How to Take a Head Shot of Yourself
Head shots are a vital accessory if you are looking for work as an actor or want to put a professional biography up on your website. Head shots are somewhat flattering pictures of just your head and neck used to identify you to potential clients. You can get professional head shots from a specialized photographer, but if you are handy with a camera and looking to save a few bucks, you can try shooting the pictures yourself.
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Instructions
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Find a room in your house with a large amount of natural light. Natural light is by far your best option for professional-looking head shots.
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Place your digital camera on a tripod. You will not be able to secure it yourself during the shoot, so a tripod is your best option.
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Hang a white sheet to serve as the background of your shot. Place it on the opposite wall from your windows, with you facing the light.
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Place a floor lamp directly behind the camera. The floor lamp helps add light from another direction and softens the shadows on your face when you shoot.
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Prefocus your camera by having a friend stand in for you or placing an object where your face will be. A digital single-lens-reflex camera, or SLR, will give you the best quality, but consumer cameras are fine if your head shots do not need to be perfect. Your eyes should be the central focus point.
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Disable your camera's flash. Flashes add harsh glare and your natural light should be sufficient for the image.
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Use the timer setting on your camera so you can hit the shutter button and run into frame. It will likely take several tries for you to nail down the timing, position and focus.
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Take a dozen photos or so and look at them on your computer. You can find qualities with which you are not happy and adjust your equipment to compensate.
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Tips & Warnings
Remember that professional head shots are often accompanied by professional makeup and touch-up services. If your head shot needs to be flawless, your best bet is talking to a professional.
References
- Photo Credit Photos.com/Photos.com/Getty Images
