How to Take a Professional Headshot Using Photo Booth and iPhoto

The author's professional-style headshot, taken using Photo Booth and iPhoto.

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You don't need to go to Glamour Shots to get a good headshot. You can take one yourself at home with the help of a Mac computer, iPhoto and Photo Booth.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

A Mac computer
The applications iPhoto and Photo Booth
A bare wall to stand or sit in front of

Step1

Put yourself together as best as possible--a neat appearance will help make the photo look more professional. Women should consider wearing some makeup, so they'll show up better on the screen and won't look washed out.

Step2

Position yourself in front of a bare wall, preferably in a light and neutral color. You don't want anything like your bedroom set or your favorite poster in the background to make the photo look amateurish.

Step3

Open the Photo Booth application. Your image should show up on the screen. Position the computer to give you the best angle. Make sure your eyes are open, chin is up and you have a subtle, but professional look on your face. Then click the red camera button. Repeat until you get a photo you like.

Step4

Once you've taken a photo you like, click the iPhoto button. That will import the photo into your iPhoto library. Once there, you can toy with the image to make it look its best. Effects like black and white often make the photo look classier. Get rid of any red eye using the "Red-Eye" tool. Crop out any unnecessary "white space" in the background. You can also use the "enhance" and "retouch" tools to improve the look of the picture. And under "effects," you can fade out the picture or soften the edges. Experiment with the look of your photo until it works for you.

Tips & Warnings

Consider what audience will be seeing this photo. Is this for marketing purposes, and are you selling somethinh serious? If so, you don't want to be smiling gaily. Likewise, if you're operating something like a catering business or child care, you won't want to look like you've been booked by the police.