Top 7 Tips For Stunning Headshot Photography

A great headshot isn’t just a photo—it’s your digital handshake. Whether you’re an aspiring actor, corporate powerhouse, or entrepreneur looking to level up your personal brand, a standout headshot speaks volumes. Looking good is part of it, but it’s really about capturing the essence of you.

Let’s face it—getting the perfect shot takes more than a quick click of the camera. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. Here are some top tips for stunning headshot photography to help you transform your images from ordinary to extraordinary.

Understand Your Purpose

Before you even start shooting, it's important to understand your purpose. Have a conversation with yourself about what you want the headshot to achieve: Is it for a LinkedIn profile, an acting portfolio, or personal branding? Clarifying your goals helps you tailor the session and capture the right mood.

This reflection not only sets the tone for your photo but also helps you feel more comfortable in front of the camera. Knowing what you want allows you to present yourself authentically, showcasing your professional aspirations and personal style. Ultimately, this thoughtful approach leads to a more impactful and genuine final image that resonates with its intended audience.

Master Lighting (Your Best Friend)

Lighting can make or break a headshot. You want to aim for soft, even light that avoids harsh, unflattering shadows. Here are a few tricks to master lighting: If you’re working with natural light, diffuse it by shooting near a window or finding a shaded area outside.

Harsh sunlight is your enemy here. If you’re indoors, a softbox or beauty dish works wonders, especially when positioned slightly above and in front of the subject. Don’t forget to toss in a reflector to soften shadows.

Lighting is like seasoning—use just the right amount to create different moods. Whether you want hard light for a dramatic effect or soft light for a more classic, professional look, good lighting is key to a great shot.

Keep the Background Simple, But Purposeful

The background shouldn’t steal the spotlight from you. Keep it simple and clean to maintain focus on yourself in front of the camera. Neutral backdrops like light grey or white work well, but you can also consider natural settings like parks or gardens, or professional environments like offices.

A small tip to enhance your photo: Position yourself a few feet away from the background to create a blurred-out bokeh effect. This adds depth and makes the image feel more dynamic without distracting from you.

Nail the Camera Settings

Even with perfect lighting, your shot can fall flat without the right camera settings. For individual headshots, aim for a shallow depth of field to keep yourself sharp and the background soft. Set your aperture between f/2.8 and f/4 for a balanced shot.

As for focal length, stick to lenses between 50mm and 85mm—this helps avoid distortion and guarantees a flattering photo. Shooting in Manual mode is the best way to control exposure, focus, and lighting, making sure you get consistent results throughout your session.

Eyes and Catchlights—The Magic Touch

When it comes to capturing stunning portraits, your eyes truly are the windows to your soul. Keeping them sharp is essential, and don’t forget about those catchlights—the tiny reflections of light that dance in your eyes.

These little glimmers add life and energy to your portrait, drawing viewers in and creating a connection. Catchlights are more than just a detail; they can transform a good photo into a great one by allowing your personality to shine through.

Post-Processing Perfection

Once the session wraps up, the real magic begins in post-processing. This is where you can fine-tune your images, adjusting brightness and contrast to make yourself pop. But remember, subtlety is key! Over-editing can strip away authenticity and make you look less like yourself. Aim for minimal.retouching—enhancing your features rather than altering them.

If you need to crop the image for better composition, keep it natural and clean. The goal is to enhance the beauty of the photo without overwhelming it with excessive edits. Ultimately, it’s about striking that perfect balance to showcase you in the best light possible.

Looking to create a headshot that elevates your brand?

I'm Kris Janovitz, Atlanta's trusted headshot photographer, here to help you stand out. Whether you prefer a relaxed studio session or want me to bring the setup to your office, I’m all about making the experience easy and enjoyable. From lighting to posing, our studio will guide you through every step to capture your best side. Book your session today, and let's create the perfect headshot together!