How to Take Professional Headshots in a Small Apartment
When it comes to making a great first impression, your professional headshot matters. Whether you're a business professional, actor, entrepreneur, or job seeker, your headshot is often the first thing potential clients, employers, or colleagues see. That's why it’s so important to choose a photographer who understands how to capture your unique personality, while also showcasing professionalism and confidence. If you're looking for a professional headshot photographer in Rancho Cucamonga, you’ve come to the right place!
If you’re looking for a guide on how to achieve great headshot photos in your own space, read the simple tutorial below!
For starters, lets go over the gear you will need to take great headshots! You will need a backdrop stand, a backdrop, a flash (or speedlite), wireless transmitter and receivers, clamps, a lightstand adapter to attach your flash, and a light stand. The cost for all this gear alone could be a couple hundred bucks, BUT, if you see yourself doing more studio work in the future it is well worth it.
When photographing headshots, a stool is optional. Sometimes it can help clients become more comfortable, but you will need to make sure they are sitting with proper posture. Other clients benefit from standing as they are able to move around more freely and loosen up. In this picture you will see a green backdrop (the same one I used for my self portrait). Typically clients will prefer a white background.
You will position your light fairly close to your subject, and as high up as you can. My umbrella is practically touching the roof, and I applied a slight angle to the light. (Overall maybe 30 degrees compared to the surface level). The flash should be set to a pretty powerful setting, for example, my speedlite is set to about ½ power to ensure everything is lit up in frame. Try to center the light as much as you can, while making sure it does not bleed into your lens causing flares.
Take a few test shots and you should see excellent results!
If all of this seemed like too much to do, this is why professionals like me exist! I can streamline the process for you and take your, or your companies, headshots fast and efficiently.
