Consider the style of the headshot<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Start by understanding the purpose of the headshot. This insight will guide your decisions on location, styling, and composition, so the final image aligns with your needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Think about:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Style<\/strong>: Do you need a polished corporate image or a more relaxed, creative one?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Location<\/strong>: Would shooting outdoors, in a studio, or at a workplace best suit the vision?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Destination<\/strong>: How will you use the images? Do you need a landscape photo with space for text on a website homepage or a shot that looks good as a square profile photo?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Included<\/strong> elements<\/strong>: Should the images incorporate branded props, signs, or specific backgrounds?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Remember, even people in the same industry may need vastly different headshots. For instance, sustainable clothing brand Finisterre<\/a> features its founder, Tom Kay, in a gritty, monochrome outdoor shot. In contrast, ethical clothing designer Ella Griffee<\/a> opts for a relaxed, welcoming studio portrait. Understanding the purpose of the shot and learning about your client\u2019s unique needs will help you plan the shoot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Gritty]()
\n\n\n\nPick (or create) a neutral background<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The subject should be the focal point of every awesome headshot, which is why neutral backgrounds are ideal. Here\u2019s how to achieve this effect:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Indoor shots<\/strong>: Use a neutral wall, fabric, paper, tablecloth, curtain, or sheet. No need for expensive backdrops.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Outdoors shots<\/strong>: Look for simple, neutral backgrounds like walls, columns, or building steps. Avoid overwhelming elements such as brick walls, graffiti, or shop signage.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Dynamic backgrounds<\/strong>: Cityscapes or nature can work as a background if they fit the shoot brief. Position your subject with ample space behind them to blur the background.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
The National Women\u2019s Law Center<\/a>, for example, uses a mix of background styles<\/a> for its board of directors\u2019 headshots, all of which look equally professional.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Board]()
\n\n\n\nAdd props if needed<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Less is often more when it comes to including props in professional headshots. The goal is to make the subject take center stage without overshadowing them or making the image look contrived. In some professions, props can add value to a headshot\u2014like medical professionals, creatives, educators, chefs, craftspeople, athletes, and fitness experts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Remember these key points when considering props:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- The prop should be an authentic part of the professional\u2019s daily work<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- It should be subtle and not dominate the image<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The prop should be in good condition and high-quality<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Avoid clich\u00e9d or overused props that might make the image look dated or unoriginal<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- When in doubt, take shots both with and without the prop to give the\u00a0subject options<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![\"Headshot]()
\n\n\n\nSet up your light source<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Natural light or a studio setup? Your choice of light source will depend on the type of headshot, location, photography style, and technical experience. But as a general rule, don\u2019t overcomplicate it. Unless you\u2019re going for a dramatic, creative shot, focus on creating a natural, flattering look.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you opt for natural light:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Aim for diffused lighting to avoid harsh shadows on the subject\u2019s face. You can diffuse light using white or sheer fabric in front of a window or use the transparent part of a multi-use reflector.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- If needed, add a reflector to reduce shadows. Use it on either side or angled in front of the subject to reduce under-eye shadows.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Experiment with head-on light from the window or outdoors when the sun is lower and slightly angled from the side, or place the subject in front of the sun.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![\"Three]()
\n\n\n\nYou\u2019ll find plenty of setups for artificial lighting<\/a>, depending on your budget, skill, and available equipment. Remember, artificial lighting can be harsh, so soften it using modifiers. Softer light works for most business scenarios\u2014like in the headshot below\u2014but some clients might request harsher light for a more dramatic look.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Professional]()
