Affiliate Program
Phone cameras have gotten so good now that you can take an amazing quality headshot without having to step foot in a photography studio.
Over the years, we’ve learned what makes for a great professional headshot. It’s how we’ve helped over 100,000 people get studio-quality headshots without leaving their house or office, and without a photographer!
So, here are 6 of the most important things to get right to take the perfect headshot using just your phone.
Nail Your Lighting
The most important factor in taking a great headshot is proper lighting. The standard LED lighting found in most homes isn’t ideal for smartphone photography, so it’s best to focus on natural light.
Natural lighting elevates the quality of your photos and gives them a more authentic, personable feel compared to studio lighting. If you’re shooting indoors, find a well-lit window to make your headshots look bright and fresh. This simple setup can make a significant difference:
- A window with soft, diffused light
- A clean, solid background
- A stool or chair (optional)
Make sure the light is in front of you to avoid harsh shadows. Experiment with different angles to see how the light enhances your features.
While indoor natural lighting is excellent, trying outdoor shots can give you a variety of styles. The best time to shoot outdoors is during golden hour, the period just after sunrise or before sunset, when the sun is low and creates soft, flattering light. Keep in mind that golden hour can add warm tones to your photos, which may or may not suit your needs.
On cloudy days, you’ll get soft, even light, but be cautious as overcast skies can wash out details. Still, take a few test shots to be sure.
Here’s the setup we recommend for outdoor shots:
- Choose a neutral, simple background, preferably in the shade. Avoid direct or dappled sunlight, which can create harsh spots.
- Ensure your phone’s flash is off and rely entirely on natural light. This gives your photos a professional, polished look.
- During golden hour, face the sun to take advantage of the warm, even lighting. Avoid shooting at midday when the sun is harsh and overhead.
Wear Clothes That Make You Pop
Your outfit plays a big role in how your headshot turns out. Stick to solid colors, as patterns or prints can be distracting and make your photo look dated. Opt for mid-tone colors like blue, green, wine, or purple, which are both flattering and professional. Avoid flesh-toned tops that can blend your face into your outfit.
If you plan to convert your headshot to black and white, be mindful of color contrast. Two pale colors that look fine in color photos may blend into each other in black and white. Take a few test shots and convert them to check for contrast.
Additional Clothing Tips For Women
- When you choose your top in a headshot, there is a real opportunity to introduce pops of color. Just remember that contrast is the name of the game. Stay away from white or light colors that could wash you out or blend into your skin tone. Consider trendy and universally flattering jewel tones, like emerald or sapphire. Purple, green, red, or even orange can work well, depending on your coloring.
- We recommend medium to dark tones for a blazer, such as dark gray, blue, or navy. Again, stay away from white! If your blazer is black or dark gray, you can add a pop of color by wearing a collarless top or cami with a jewel or crew neck.
- Dresses sometimes possess heavier fabrics than a standard blouse or shirt, which can look nice. As always, check the neckline, as a lower neckline may end up cropped out of the headshot.
- Necklace and earrings can be great as an accent or splash of color. If you have a signature necklace that you always wear, by all means, wear it in your headshot! Just remember that in a headshot, anything below your sternum may be cropped out.
Additional Clothing and Grooming Tips For Men
- You can’t go wrong with a dark-colored shirt, like a navy blue, charcoal gray, or sometimes black. These colors are classic and will help lead the viewers’ eyes up to your eyes and face.
- Accessories are fun, but should not overwhelm your face. The point of a headshot is to accentuate the most engaging features of your face, so distracting from that with a giant pair of glasses or a crazy tie is not a smart choice.
- If you’re planning to get your haircut, do it a week before you take your photos. This will give your hair time to grow in a bit and look casually well-groomed.
- If you’re not planning on wearing a jacket in your photo, wear a collared, button-up shirt. It helps frame your face by drawing attention away from your neck. In general, dress shirts work better than polo shirts.
- If your job is a bit more casual, choose clothing you feel comfortable in and would be seen wearing at your job. The key is to choose something clean, well-fitting, and with good color contrast.
Choose The Right Height and Angle
Your camera’s angle and height can make a big difference, but you won’t need fancy tools—a phone tripod or even a stack of books works fine.
Whether you’re taking the photo yourself or someone else is helping, position the camera at eye level or just slightly above. This prevents unflattering angles, like the infamous “under the chin” shot. If you have a rounder face, raising the camera a bit higher can create a more flattering look.
Practice Your Posing in a Mirror First
Posing for a headshot can be tricky, but with practice, it gets easier. Use a mirror and take as many photos as needed to find the right pose.
For a professional look, sit or stand up straight with your shoulders back and your chin slightly lifted toward the camera. Turn your upper body at a slight angle while keeping your head facing forward to avoid a squared-off appearance. Keep your back straight, but if you want a slimming effect, try leaning slightly toward the camera.
Try Different Facial Expressions
You have the freedom to experiment with different expressions, but our advice is to do what feels most natural. Whether you smile with or without teeth, staying relaxed and being yourself will reflect in your photos. Take deep breaths and let your expression flow naturally.
As for dramatic poses, like looking off into the distance, we suggest avoiding them. Direct eye contact with the camera, just like in a conversation, creates a more engaging and personable headshot.
Get it Professionally Edited
Even if you follow every tip we’ve outlined here, a professional editor is going to be able to take your headshot to the next level. A great editor can take a photo taken on your phone and turn it into something that looks like it was taken at a professional studio.
You can try to find one locally, but there’s an even easier way to get professional editing completely online – Headshots.com!
Three years ago, we started Headshots.com with a simple vision in mind: studio-quality, on-brand professional headshots using only a cell phone.
Your Headshots.com purchase includes a step-by-step headshot tutorial to put these tips into action. And don’t worry about your surroundings or backdrops. We include a backdrop of your choice. Once you submit your photos, you’ll access personal, high-end professional retouching with a 3-business day turnaround guarantee.
