Erin Valkner Photography

View Original

What Makes a Great Headshot

While it may seem like there’s nothing to a headshot, in reality there are a lot of factors that go into a great one, or one that is high quality.  And when you need to make a great first impression online, a really good, professional headshot is key!

Here are a few key ingredients of a high quality headshot:

What to wear – Depending on what you do and the look you are going for, your clothing may be professional or more casual. It’s a good idea to dress in a way that matches how you want to be perceived.  Bringing more than one outfit gives you a variety of options in your final images.   

Background – Choosing a background that will not be distracting is key.  The face should be the focus of a headshot.  A background should complement clothing and not distract from the image. 

Lighting Setup  –  Use lighting to achieve your desired look and style.  For example, you could have a more dramatic look or a bright and airy style for your headshots. 

Posing – While at first glance, a headshot appears to be quite simply a shot of a person’s head and shoulders, flattering posing makes a world of difference!  Good posture, directly looking at the camera and the right camera angles make a huge impact. 

Attention to Detail – Making sure that hair is in place, there is not distracting dust or pet hair on your shirt or suit, and that clothing is not wrinkled or bunched up help to give your final image a polished look. 

So actually there is a lot that goes into making a great headshot, but the good thing is these details should be the responsibility of the photographer!  You don’t have to worry about a thing, as we discuss all of this during your consultation and during your session, I guide you through all of it! 

So all you have to do is contact me to get started!