\n\n\n\nUse a tripod for taking your own headshots<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Do you want to create your own headshots on a budget? No problem\u2014just make sure you\u2019ve got a tripod and either a remote release or a timer on your camera or phone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, a tripod can also be handy for photographing clients. How does it work? Position your subject, for example, on a stool, and set up your camera focused on the client. Then, plug in a remote release or connect a wireless one. Now, you can freely interact with your subject, talk to them, and press the shutter button when their expression is just right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Change poses and expressions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Getting the setup right is half the challenge. The next step is posing your client and giving them gentle cues, which will take your photo from good to great. Guide your client through poses and facial expressions to create various images. Start with simple poses, like a slight head tilt in different directions, to help clients relax their bodies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Many people feel self-conscious when asked to smile or laugh, so gradually ease into more complex expressions. As you change poses and expressions, vary your compositions too. This is particularly important if your subject needs different images from the same location, giving you a set of options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Artist]()
\n\n\n\nReview images as you go<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s easy to get caught up in the shoot without checking any images on the back of your camera. But make sure you take brief pauses to review what you\u2019ve shot. Zoom in to see if the subject\u2019s eyes are in focus. Also, check for any unwanted reflections if your client wears glasses. Handling reflections for headshots is similar to photographing reflective products<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Reviewing your photos and test shots allows you make minor adjustments<\/a> you may otherwise miss, such as changing light position, client\u2019s pose, or your composition. It\u2019s better to shoot a few more photos than not have enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How to edit a headshot to look professional<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
You\u2019ve done your best to get the light right, and your client looks great in the photos. What\u2019s next? Photos straight from the camera might have all the necessary elements, but editing headshots<\/a> will add that final touch for a professional result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Apply basic edits<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
To get started, apply lens corrections. This will fix any distortions or vignetting your lens might create. Then, adjust the exposure and white balance settings for a neutral look. Check if your image needs to be cropped<\/a>, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the example below, we applied lens correction and slightly reduced the exposure so the subject had more facial definition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Unedited]()
\n\n\n\nIf something still doesn\u2019t look quite right, try fine-tuning other settings. Adjust sliders for highlights, whites, shadows<\/a>, and blacks. For more precise control, manipulate the tonal curve. Most professional editing apps<\/a>, like Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop, and Capture One, offer these adjustments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Reduce blemishes and enhance skin texture<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
You don\u2019t need to be an expert retoucher<\/a> to edit a great-looking headshot. When retouching your photos, use Photoshop tools<\/a> like Spot Healing Brush Tool or Lightroom\u2019s brushes to apply local adjustments to the subject\u2019s face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For example, you might want to remove temporary blemishes and stray hairs<\/a>, brighten eyes, lightly soften skin texture, or fix unwanted shine, like in the image below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Unedited]()
\n\n\n\nBut remember, everyone has skin texture, which is entirely normal. Sharp lenses and unflattering lighting can make it more prominent, so keep your edits natural. And before you edit any permanent features, such as moles or scars, always consult your client first. Removing those could drastically change their appearance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Check for reflections on glasses<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Reflections can be an artistic choice<\/a>, but not when visible on your subject\u2019s glasses and covering their eyes. If your headshot has reflections you didn\u2019t notice during the shoot, you might be able to rescue the image. As long as the reflection doesn\u2019t fully cover the subject\u2019s eyes, you can use a mix of Photoshop\u2019s Spot Healing Brush Tool and Clone Stamp to remove it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Smooth any clothing wrinkles<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Even with the best intentions, some clients may still arrive with an outfit that needs an iron. Or there might be a slight wrinkle on their shirt that neither of you noticed. Either way, you can fix clothing wrinkles in Photoshop<\/a> using the tools mentioned above. You can also outsource the task if you don\u2019t have time to work on it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Headshot]()
