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It does not matter if you wish to place it on a portfolio site or LinkedIn, because you should take advantage of a professional headshot to represent yourself properly. Still, you can find a professional who will help you throughout the process, but you can do it yourself as well.
In some situations, you do not have enough money or time to find a professional headshot photographer, which is why you should find a way to make it look professional. The first thing that pops up in our minds is the question of whether we can do it. Remember that the answer is yes, you can do it, but it is vital to follow certain rules.
Before making up your mind, we recommend you to gather a few items that will help you throughout the process. The main idea is to make a photo that will convey competence, influence, and likeability. Therefore, good eye contact is essential for making the best impression. The eyes should not be completely closed or open but find a middle ground.
In the further article, we wish to explore the idea of taking your headshot. That is why you should stay with us to learn everything about the process. Let us start from the beginning.
Tips for Taking a Professional Headshot by Yourself
It does not matter whether you wish to take a headshot for a personal website or LinkedIn profile, because you should follow the same rules throughout the process.
1. Ask Someone to Help You
The simplest option is to call a friend who can help you deal with the problem. The ideal situation is finding someone who is also in need of headshots, meaning you can help each other. Of course, if you need an image as soon as possible, you can set up a tripod or use a self-timer by using a phone camera.
The worst thing you can do for a professional or corporate headshot is taking a selfie. Even if you need it in a few minutes, you should remember that position, background, placement, and right angle are essential factors that will help you reach the desired goal.
2. The camera Should Be Between Natural Light Source and Yourself
We are talking about windows because you should try to get the best lighting for the proper amount of brightness and clean lines. It is vital to avoid direct sunlight, especially if it glares through a window during sunset. In these situations, you should try to handle the process during a cloudy or bright day.
Remember that cloud layers will diffuse sunlight, meaning you will get a soft approach that will provide you with peace of mind.
3. Neutral Background
You can choose a wide array of backgrounds including simple settings such as brick walls or plain walls, for instance. However, you must be certain that around you are not work mess floating or cords, because they will affect the way the picture appears. The main idea is to ensure your face remains in focus, meaning the neutral background is the best course of action.
4. Multiple Outfits
You should allow yourself to experiment with different outfits and ensure you determine the best one for your specific requirement. For instance, if you are using a phone camera, you should ask someone to use burst mode, which will allow you to take numerous photos in a matter of seconds.
You should also try different poses, and change clothes to determine which one works for you. Specific reasons require a specific headshot, meaning you should be serious about a CV, but if you wish to use it as a profile image on Facebook, you can make it more interesting and less formal.
5. Image Editing Software
The worst thing you can do, apart from taking selfies, is use Instagram filters that will make you look unnatural. Still, you can use other apps that will help you crop photos, increase brightness, and strengthen the entire thing to ensure it appears better.
The process requires prior understanding, which is why you should learn more about the editing process. You should check here to learn how to edit images, which will help you throughout the process.
Can You Use the Past Photo for a Headshot?
Of course, you can research for past photos to determine whether you can use specific ones. Still, you should follow relevant requirements that will help you narrow your search and ensure the best course of action.
- Background Should Highlight Your Face – As mentioned above, you should find the one next to a brick wall or with a background that will not cause distraction from your appearance and face. The main goal is to keep focus on yourself.
- Avoid Images with Other People and Selfies – The most important factor is to ensure someone takes the photo. The worst thing you can do is crop the group image from a party, for instance, because it is obvious to the recruiter.
- Avoid Filters – Headshots are prominent among business people, meaning you can use them to get closer to potential clients than before. That is why you should avoid filters, and use natural, clear light as much as you can. At the same time, you should avoid images with significant filtration, because it seems unnatural.
- Face Should Be in Focus – The main idea is to face the camera without hair blowing in your face. You should look as in Social Security card. Make sure you look like the best and most appealing version of yourself, because you will use the photo to attract people and potential clients.
- Large Format – If you make it in low resolution and format, it will reduce the quality when you upload it, meaning you will end up with a distorted and blurry result. The best course of action is to make sure the image is 150 dpi. At the same time, specific sites feature image requirements you should follow depending on the social media.
- Professional but with Personality – You can smile and present your style and personality but do not be playful, because you must keep a sense of formality throughout the process.
- Choose Image Created in the Last Year – You should avoid uploading an image from ten years ago because it is obvious and can be problematic to some recruiters.
