We’ve compiled a few handy tips on how to take a decent head shot with your phone — follow these and you will end up with images you’ll be proud to use to grow your business.
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 family member take your headshot — the result is much more professional. (Plus, the front-facing camera on your phone takes lower resolution images.)
Hold your phone steady
Make sure the photographer keeps the phone as still as they can. The best option for this is using a tripod but if you don’t have this get your photographer to use both hands, and keep their elbows tucked into their sides for support. (Breath normally — don’t let the pressure of being a photographer cause you to hyperventilate.)
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.
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).
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.
Keep it Casual
Try and stand in a way that is relaxed, with your body angled only slightly away from the camera. 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.
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 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 the ones that don’t work out!There’s no such thing as too many photos!
Edit but NO filters
Once you have selected the perfect shot feel free to tweak it a little to get it looking just right, but please keep it to a minimum and NO filters overlays, it’s not for instagram this is to show casting what you look like and if you don’t look like the photo it can negatively affect you getting called in for future auditions.
That’s all there is to it! We wish you the best of luck with your DIY head shots. When you’re ready to get some professional portraits taken, get in touch — we can recommend some awesome photographers.