: smile, laugh, grow thoughtful, be serious. Play some music in the background or have a friend talk to you while you pose as your natural reactions to stimuli will show through in your shot.
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Take shots of yourself looking directly at the camera as well as looking away from the camera. A shot of yourself looking at the camera can connect you with your viewer while a shot of you looking away from the camera can add intrigue or mystery to the photograph.
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Use simple, natural make-up. Don't go overboard with make-up, as it will detract from your natural charm. Wear the same amount of make-up as you would at any other time. The closer you look in your headshot to how you look in person, the better.
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Experiment with both black and white and color shots. If you are using a digital camera, many graphics editing programs will allow you to turn color shots into black and white shots.
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Take several shots. The more shots you take, the higher your chances of finding one you're happy with. If you take 200 shots and find 10 that you like, you're doing well.
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Tips & Warnings
Keep windows or other sources of light behind the camera, rather than behind you.
Use a graphics editing program to add borders to your headshots. Keep borders fairly simple, so as not to draw attention away from the main attraction (you), but adding a little flare to your headshot sets you apart from the masses.
Have your headshots printed professionally; a headshot printed on a home color printer is not going to look as good as a headshot printed by a professional, no matter how good your home color printer is.
References
- Artfan Design: 20 Tips for Stunning Portrait Photography
- b-independent.com: Low Cost Headshots
- Idea: Taking a Good Headshot
- Digital Photography School: How to Take Perfect Headshots: Six Tips
- dance.net: ActorTips- Making Your Own Resume and Headshots and Getting Them Noticed!
- PictureCorrect: Indoor Portrait Photography Tips
- Photo Credit Brand X Pictures/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images
