Headshots

September 08, 2021

A 'headshot' is described online professionally as a "modern portrait in which the focus is on the person", often used by models and/or actors in portfolios or when applying directly for a job position in those fields. The photograph will be used and considered as a marketing tool for that person, and as a result, should attempt to represent that person in one photograph, also standing out - but not for any bad reasons.

In terms of what makes a 'good' and professional headshot, it is important that the lighting is good, directed on your face and isn't too bright or dark to not obscure any facial details - no strong dramatic shadows for example. The dimensions should be a simple '8x10' of the subjects face, eyes perfectly in focus and 'energised', framed from the chest up with a depth of field that makes a blurred background only. Make-up should preferably be at a minimum, again due to the point of a headshot to show off who you really are, not who you want to be for example.

Examples of 'Good' Head shots

As for when it comes to bad headshots, there are a few main mistakes that someone new to taking a head shot may run into - these include a bad photography lighting setup (too bright, too dark or not lighting the entire face for example), excessive shadows, blurriness (either an unblurred background or a blurred subject), bad framing of the subject, or excessive makeup. As well as all this, when taking a headshot you should be careful not too show too much of the subject's body in the frame - the shot should be of the head as the name suggests. It is usually considered okay for some of the body to be visible, but no more than below the chest/shoulder should be included. Also, similar to the reasoning of using too much makeup being a potential issue, post-editing to the photos should be kept at a minimum, as to keep the photo as natural and authentic to you as possible while still looking professional.

Examples of 'Bad' Head shots