As a photographer, capturing the perfect headshot can be a daunting task. Corporate headshots are essential for professionals looking to make a strong first impression in the business world. With so many factors to consider, it’s easy to get lost in the details. A good headshot photographer should possess qualities such as experience working with professionals, a high-quality portfolio, the ability to create a comfortable environment, and expertise in bringing out emotions, especially through the eyes. Headshots are crucial for making a positive impression on casting directors, as they are a key marketing tool for actors. A professional photographer can offer valuable dos and don’ts advice for achieving the perfect headshot. But fear not, dear photographers! Peter Hurley, a renowned professional portrait photographer and headshot expert based in New York City, is here to share his expertise business headshot take with you. In this article, we’ll dive into Hurley’s top 5 tips for taking stunning professional headshots that will make your clients look and feel like a million bucks.

Tip #1: Shoot Horizontally for a More Relaxed Professional Headshot

When it comes to headshot photography for professional photographers, Hurley stresses the importance of shooting horizontally. This may seem counterintuitive, but it makes all the difference in creating a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere for your subject. Choosing the right headshot background can also contribute to a more relaxed and natural look for your subject. When you shoot vertically, you’re essentially squeezing your subject into a box, making them feel claustrophobic and uneasy. By shooting horizontally, you’re giving your subject “breathing room,” allowing them to feel more at ease in front of the camera. Additionally, using natural light can further enhance this relaxed atmosphere, providing a more authentic and ‘film’ look to the headshots.

Avoid using portrait mode on your camera; stick to the regular photo settings for the best results.

In addition to making your subject more comfortable, shooting horizontally also provides more creative freedom when it comes to cropping the image. You can always crop the photo vertically later, but you can’t magically create more space around your subject if you shoot too tight. This is very important.

Tip #2: Camera Height Matters: Empowering Your Subject

Camera height is a crucial factor in determining the mood and tone of your headshot. In addition to camera height, headshot lighting plays a crucial role in highlighting your subject's features and creating a confident look. Hurley emphasizes the importance of shooting from a lower angle to empower your subject and make them look more confident and powerful. A professional headshot photographer will not only use the right camera height but also make the client feel comfortable and at ease, bringing out emotions and energy through the subject’s eyes. Avoid shooting from above, as this can create a sense of vulnerability and weakness.

By placing your camera at a lower angle, you’re able to create a sense of strength and authority. This is especially important for professionals who want to project confidence and expertise in their industry.

Tip #3: The Jawline: The Key to a More Attractive Profile

The jawline is often overlooked in headshot photography, but it’s a crucial element in creating a flattering and attractive profile. In addition to focusing on the jawline, experimenting with different headshot poses can help you find the most flattering angles for your subject. Expert headshot photographers specialize in capturing flattering profiles by elongating the jawline. Hurley’s number one tip for making your head and subject look more attractive is to elongate their jawline. This is achieved by having your subject stand up straight and tall, rather than slouching or sitting down.

To take it a hair a step further, Hurley recommends having your subject “jam their forehead” towards the camera. This might feel unnatural for your subject, but it creates a more defined jawline and a more attractive profile.

Tip #4: Making Your Subject Comfortable During a Headshot Session: The Power of Squinching

It’s no secret that being in front of a camera can be intimidating. Choosing the right headshot wardrobe can also play a significant role in making your subject feel comfortable and confident. That’s why Hurley emphasizes the importance of making your subject feel comfortable and relaxed. One way to do this is by encouraging them to “squinch” their eyes. Squinching is a trademarked term coined by Hurley, and it involves slightly narrowing the eyes to convey confidence and relaxation.

When your subject squinches, they’re more likely to look and feel more confident in front of the camera. This pose, in turn, creates a more natural and authentic headshot. Additionally, a good headshot can significantly boost the subject’s confidence by ensuring high-quality framing, lighting, and background, and by capturing strong emotions and thoughts through the eyes.

Tip #5: The Power of Positive Feedback and Studio Lighting: Getting Your Subject to Relax

Hurley’s final tip is to provide positive feedback to your subject during the shoot. This might seem obvious, but it’s essential in creating a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere. In addition to lighting, headshot retouching can help enhance the final image by smoothing out any imperfections and ensuring a polished look. When your subject feels like they’re doing a good job, they’re more likely to relax and be themselves in front of the camera. A well-conducted headshot session can significantly contribute to this positive experience, making the subject feel empowered and confident.

In addition to positive feedback, consider the lighting setup. Natural light gives photos a ‘film’ look, while studio light offers greater control and a more polished, neutral backdrop.

By providing positive feedback and encouragement, you’re able to build trust with your subject and create a more natural and authentic smile and headshot.

Conclusion

Mastering the art of professional headshots takes time and practice, but with these 5 essential tips from Peter Hurley, you’ll be well on your way to creating stunning headshots that make your clients look and feel like a million bucks. By following these headshot tips, you can ensure that your clients look their best and make a strong impression. Professional headshots are crucial for job applications and online profiles, making a strong first impression. Remember to shoot horizontally, shoot from a lower angle, elongate the jawline, make your subject comfortable, and provide positive feedback during the shoot. The expertise of a portrait photographer can greatly enhance the quality of your headshots. With these tips and a bit of practice, you’ll be creating world-class headshots in no time.

Reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Go7MoqpZGfI

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