Last month I covered some of the pros and cons of AI headshots, and overall, with just a little knowledge think you’d be far better off taking it yourself if you have a new-ish smartphone.

I am a professional photographer, I specialize in headshots, but of course this isn’t a veiled pitch because I’m gonna teach you how to take your own headshot and you need nothing but a smartphone (but bonus if you have an actual camera).

Here’s my headshot for context:

Having a high-quality, professional headshot is essential for various purposes, including LinkedIn profiles, corporate websites, business cards, and social media platforms. While hiring a professional photographer is a great option, it is not always feasible for everyone. Thankfully, with the right guidance and a few tools, you can take your own professional headshot that portrays you in the best possible light. In this article, we’ll explore valuable tips and insights shared by professional photographers to help you capture an impressive headshot that stands out.

What you’ll need to take your own headshot:

• Smartphone

Optionals:

• Tripod (or smartphone stand)
• Diffuser, (or even a white bed sheet).

You’ll just need a smartphone, perhaps a portable tripod (you can find one that’ll do the job for under $15), in a pinch you could prop it against something as well. Heck, if you’re a nerd like myself and have a 3d printer, you can also 3d print yourself a smartphone stand for free 😅

Pro-Tip: While this is a guide on how to take your own headshot, if you have a significant other, heck even your mama would suffice – it could help bring a more natural shot.

Plan Your Setup

A well-executed headshot requires careful planning. Begin by choosing a suitable location, preferably with ample natural light. Indirect light from a window or a well-lit outdoor area can produce flattering results. Ensure the background is uncluttered, keeping the focus on you. Consider the overall mood you want to convey and select a background that complements your style or profession.

Your options here are:

• Outdoors, with portrait mode you can blur the background.
• Indoors, ie. studio style

Here’s the best guide I’ve seen:

And my updates to the 2021 video:

• You actually don’t need a separate app that let’s you shoot in raw, newer phones have that feature built-in and can be turned on.
• Lighting, 100% agree on getting a high CRI bulb, it does make a difference. However you could also use natural light which has a CRI of 100.

Camera Settings

While professional-grade equipment can enhance the quality of your headshot, it is possible to achieve great results with a smartphone or a basic DSLR camera. Ensure your camera settings are appropriate for capturing portraits. Use manual mode or select the portrait mode if available, as it optimizes settings for faces. Maintain a wide aperture (smaller f-number) to achieve a shallow depth of field, creating a pleasing blurred background effect.

Compose the Shot

Compose your headshot with care. Use the rule of thirds to place your face slightly off-center, creating a more visually appealing and dynamic image. Consider leaving some negative space on one side to allow for future cropping or text overlay, if needed. Experiment with different angles, such as shooting from slightly above or below, to find the most flattering perspective for your face.

Pro-Tip: Remember that you’re likely going to be cropping for social media, ie. 1:1 will be the final aspect ratio. Thus consider that when framing your shot (ie. leave a little room).

Lighting Techniques

Proper lighting is crucial for a professional headshot. If you’re shooting indoors, position yourself near a window or use diffused artificial lighting to achieve soft, even illumination. Avoid harsh shadows by diffusing direct sunlight or using a reflector to bounce light onto your face. For outdoor shots, overcast days or shooting in the shade can provide a natural, flattering light. Be mindful of any unflattering shadows cast by nearby objects or structures.

Wardrobe and Styling

Choose clothing and accessories that represent your professional image and the industry you’re in. Opt for solid colors and avoid busy patterns or distracting prints that can take attention away from your face. Consider the background when selecting colors to ensure sufficient contrast. Experiment with different outfits to find the one that flatters your features and matches your intended style.

Posing and Expression

To capture a compelling headshot, practice various poses and expressions in front of a mirror. Relax your shoulders, keep your head straight, and slightly tilt your chin down to avoid a double chin appearance. Maintain a natural and confident expression, conveying approachability and professionalism. Experiment with subtle variations to discover the pose that suits you best.

Focus and Sharpness

Ensure your face remains the focal point of the headshot. Set your camera’s autofocus point on your eyes to ensure they are sharp and in focus. If you’re at a slight angle, you’ll want to focus on the eye closest to the camera. If using a smartphone, tap the screen on your face to set the focus point. Avoid using digital zoom, as it can degrade the image quality. Instead, physically move closer to the camera or use a lens with a longer focal length if needed.

Post-Processing and Editing

Once you have captured a selection of headshots, review them on a computer screen to determine the best options. Crop the image to ensure proper framing, remove any distractions or imperfections, and adjust the exposure, contrast, and color balance if necessary. Be cautious not