Master the Classroom Headshot: A Pro's Guide

Prepare Your Space

Before you start, clear a 10x10 foot area. This gives you room to move and ensures the background is distraction-free. I once had a client who brought a plant into the studio; it looked great, but it cast a shadow that ruined the shot. Always check for that kind of thing.

Position your camera on a tripod for consistency. A 3-legged tripod keeps your camera steady, and a 5-second timer means you can be in the shot too. How often do you find yourself missing out on the final shot because you're not in it?

Use a backdrop that's a solid color. White or gray are classics, but consider a color that matches your client's branding. I had a client who was a chef; we went with a vibrant red backdrop that made his headshots pop.

Positioning for Impact

Have your subject stand about 3 feet away from the backdrop. This distance creates a nice, shallow depth of field, highlighting the face. I've seen clients too close, and it looks like their head's in a fishbowl.

Have them tilt their head slightly to one side. It's a subtle change, but it can make a huge difference in the final image. It's like the difference between a portrait and a mug shot.

Encourage a natural smile. A forced smile can look unnatural. I've had clients who tried too hard, and it was like watching a mannequin smile. Keep it real and genuine.

Lighting Like a Pro

Use a ring light for a soft, even glow. It's like wrapping your subject in a warm, soft light. I once used a harsh flash, and it looked like the client had a sunburn on their face.

Position the ring light about 45 degrees to the side. This creates a natural shadow under the chin, which adds depth to the face. I've seen clients with no shadows, and it just looks flat.

Adjust the light to avoid harsh reflections. If the light is too bright, it can reflect off glasses or jewelry. I had a client with a shiny necklace once; we had to move the light to avoid that glare.

Avoid Common Mistakes

Avoid having your subject look directly into the camera. It can make them look stern or unapproachable. I've had clients who did this, and it was like they were staring through the lens at a distant enemy.

Don't forget to check the background. Sometimes, even a solid color can have a pattern that distracts from the face. I once had a client with a striped shirt; we had to change the background to avoid the stripes showing up in the final shot.

Be mindful of the background color. If it's too similar to the subject's skin tone, it can blend them together. I had a client with very fair skin once; we had to choose a background that contrasted to make them stand out.

The Final Touch

Review the shots on the camera's LCD. Look for any issues like red-eye or distracting shadows. I once had a client with red eyes; we had to use the red-eye removal tool to fix it.

Ask your subject to choose their favorite shots. It's their face, after all. I've had clients who were unsure, so I'd show them a few options and let them pick the one they liked best.

Deliver the final images in a timely manner. Clients appreciate quick turnaround. I've had clients who were thrilled to receive their headshots within 24 hours.

Related, and worth reading next: How to Soften Your Ring Light and Remove the Donut Eye.