How To Take Professional Headshot
Here’s a journey you need to prepare for a professional headshot. If this long journey seems challenging, an artificial intelligence headshot could be the solution for you.
Oct 22, 2024
At some point, haven’t you thought about setting your business profile image with a professional headshot? There is a limit to showing your expertise in photos and selfies taken casually by others. Taking a professional headshot requires more preparation than you think. Here’s a guide to help you prepare to get a successful professional headshot.
1. Selecting a Photographer
First, you need to search for a photographer who can take your headshot. You can find a photographer through Google, Yelp, or the recommendation of your friends. You will notice that there are more photographers around you than you think. (Or, it may be too far away in some areas.) At this time, you need to refer to their portfolio and testimonials.
Photographers often upload their portfolios to their websites. Through this, you can check in advance whether the photographer's shooting style is similar to the direction you want. Also, you need to check the satisfaction level of the shooting process and results by referring to the testimonials of customers who have used their services in advance. Here are some tips on how to find a good photographer, so you can refer to it.
2. Consultation with the Photographer
In the above process, you can have a consultation with the photographer you chose. This can be done by phone, via e-mail, or face-to-face. At this time, you will be able to discuss the direction of the headshot you want. Using a professional headshot example as a reference will make it easier to explain your needs.
- The purpose of professional headshot (ex. corporate, LinkedIn, casual, creative)
- Background (ex. studio, outdoor, office setting)
- Attire
- The number of photos taken
- The number of retouched photos
- The price
3. Schedule a Photo Session
Based on consultation, you need to reserve a photo session. Most photographers suggest flexible session reservation options, but it is recommended that you check the following with the photographer.
- Photo shooting time (approximately 30 minutes to 2 hours, but you need to double-check
- Location(studio or on-location shot (e.g. park, street, office))
- Any additional expenses (e.g. travel expenses)
4. Preparation for a Photo Shoot
You have a lot of things to prepare for until the shooting session. You have to pay a lot of attention to achieve satisfying results.
Wardrobe
You need to choose attire that shows your expertise. A simple and neat outfit would be appropriate. There are contents that recommend men's and women's attire, so you can refer to it.
Grooming
Clean skin and groomed appearance is important when you take pictures. For professional headshots for women, you need to prepare makeup and hair. You can visit a professional salon or use the make-up service included in the photo session in some cases. Men also should prepare their skin and hair well.
Posture practice
This may be the most important part of the shooting session. When standing in front of a camera, it is natural for ordinary people to feel awkward. Practice confident and natural poses and smiles in front of a mirror before the shooting session.
5. On the Day of the Photo Session
The photo session will fly by. It is recommended that you prepare a photo session in which you can arrive in advance and relax to pose naturally.
The photographer will guide you through various postures, angles, and facial expressions for your best shot. They are experts. Try to follow the expert's guide. Still, if you have any other ideas, don't hesitate to tell your photographer.
During the photo session, some photographers may review the shoots to ensure they are meeting your needs. At this point, you can check the photos and proceed with the rest of the session accordingly.
6. Selecting and Retouching Photos
Not all photos taken during the session will be retouched. After the photographer sends you the photos, you need to choose your favorites for retouching.
Retouching involves enhancing the skin texture and adjusting lighting to improve the overall quality of the photo. The goal of professional headshot is to make your expertise appear naturally, so it’s best to avoid excessive alternations. The result will be delivered to you typically within 1-2 weeks.
7. Payment and Rights
After the photo session, you have to proceed with the payment for the package you selected. Some photographers may want to use the results in their portfolio. To be sure to confirm this to protect your image rights.
Conclusion
Getting a professional headshot requires a great deal of time, effort, and money. Despite being an essential part of online networking, updating regularly your headshot can be quite challenging.
For busy people like you, AI headshot generator can be a solution. BlinkHeadshot.ai offers 200 professional headshots just by uploading one selfie. You can skip all processes like selecting the appropriate photographer or preparing for a shooting session. Create your own professional headshot in just 10 minutes. With various outfit and location options, you can generate the AI professional headshot that you need.
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