Taking a professional headshot by yourself can seem daunting, but with the right preparation and tools, it is very achievable. In the digital age, professional headshots are essential for establishing your personal brand across social media platforms, websites, and more. Rather than hiring a professional photographer, you can save time and money by learning to take pro-level headshots independently.
What is the Purpose of a Professional Headshot?
A professional headshot serves many purposes:
- LinkedIn profile picture – A clear, high-quality headshot makes a great first impression on your professional networking profile.
- Company website bio – Include your headshot alongside your bio to put a face to your name.
- Media appearances – Send your headshot when pitching yourself as an expert source or guest.
- Conference speaking – Use your headshot in the program and on presentation slides when you speak at an event.
- Business cards – Print your headshot on your cards to be memorable.
- Job application – Include a professional headshot with your resume or application.
- Portfolio – For creative professionals like writers, designers, and more, a headshot adds a personal touch to a portfolio.
- Freelance services – If you offer services as a consultant, tutor, coach, etc., a headshot can provide a sense of trust.
The key is having a clear, high-quality, friendly and approachable headshot to represent you across any professional situation.
How to Take Your Own Professional Headshot
Taking your own headshot is convenient, affordable, and allows you to show your authentic self. Follow this step-by-step guide:
Choose a Well-Lit Location
Lighting is critical for a quality headshot. Here are some tips:
- Outdoors: If possible, shoot outside in the early morning or late afternoon when the sunlight is softer. Stand in open shade with the sun in front of you.
- Indoors: Position yourself facing a window with natural light. Sheer curtains can soften direct sunlight.
- Avoid: Overhead lighting, backlighting, and dark shadows.
Camera Equipment
You don’t need the most expensive camera for a self-headshot. These options work well:
- DSLR camera – Allows you to adjust aperture, ISO, and other settings for pro results.
- Mirrorless camera – Lightweight and compact yet powerful quality.
- Smartphone – Surprisingly capable, especially with portrait mode. Use a tripod mount and remote shutter control.
- Webcam – Convenient if you position near a window. Upgrade to an HD webcam for best quality.
For non-phone cameras, a remote control, selfie stick, or camera timer will allow you to take the shot yourself.
Compose the Shot
Frame the image strategically:
- Head and shoulders – Cut off around your mid-chest area.
- Leave space – Have some room above your head so you’re not cramped.
- Eye level – Position the camera at your eye level or slightly above.
- Center yourself – Face the camera straight on with a direct gaze.
- Relax shoulders – Drop your shoulders naturally.
- Lean forward slightly – This brings you closer without distortion.
Have someone else control the camera if possible so you can focus on your expression.
Outfit and Styling
Choose simple, neutral clothing:
- Solids – Avoid distracting patterns and loud colors.
- Conservative – Select a nice shirt or blouse appropriate for your industry.
- Flattering – Wear something that enhances your features.
- Minimal accessories – Remove bulky jewelry and scarves.
- Style hair neatly – Simple is best for appearing polished.
- Natural make-up – Aim for an enhanced version of your real self.
Shoot Multiple Options
Take 25-50 shots experimenting with different angles and expressions:
- Straight on – Capture the classic head-on view.
- Angles – Tilt your head slightly left, right, up and down for options.
- Smile – Try both closed and open mouth grins.
- Eyes – Go for direct eye contact as well as glancing up and to the side.
- Hands – Consider adding some low hand gestures for interest.
- Change it up – Loosen up between shots to find a natural pose.
Shoot a burst at your best angles to ensure sharp focus on your eyes.
Edit and Select Your Best Photo
Choose a photo where you look relaxed, confident, and professional. Here are some editing tips:
- Crop – Tighten the frame around your face and shoulders.
- Brightness – Adjust to make your skin and eyes pop.
- Contrast – Increase slightly for added depth.
- Color – Give a subtle warmth if the image looks dull or flat.
- Retouch – Remove any temporary blemishes if desired.
- Sharpen – Add a touch of clarity and sharpness if needed.
Avoid going overboard with editing. You want to look natural, just the best version of you!
Backgrounds for Self-Headshots
Simplify the background to keep the focus on you. Here are some easy DIY options:
Solid Wall
A blank wall makes a clean, classic headshot background. Consider:
- Neutral colors – Light grey, off-white, light blue
- Textured wall – Bricks, wood, tiles add visual interest
- Avoid clutter – Remove wall hangings, decor behind you
- Wall positioning – Place your shoulders ~6 inches from the wall
A light wall color contrasts with darker hair and clothing.
Fabric Backdrop
Hang a solid or subtly patterned fabric as a customizable backdrop.
- Bedsheet – An inexpensive option, drape over a rod or chair
- Blanket – Provide a textured, cozy feel
- Paper roll – Sturdy, seamless papers made for photography backdrops
- Muslin – Lightweight cotton fabric comes in various colors
Secure the fabric so there are no ripples or wrinkles showing.
