Pro Corner: Common Headshot Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Part two: For the photographers or those interested in what happens behind the scenes.
Your client’s personal brand is important to them. It conveys their personality and professionalism, sure, but this is their image that will be seen globally. Let’s avoid these common headshot mistakes and be part of their success story.
1. Poor Lighting
Mistake: Using inadequate or harsh lighting can cast unflattering shadows or overexpose your features. Loss of detail due to high ISO. Compensating by lowering shutter speed can add slight motion blur.
How to Avoid: Opt for natural light or invest in professional studio lighting. Make sure the light source is soft and even, ideally from a slight angle to avoid harsh shadows or reflections on glasses. Strobes or speedlights can be used with diffusers to dissipate light. LED lighting that is constantly on (used in video production) is also a great option. There are inexpensive versions of all types of lighting, but whether high or low budget, make sure you have adequate lighting. Photography is all about light!
2. Distracting Backgrounds
Mistake: A busy or cluttered background can distract from your subject’s face and dilute the professional look of your headshot.
How to Avoid: Choose a clean, simple background that complements your look without drawing attention away from your client. Solid colors or subtle textures work well. Gray works well since it is neutral, and the color or hue can be changed to suit the person’s clothing or eye color in post processing.
3. Over or Under-Editing
Mistake: Excessive editing can make the photo look unnatural, while under-editing might leave imperfections that could easily be addressed.
How to Avoid: Aim for a natural look. Basic retouching to smooth skin, reduce blemishes, and adjust lighting is usually sufficient. Ensure the final image still looks like your client. At GSP, we have a general rule regarding blemishes, that if it will be gone in two weeks, it can be edited out. Other imperfections can be tamed down so they’re not distracting if the client approves.
4. Ignoring Facial Expressions
Mistake: A blank or overly intense expression can make your headshot less engaging. On the other hand, too much smile can be misunderstood. (unless your client is a comedian or needs to market themselves like that)
How to Avoid: Aim for a friendly and approachable expression. A genuine smile or a slight smirk can make your headshot more inviting. Think of something that makes your client happy to elicit a natural expression. Perhaps have a short interview before taking shots. Talk with the person throughout to engage and find ways to bring out natural expressions.
If the person would like more intense expressions, maybe a portrait session can be discussed.
5. Neglecting the Eyes
Mistake: For humans, we continuously focus on other people’s eyes. Dull or unfocused eyes can make the headshot less impactful. This, to me is the most important part of a headshot.
How to Avoid: Ensure your client’s eyes are sharp and well-lit. Looking directly into the camera can create a sense of connection with the viewer. Some people’s eyes don’t open wide, especially when they smile, so you’ll need to take different shots with different expressions to capture this detail adequately. In post, be careful not to over-sharpen the eyes. Slightly increase saturation to bring out the color of the iris. Also, the modeling lights should be bright enough that the pupils of the eyes are as small as possible in order to maximize the size of the iris.
In summary, by avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure your headshot session effectively represents your client’s personal brand. A great headshot can open doors, make a lasting impression, and convey professionalism and personality. Invest the time and effort to get it right, and the benefits will be well worth it. Remember to practice before each session.
Feel free to share your own experiences or ask any questions about headshot photography! 📸
