Taking a selfie can also work as a professional snapshot.
gettyIn the digital age we are currently working in, your online presence is essential. If an employer is interested in interviewing you or a potential client wants to work with you, there’s a good chance they’ll Google your name. First impressions are everything and a professional image includes decent headshots on your profile pages.
Can You Use a Selfie Headshot for Business?
Hiring a photographer is your best option, but if you don’t have the money to invest in one right now, instead of using a selfie headshot, you can take your own professional photos at home. Here are 5 tips.
1) Get a stable camera and a tripod
Whether you use an iPhone or a digital camera, just make sure it’s a good one. While smartphones come with impressive cameras, you’ll get better quality with a regular camera. If you don’t have one, ask around and see if you can borrow one. A tripod is a base to support your camera, it makes the process of taking pictures much easier. You can buy a tripod for $20 on Amazon, well worth the investment.
2) Choose a plain background
A simple background will ensure the focus is on you and not what’s going on behind you. Choose a simple, neutral backdrop. like a light gray or white wall.
“Position yourself in front of a clean backdrop and make sure your makeup and hair are clean and not overdone, pose 3-quarters for a more flattering angle, face a window for natural even light,” says photographer Saunak Shah .
Stay away from backgrounds where there is too much stuff, make sure to get any objects out of the way. If you’re feeling really adventurous, you can take your photos outside. You will probably need a friend to help you. A green park, a seaside background such as a lake or a river also work well for professional headshots.
3) Frame your shot
When it comes to taking headshots, composition is important, otherwise your photo will look like a mug instead of a professional shot. Your head and shoulders should be the main focus. you can achieve this by placing your face slightly off-center. In the world of photography, this is known as the “rule of thirds”. How should you smile/pose? Keep your back straight and your shoulders back, give a genuine smile, then walk away.
4) Look for good lighting
Lighting can make or break your photo. Natural light works best, so you may need to wait for a sunny day to take your photos. “Try to find a place in/around your home that illuminates your face evenly, without being in direct light. for example, if you’re facing a neutral-colored wall that the sun bounces off of, you’ll get nice, natural lighting without the harsh shadows that come with direct sunlight. Once you find good lighting, then worry about what’s behind you. it’s easier to clean up a space or put up a sheet to create a simple backdrop than it is to fix bad lighting,” suggests photographer Clay Larsen.
Here are some tips to make the most of natural light:
- Prevent shadows by standing away from the window
- A long window is best because it ensures that light comes from all angles and not just from the top
- You will get the best light quality after sunrise and before sunset
- Avoid afternoon sunlight as it creates unflattering contrasts and harsh shadows
“For professional headshots at home, I recommend using soft natural morning or evening light and positioning yourself about a foot away from a plain wall,” says photographer Mercedes Zapata.
5) Edit your photos
Now that you’ve taken your headshot, you might be wondering how to crop/edit the photo? Editing will take your photos to the next level. With apps like Adobe Lightroom, you can turn your headshot into a work of art. Editing will give your photos a polished look, allowing you to crop, remove blemishes, imperfections and uneven skin tone. You can also adjust colors, saturation, and contrast levels. When it comes to editing, the key is not to overdo it, you want to look like yourself, just the best version of you. If you’re not tech savvy and find these apps difficult to use, hire a freelance editor from Fiverr or Upwork and a photo should be relatively cheap to edit.
Remember that confidence is essential when it comes to getting heads. A genuine smile, eye contact with the camera and a relaxed facial expression will help you look more confident in your photo.
