3 Vital Elements of a GREAT Headshot
With the automated and mass-produced, mega-DIY culture we’ve become, some are perplexed that a good headshot takes more than just a decent camera and someone against a wall. Finding a photographer who really nails the craft can be tricky. For instance, a photographer who specializes in events, racing, and product photography may know the basics, but if he/she isn’t in practice, there are many things they can overlook to get a clean, sharp corporate or actor headshot. Along with the many smaller things that can make or break a headshot, I consider the following a rundown of the most vital elements.
Focusing on YOU
This seems like a no-brainer. Of course, your photographer is going to keep their attention on you. But are they getting the REAL YOU? While situations can vary depending on time allowed, budget, etc., established photographers will spend some time with you to build a rapport. They won’t just take one, two, or three shots. That’s silly. They’ll help you loosen up in front of the camera and they’ll take several shots with a few poses to find your best angles. Posing for a camera is foreign to most people and very personal. So this is THE MOST important element. This may only take a few minutes, or it may take quite some time. I like to allow at least five minutes for the larger corporate assignments where I’m photographing 20 or 30 people, but shoots can last much longer per person in an individual shoot, depending on how many looks and clothing changes are in the mix. NYC and LA photographer, Peter Hurley, has made a true art of this – The SQUINCH.
Lighting You Up
I can’t stress this enough. Lighting is critical, and you can tell when a photographer’s portfolio isn’t working here. Funky shadows, bad main (or key) lighting, etc. Dramatic, interesting lighting — if well-done and intentional — can be great for other types of portraiture, but for corporate professionals, actors, and models, lighting your face up without intense over or underexposure and clean lighting with minimal shadows is what you should see in a headshot.
Getting That Post-Process
This is where some photographers struggle. It’s quite subjective and not an exact science, but some miss the mark. Yes, most any portrait / headshot SHOULD be retouched. It’s like applying good makeup or styling your hair well, etc. The art of retouching is older than the Photoshop, and excessive skin shine, blood vessels in the eyes, yellow teeth, and loose hairs have no business in a headshot. HOWEVER, like anything, there’s lots of overdone or pseudo retouching, and then there are those who attain true retouching skills through lots of proper education. Retouching is an art, and like the art of the copy editor in writing, neither the retoucher’s brush or the editor’s pen should be noticed. If something looks Photoshopped in a corporate headshot, it’s not right. While there are plenty of ways to accomplish things like minor skin smoothing and teeth whitening, skin shouldn’t look blurred, fake, or plastic-like, teeth shouldn’t be pure white, and neither should eye whites. If the photographer is relying solely on a couple of mouse clicks with an auto-filter, you should see this problem in their work, and I suggest you move on. Your headshot photographer should either offer retouching or include it, and they either need to really know the art themselves or have a pro retoucher doing it for them. Auto filters alone don’t cut it. Of course, while nearly all portraiture should have a look over in Photoshop — some more than others — there are exceptions: street portraits, photojournalism, and perhaps a character portrait of that distinctive, 101-year-old man or woman where the aged character of their face should remain purely intact.
Considering these priorities should help in your search for the ultimate headshot that’ll make you look your best, while being truly you. THIS is what you need for your prospects and clients — not the iPhone shot against the wall.
And if you need any help or advice on headshots, reach out. I’m always glad to help.