How to Take a Decent Headshot Using Your Phone
By: Emma Butler
Tags: Phone, Web, DIY, Digital Marketing, Photography

Have someone else take your photo

Although there are plenty of people on Instagram who have mastered the “art of the selfie”, we suggest having a friend or colleague take your headshot — the result is much more professional. (Plus, the front-facing camera on your phone takes lower resolution images.)

Use a neutral background

Choosing a neutral background — a plain or brick wall, a fence, even some simple greenery — will keep the focus on you. Watch out for objects in the background that might end up looking like they’re sticking out of your head. (No one wants a tree sticking out of their head.)

Use even lighting

Probably the most important tip we can give you! If you’re outdoors, find a nice shaded spot to have your photo taken. Being photographed in direct sunlight creates bright highlights and heavy shadows on a person’s face, which isn’t very flattering. Overcast days are the best for shooting outdoors, because the light is very even. If your photo has to be taken indoors, try to find a spot that is lit with natural lighting (from a window).

A neutral background, casual pose, and even lighting make for a great image. (Photo taken on an iPhone 5S)

Stand out!

Wear clothing that contrasts with your chosen background — no one wants to blend in with a grey wall! To look natural, wear the kind of outfit that you would normally wear to work. Dressing up in a tux is not necessary.

Pick a style and stick to it

Brand consistency is important — and the same is true for your head shots. Pick a style and stick to it! Don’t worry, this doesn’t mean making everyone stand in the exact same pose wearing the exact same thing, unless maybe your small business is a summer camp. Making little things consistent is important, such as using the same (or similar type of) background and shooting everyone at the same time of day (to match lighting). By doing this, you ensure each of your team members’ images look like they came from the same place.

Style: the first two images have a similar background and a similar pose. The third one leaves a lot to be desired…

VOGUE. (Just kidding — strike a casual pose.)

Try and stand in a way that is relaxed, with your body angled slightly away from the camera—placing yourself diagonally (shoulders pointed to the left or right, head pointed at the camera) often creates a good-looking pose. Fold your arms, have your hands on your hips, or put your hands in your pockets — whatever feels most natural. Remember to keep your shoulders back and your chin up!

Hold your phone steady

Make sure the photographer keeps the phone as still as they can by using both hands, and keeping their elbows tucked into their sides for support. Breath normally — don’t let the pressure of being a photographer cause you to hyperventilate.

Use HDR mode

HDR is a mode of shooting that combines several exposures to create a single picture with more detail and a greater range of tones and colours. If your phone’s camera has it available, please use it.

Using the autofocus and HDR features help you achieve a better image.

Lock the auto-focus

Tap (or hold, depending on your phone) the screen where you want the camera to focus — the face — to lock the focus and keep the image sharp.

Give your head some space

Remember to leave space around your head and shoulders — the image can always be cropped tighter later if necessary. Don’t worry too much about including the lower torso and legs — this is a headshot, after all!

DON’T use digital zoom

Digital zoom lowers the resolution (and therefore quality) of an image. Have the person taking your photo step closer to you instead.

Shoot away!

The beauty of digital cameras (including phone cameras) is that you can take as many pictures as you want until you get the right one. Don’t be afraid to take a few — you can always delete (or meme) the ones that don’t work out!