Learning Headshots: I am trying to learn how to shoot headshots. I have set up a small home studio. This is a friend that needed an updated corporate headshot. I used a soft umbrella...

kenievans Loc: Dallas

I am trying to learn how to shoot headshots. I have set up a small home studio. This is a friend that needed an updated corporate headshot. I used a soft umbrella on the left with a reflector on the right. I had a speedlight on the floor and a softbox at 45 degrees on the left for catch lights. How did I do?

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mcmama

I love it!

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

It’s a cracking portrait Kenie. Not sure about the low angle for a corporate shot though - shouldn’t really be looking down at your customers/colleagues/etc.!

yssirk123 Loc: New Jersey

Very nicely done Keni!

traderjohn Loc: New York City

kenievans wrote:

I am trying to learn how to shoot headshots. I have set up a small home studio. This is a friend that needed an updated corporate headshot. I used a soft umbrella on the left with a reflector on the right. I had a speedlight on the floor and a softbox at 45 degrees on the left for catch lights. How did I do?

Very nicely done. A little different than most corporate pictures I have seen.

Leo_B Loc: Houston suburb

Excellent photography technique. Not sure of the angle but I guess it depends on just what the shot is to be used for.

kenievans Loc: Dallas

mcmama wrote:

I love it!

Thanks!

kenievans Loc: Dallas

magnetoman wrote:

It’s a cracking portrait Kenie. Not sure about the low angle for a corporate shot though - shouldn’t really be looking down at your customers/colleagues/etc.!

Thank you. I didn't think about the angle from that perspective. Is that "rule" for both men and women for corporate shots? I had read that women are typically shot from a higher angle and men from a lower angle. Knowing my friend and her personality I couldn't see shooting her from a high angle. She has a large personality and I wanted that to come through.

kenievans Loc: Dallas

yssirk123 wrote:

Very nicely done Keni!

Thank you Bill.

kenievans Loc: Dallas

traderjohn wrote:

Very nicely done. A little different than most corporate pictures I have seen.

Thanks! My friend and I talked about the style she was looking for. She knew what she wanted from the color of background to how much of her body she wanted showing. I had suggested something more bright and light like near a window in a commercial building but she was not interested. She was happy with the end results.

kenievans Loc: Dallas

Leo_B wrote:

Excellent photography technique. Not sure of the angle but I guess it depends on just what the shot is to be used for.

Thanks Leo! Technique was my biggest concern and especially on a budget. Everything I used except my camera and lens was purchased for less than $100 a piece. She said she would be using it on LinkedIn and SalesForce. She is not a traditionalist as you can see from the haircut.

raymondh Loc: Walker, MI

Well if you think your just learning, I’d say you’re close to your masters degree! Well done!

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

kenievans wrote:

Thank you. I didn't think about the angle from that perspective. Is that "rule" for both men and women for corporate shots? I had read that women are typically shot from a higher angle and men from a lower angle. Knowing my friend and her personality I couldn't see shooting her from a high angle. She has a large personality and I wanted that to come through.

I don’t see it as a gender thing, nobody wants to be looked down at and most don’t want to look down on others, male or female, and perception is everything for this purpose. One needs to come over as approachable in a business image. Only my thoughts on it, they’re not from a rule book. It’s a great shot Keni, if you’re both happy with it let it be.

kenievans Loc: Dallas

magnetoman wrote:

I don’t see it as a gender thing, nobody wants to be looked down at and most don’t want to look down on others, male or female, and perception is everything for this purpose. One needs to come over as approachable in a business image. Only my thoughts on it, they’re not from a rule book. It’s a great shot Keni, if you’re both happy with it let it be.

I really do appreciate your comments. Maybe I am trying to apply too much personal portrait ideas to a corporate headshot rather than looking at who the intended viewer is. I did go back and did a search for just images of corporate headshots and I didn't find many from a lower angle. Most were pretty straight on with a few from a higher perspective. I will remember that next time. Thank you so much!

captivecookie Loc: Washington state

I think you did pretty darn well. The subject looks confident and friendly. Her hair stands out well, and even her dark shirt can be seen in the darker areas. Best of all, her glasses are not blocked by reflections, and you can see her eyes clearly.

You may have already done so, but if not, I suggest looking into David Hobby's website strobist.blogspot.com