Essential Accessories: Must-Have Gear I Use as a Headshot Photographer

When it comes to headshot photography, having the right gear can make all the difference in capturing professional and flattering images. This article focuses on gear and accessories that help me deliver stunning results to my headshot/portrait clients but also saves space and time since I am primarily a mobile business. Here’s a look at the must-have gear that I rely on in my headshot photography sessions.

Disclaimer: I will refrain from mentioning brand names here. Too many people are wrapped up in debates about which brand is better and I don’t subscribe to that. Cameras, lenses and lighting equipment has been around for over a century and there are so many choices in high quality equipment at different price points. I feel that I make excellent choices using the gear that I’m familiar with, is easy to use and will last a very long time.

I will mention that almost all of my cameras and lenses were purchased used from reputable used camera companies, locally and nationally.

1. Quality Lighting Equipment

Lighting is the cornerstone of any great headshot. Here are my go-to lighting essentials:

• Strobes and Speedlights: Powerful light sources that make it all come together. I used only speedlights for many years (these are the more standard types of flashes you’re used to seeing photographers use on their cameras) but found they weren’t always powerful enough. I now use speedlights as fill-in light sources. Strobes are so much brighter and can be diffused to create softer light. (read my article on the difference between the two) All of my strobes and speedlights are controlled remotely and wirelessly in the studio.

• Softboxes: Softboxes create soft, even lighting that beautifully highlights facial features and minimizes shadows. They're my favorite for achieving a natural look. I use three main softboxes, all different types and sizes. They are also important for directing light towards or away from the subject. Sometimes shadows create a different vibe or feel and softboxes are the best way to focus or diffuse light.

• LED Panels: Although I use them only as modeling lights at the moment, these versatile lights offer adjustable brightness and color temperatures, making them perfect for various shooting conditions.

2. Reflectors and Diffusers

These tools are indispensable for controlling and manipulating light:

• Reflectors: These are used to reflect, diffuse, or block light. They usually come in five different surfaces (white, silver, gold, black, and translucent) however, I mainly use white to create soft, fill-in light and modify shadows.

• Clamshell Light Reflector: This innovative reflector features a curved clamshell design that refracts light, enhancing highlight details in the neck and face. Its unique shape adds a beautiful catch light to the eyes, following their natural curvature for a lively and engaging look. This reflector is a versatile tool for achieving stunning results from multiple angles.

• Collapsible Diffuser: Great for softening harsh light, especially in outdoor shoots.

3. Sturdy Tripod

Although I use the handheld method for the most part, a reliable tripod ensures stability and precision in my shots:

• Adjustable Height: An adjustable-height tripod allows for various shooting angles and is essential for capturing consistent headshots. I also prefer a tripod that can be raised super high. I like to shoot at a slight angle down, allowing for a better look at neck and jawline features.

• Ball Head: A ball head provides smooth and quick adjustments, making it easier to frame the perfect shot.

4. Backgrounds and Backdrops

The right background can enhance the professional look of headshots:

• Cloth Backdrops: My main backdrop for headshots is a heavy, gray cloth. There is a scientific reason I use gray (perhaps a future blog article), but the main reason is that I can change the brightness and hue of the background in post a lot better than if I use black or white or another color. When lighting people, especially with a lot of hair, the reflection of the color of the backdrop will bleed in. Using gray gives a neutral tint, so turning the exposure up or down has better results.

• Seamless Paper Backdrops: Available in various colors, I only use black at this point in time. These backdrops provide a clean and professional look.

• Collapsible Backdrops: Portable and easy to set up, I use one that is black on one side, white on the other.

5. Lenses

The choice of lens significantly impacts the quality of headshots:

• 50mm Prime Lens: Known for its sharpness and excellent portrait capabilities, the 50mm lens creates a natural look with pleasing background blur (bokeh).

• 24-70 Zoom Lens: This has become my go-to lens due to the fact I can safely use different angles and distances without changing lenses. I never go below 35mm, but from 35-70mm I can capture some great looks.

• 16-35 Zoom Lens: Mostly for real estate photography, I still use this lens for events to get several people in the frame. If I’m focusing on one individual, 35mm is preferred.

6. Makeup Kit

I don’t provide actual makeup per-se, but a small kit of essentials is invaluable for last-minute touch-ups:

• A Mirror: My clients are often coming from their office, having worked a few hours already and need to make sure they’re looking great before their photography session.

• Blotting Papers*: To remove excess oil and reduce shine.

• Lip Balm*: Keeps lips looking hydrated and natural.

• Combs*: For those inevitable fly-away hairs.

• Eyeglass cleaner*: Dust and particles will definitely show up in your headshot. Sometimes people will pop the lenses out of their frames if they want a clear pathway to their beautiful eyes.

*Giveaway items - never to be re-used.

7. Portable Hard Drives

Backing up photos is essential to ensure their safety:

• High-Capacity SSD: Fast, reliable, and portable storage for backing up images on the go.

8. Client Comfort Items

Keeping clients comfortable helps them relax and look their best:

• Portable Stool: For seated headshots and added comfort during the shoot.

• Water: Ensuring clients stay hydrated and glowing.

• Electronic sign-in: I need a little information about each individual in order to send them proofs and final copies of their photos, so I’ve created a secure, encrypted, easy way they can do this. They can also indicate whether I can use their images for marketing. (anonymously, of course)

9. Editing Software

Professional editing software is crucial for post-processing images:

• Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop: I know I mentioned at the outset I wouldn’t mention brand names, but these are the industry-standard tools for retouching and enhancing headshots to perfection.

• Tethering Cable and Laptop: (New!) In order for the client to see a pre-edited version of themselves live, a tether from the camera to a laptop gives a nice preview in Lightroom. However, during the shoot they cannot see their images. (too distracting!)

This is by no means an exhaustive list, but by equipping myself with these essential accessories, I ensure that I can deliver high-quality headshots that my clients will love. Investing in the right gear is key to achieving professional results and elevating my headshot photography.

Feel free to share your favorite gear or ask any questions you have about headshot photography! 📸