\n\n\n\nRemove background imperfections<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Are you shooting outdoors? The buildings or walls in the background may not be as polished as indoor backdrops. You might encounter some spots, dirt, scratches, or small graffiti or stickers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But it\u2019s a relatively easy fix! Use the Spot Healing Brush Tool or Generative Fill in Photoshop, and you can remove any background imperfections<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Outdoor]()
\n\n\n\nRemove or change background color<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Does your client want a different background color for their new LinkedIn profile photo? Or maybe they need a few on-brand color variations<\/a> for headshots across different marketing channels? You can change the background color<\/a> with no need to reshoot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For same-color backgrounds, you can easily change the color in Photoshop or remove the background<\/a> entirely, using clipping path or masking<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Add more blur to the background<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s not always possible to blur the background as much as desired\u2014it could be because of the lens used or the subject and background distance. But sometimes, it might be the one thing that\u2019s missing from your photo to make the subject stand out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Unedited]()
\n\n\n\nYou can fix this in Lightroom using a couple of methods:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Masking tools<\/strong>: Head into the Masking section and click on Select Background. Lightroom will automatically create a mask for the background, which you can use to reduce clarity, sharpness, and texture to soften and blur the background.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Lens Blur<\/strong>: If you have the latest app version, try the new AI Lens Blur tool in your Develop module. The app will analyze the image and apply smart lens blur. You can control the blur amount and bokeh style or refine it further using brushes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Masking tools<\/strong>: Head into the Masking section and click on Select Background. Lightroom will automatically create a mask for the background, which you can use to reduce clarity, sharpness, and texture to soften and blur the background.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Outdoors shots<\/strong>: Look for simple, neutral backgrounds like walls, columns, or building steps. Avoid overwhelming elements such as brick walls, graffiti, or shop signage.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Location<\/strong>: Would shooting outdoors, in a studio, or at a workplace best suit the vision?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
![\"Gritty](\"https:\/\/cdn.pathedits.com\/Images\/posts\/how-to-make-a-headshot-look-professional-from-setup-to-editing\/industry-specific-headshots-founder-designer.jpg\")
\n\n\n\n![\"Board](\"https:\/\/cdn.pathedits.com\/Images\/posts\/how-to-make-a-headshot-look-professional-from-setup-to-editing\/professional-headshots-board-diverse-backgrounds.png\")
\n\n\n\n![\"Headshot](\"https:\/\/cdn.pathedits.com\/Images\/posts\/how-to-make-a-headshot-look-professional-from-setup-to-editing\/professional-headshot-props-medical-expertise.png\")
\n\n\n\n![\"Three](\"https:\/\/cdn.pathedits.com\/Images\/posts\/how-to-make-a-headshot-look-professional-from-setup-to-editing\/headshot-lighting-techniques-natural-flattering.jpg\")
\n\n\n\n![\"Professional](\"https:\/\/cdn.pathedits.com\/Images\/posts\/how-to-make-a-headshot-look-professional-from-setup-to-editing\/professional-headshot-soft-artificial-lighting.jpg\")
\n\n\n\n![\"Artist](\"https:\/\/cdn.pathedits.com\/Images\/posts\/how-to-make-a-headshot-look-professional-from-setup-to-editing\/headshot-posing-expressions-artist-studio.jpg\")
\n\n\n\n![\"Unedited](\"https:\/\/cdn.pathedits.com\/Images\/posts\/how-to-make-a-headshot-look-professional-from-setup-to-editing\/basic-headshot-edits-before-lens-correction-exposure.gif\")
\n\n\n\n![\"Unedited](\"https:\/\/cdn.pathedits.com\/Images\/posts\/how-to-make-a-headshot-look-professional-from-setup-to-editing\/headshot-retouching-blemish-removal-skin-enhancement-before.gif\")
\n\n\n\n![\"Headshot](\"https:\/\/cdn.pathedits.com\/Images\/posts\/how-to-make-a-headshot-look-professional-from-setup-to-editing\/headshot-clothing-wrinkle-removal-before-chef.gif\")
\n\n\n\n![\"Outdoor](\"https:\/\/cdn.pathedits.com\/Images\/posts\/how-to-make-a-headshot-look-professional-from-setup-to-editing\/outdoor-headshot-background-cleanup-before.gif\")
\n\n\n\n![\"Unedited](\"https:\/\/cdn.pathedits.com\/Images\/posts\/how-to-make-a-headshot-look-professional-from-setup-to-editing\/background-blur-enhancement-before-headshot.gif\")
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