How to Get a Great Professional Headshot
By: Tina L. Smith
Tags: Careers, Self, Photography, Business, Remote Work

In 2014, I organized a headshot photo session for my department. I contacted a staff photographer at the large organization where I work. A trained “professional.” He dutifully came on the assigned day with his handy-dandy kit (a light, a screen background, and a camera), and snapped three, maybe four, photos of each of us.

Our department was billed for two hours of work. A week later, we received the photos — just the way we’d seen them in the camera. The best one of me was the one on the left.

At the time, I didn’t love the photo. None of us loved our photos. We looked pale, blotchy, and awkward. But, he was a professional, and we figured we were just a bunch of un-photogenic people. We shrugged and moved on.

Fast forward to 2019. The photo on the right came from a session with another professional. To my eye, it’s better in every way — even with five more years of wear and tear on my face.

So, what made the difference?

Lots of things. For the second photo, I went to a fully equipped studio, where there were professional lights, a state-of-the-art camera, and, most importantly, an expert photographer who is skilled at every aspect of photography. I also had makeup applied by a professional makeup artist.

Lighting is a huge part of the equation. Whereas the photo on the left was taken with one umbrella light, the photo on the right was taken with carefully positioned portrait lighting chosen specifically for my face — behind, in front, under, and above — to minimize flaws.

The lens used in the one on the right is ideal for portraiture (as opposed to a basic “kit” lens the staff photographer used). Let’s not forget the pose. The first photographer never once told me my chin was ridiculously high. In addition, the one on the right benefited from expert, custom retouching and proper cropping.

And did I mention lighting? Lighting, it turns out, is everything. That “catch light” (the reflection of light twinkling in the eyeballs) in the photo on the right isn’t accidental; it’s there to brighten and bring attention to the eyes. Every aspect of the setup was skillfully done to ensure the best possible photo.

But even the right lights and gadgets in the wrong hands will not produce great photos. Only the combination of knowledge, skill, equipment, and talent will produce outstanding photos.

Lessons learned

Not all professional photographers are equally equipped, skilled, or talented. Check out the photo on the left again. It was taken by a “professional.” ‘Nuff said.

You get what you pay for. We paid very little for the staff photographer. And we got very little.

If a photographer is using a digital camera that picks up details not seen with the naked eye, then professional retouching will be needed. At any age. Your photo shouldn’t make you look worse than you look in person.

Whether you have a headshot or need one, my advice is to not settle for “okay” or think that a bad photo is your fault.

You deserve a great photo.

Tips for a successful photo session

Find the right photographer. Before setting up an appointment, do your research by checking out websites and calling to learn about the photographer’s process and work.

Does the photographer use professional lighting? The right lighting is essential to a great photo. Inside or outside, it’s extremely rare for “natural light” or overhead office lights to be sufficient; studio lights make all the difference because they direct light to your face and project the right color temperature.

Does she or he take magazine-quality photos, or does their work look like snapshots? (Don’t settle.)

Do they offer custom retouching?

Is this their full-time vocation, or is it something they do on the side? Have they invested in the equipment and resources necessary to be a true professional? Do they have a fully equipped studio?

How many years of experience do they have?

These are all important elements to your decision and knowing the answers will help you be more confident about your session.

Identify what you don’t like about past photos of yourself and discuss it with your photographer. If you hate your freckles (or nose or hair color or double chin or whatever), tell the photographer up front. A great photographer can help diminish what you see as flaws — either with lighting or retouching — and bring out your best features.

Many people put off having their picture taken for years. They say they’re waiting until they lose weight or until summer when they have a tan or…. And time ticks by. There is no need to wait. When done right, you can have a great photo taken at any point in your life. And you will never regret it.

Prepare for your photo session. Practice smiling in front of a mirror. Find what you think is your best smile and keep doing it. Remember what it feels like so you can replicate it during your session. Wear something flattering that doesn’t distract from your face. Remember to avoid white shirts or jackets.

Apply makeup as expertly as you can, if you wish, or even consider having a professional apply makeup. Be sure to brush your teeth very well. Today’s digital cameras pick up the smallest details.

Relax and exude confidence! (Even if you have to fake it.) The one thing your photographer can’t bring to the picture is your confidence — and it is absolutely the most important aspect of your photo. While a great photographer can help you feel comfortable and coach you, they cannot inject joy and self-assurance. Only you can do that. And when you reflect those feelings, your photos will be exponentially better.

Be kind to yourself. If you talk to a professional photographer (including those who shoot models and celebrities), they’ll tell you that not one face they’ve ever photographed was flawless. EVERY face has some lack of symmetry or blemish or wrinkles. Did you know that almost everyone has one eye larger than another? These variations are part of what make us unique.

Perfection is unrealistic…and boring.

Embracing our flaws is healthy. If they bother you, they can be toned down. A great retoucher can even slim you down a few pounds. The best approach to retouching is to diminish — but not eliminate — perceived flaws. This can be achieved with custom retouching, not just running a filter over a photo, which can look artificial or cheap.