Bookshelf Background
Showcase your intellect with a home bookshelf behind you.
- Align spines – Straighten books and face bindings out
- Organize books – Group by color, size, or subject
- Add accents – Vases, framed photos, candles enhance the vibe
- Style simply – Avoid clutter and distracting decor
The bookshelf establishes you as an educated professional.
How to Look Your Best On Camera
Using these photographic tips and tricks will make you shine on camera:
Eyes
- Make eye contact – Look directly into the lens with confidence
- No glasses glare – Tilt your glasses or remove lenses to avoid glare
- Define brows – Fill in and groom eyebrows for more expressive eyes
- Brighten eyes – Use eye drops to reduce redness and enhance whites
- Control reflections – Turn off on-camera flash to avoid redeye
Focusing on your eyes draws the viewer in.
Smile
- Relax face – Smile naturally without tensing face muscles
- Open smile – Show your teeth tastefully, don’t force a stiff grin
- Practice in mirror – Notice what smiles look best; closed, open, tilted
- Enhance lips – Apply tinted balm for subtle color if desired
- Moisturize – Prevent dry lips so they don’t stick to teeth
A warm, genuine smile conveys approachability.
Pose
- Chin down – Lower your chin slightly, don’t tilt your head back
- Shoulders back – Good posture exudes confidence
- Lean forward – Move closer to camera for most flattering angles
- Hands low – Place hands below chest level in frame
- Arms away – Don’t cross arms or hide hands; open body language is welcoming
Having an open, upright posture appears poised and professional.
Expressions
- Relax – Take a breath and release tension before the shot
- Enthusiasm – Think of something pleasant to spark an authentic smile
- Steady – Keep head still; don’t sway or bobble
- Blink naturally – Blinking looks better than a staring gaze
- Variety – Alternate serious, smiling, glancing expressions
Warm, approachable facial expressions draw people in.
Common Self-Headshot Mistakes to Avoid
Sidestep these common gaffes in your self-portraits:
Too Casual
Avoid looking sloppy or underdressed. Wrinkled t-shirts, low-cut tops, messy hair and visible tattoos create the wrong impression. Take the time to look polished and professional.
Distracting Background
Cluttered backgrounds compete for attention. Remove photos, artwork, piles of stuff – anything that doesn’t complement you. A clean, solid background keeps focus on your face.
Harsh Lighting
Super bright, direct light causes squinting and shadows. Diffused natural lighting is most flattering. If using flash, bounce it off a wall or ceiling instead of aimed directly at you.
No Eye Contact
Looking away from the camera conveys low confidence and reluctance to connect. Lock eyes with the lens to draw in the viewer.
Hideous Expressions
Avoid crazy faces, exaggerated grinning, and tense fake smiles. Relax and think pleasant thoughts to achieve a natural, charming expression.
Distracting Hands
Fidgeting, hand gestures, crossed arms, and touching your face are distracting. Keep hands still at your sides or clasped naturally in front.
Cut Off Forehead
Framing too tight cuts off the top of your head awkwardly. Leave a bit of space above the head for a balanced look.
Crooked Horizon
Tilting the camera makes the background line appear crooked. Keep the camera level for a straight, stable horizon line.
How to Edit Your Self-Headshot
Post-processing improves small flaws. Follow these editing techniques:
Cropping
Trim edges to tighten up the composition. The rule of thirds places your head at an intersection of horizontal and vertical lines.
Exposure
Adjust brightness and contrast to make details clearly visible. Increase exposure to lighten shadows if needed.
Color Correction
Fix color casts like yellow indoor lighting. Make simple enhancements, don’t over-saturate. White balance for natural skin tones.
Retouching
Subtly minimize temporary blemishes, under-eye darkness, stray hairs for a polished look. Avoid plastic, airbrushed effects.
Sharpening
Add mild sharpening to crispen details, especially eyes. Over-sharpening looks obvious.
Reducing Noise
Minimize graininess or speckling from high ISO settings. Apply light noise reduction to smooth imperfections.
Straightening
Fix crooked angles using the straighten tool if needed. Align the background vertically.
Ideal Headshot Specifications
Follow these specs for professional quality:
| Spec | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 1200 x 1600 pixels |
| Resolution | 300 dpi |
| Orientation | Portrait (vertical) |
| File Format | JPG |
| Color Mode | RGB |
| File Size | 2-5 MB |
These standards ensure your image looks sharp when printed or viewed digitally.
Conclusion
Taking your own professional headshot is convenient and cost-effective. Follow the guidelines for flattering lighting, camera settings, posing, expressions, and editing. Concentrate on looking friendly, genuine, and approachable. With some practice and effort, you can achieve a pro-grade self-portrait to represent your personal brand.