Headshot photography is a popular form of photography. It is little harder than the other forms. Though, it is not easy to take Headshots, you can try some equipment to make it little easy.
Many people assume that a great camera will take great portraits. That is simply not true. A quick scan through Flickr, Instagram or any photo sharing site will reveal thousands of beautiful portraits, some taken on mobile phone cameras, and yet others using very basic entry level equipment.
However, if you want to take Headshot photographs first, you’re going to need equipment. In the Headshot studio where you shoot, that should include:
1. Camera
A camera is must for photography, but it doesn’t need to be expensive. A great photographer can take great photos using any kind of camera. A great camera in unskilled hands will still deliver mediocre photos. Before you invest the big bucks in high end gear take the time to learn the craft first.
2. Lens
Lens is an another important equipment for Headshot photography. No matter how expensive your camera, if you fail to choose the right lens you can’t take great shoots.
You should work with a focal length between 70mm and 200mm. With a long lens, facial features are slightly compressed, which is really flattering for portraits.
3. Tripod
Most portraits are shot using tripods. If you want to set up your shot, position your model and then focus on their expression you have to keep your camera fixed in one position and you have to use a tripod to fix your camera in one position.
Having your camera on a tripod also allows you to focus 100% of your attention on your model and frees you up to gesture with your hands, or step away from the camera without breaking the shot.
4. Light Meter
I believe the light meter is an essential tool in good portrait photography and would never leave home without one. When you use a light meter you know you have most accurate readings.
5. Lighting
You can use speedlight for your headshots. To reduce harsh shadows from the flash, use a softbox or umbrella. The larger the apparent size of the light source to the subject, the softer the light will be.
Now you have to place your flash at the right place. Even with the softbox in place you need to position the flash close to the subject in order to get the softest results.
There is definitely a difference between a consumer grade camera like a Sony or Canon point and shoot and a Nikon Pro level DSLR, but the thing that makes a photographer a professional is not his or her gear–it’s the experience and knowledge he or she has accumulated, and how that knowledge is applied. Gear only comes into play once all other things are equal.
Finally, if you are interested in photography, already own the equipment, or just think the experience might be fun, you should absolutely take your own headshot. This is actually quite a good way to learn what your good angles are, how to relax in front of the camera, how your smile looks to others, etc. But don’t plan on using the results for professional purposes.
Portrait Retouch Pro 