We ask our headshots to do a lot for us. They are the face of our online networking efforts, and we expect them to make our resumes stand out. A mistake made here can cast a long shadow, so it pays to think carefully and have a plan. First, you must decide where your headshot will be taken. Indoor and outdoor headshots both have advantages and disadvantages, so there really is no right answer.
Let’s look at this a little more closely, shall we?
Indoor Headshots
There was a time when just about all headshots were indoor headshots, and shooting indoors is still the preferred option in more conservative business environments like law and finance. The advantages of having your headshot taken indoors include:
- Control: You don’t have to worry about the unexpected when you shoot indoors because you are in control of the environment. The background and lighting can be adjusted to get the desired shot, and there is no pressure to shoot quickly to capture the moment.
- Flexibility: Outdoor headshots are usually taken in the early morning or late afternoon. However, you can take indoor headshots at any time. This fact makes scheduling an indoor shoot more effortless.
- Clothes: Changing clothes is rarely an option when shooting outdoors, but costume changes are not a problem if you take your headshots indoors.
- Weather: You won’t have to worry about rain ruining your plans if you have your headshot taken indoors.
- Space to work: Setting up lights and equipment is easier indoors, and most indoor shoots are pretty secure.
- No disruptions: Disruptions like an unexpected event or an unruly member of the public are not something you have to worry about when you take headshots indoors.
- Options: Indoor headshots do not have to be taken in offices or conference rooms. Instead, you can take them in kitchens, warehouses and factories.
Shooting indoors also has its disadvantages. Indoor headshots are more formal and less approachable than headshots taken outdoors, and people instinctively prefer natural light. It comes down more to understanding the target audience. An indoor headshot may be expected in some circles, but it could be seen as a faux pas in others.
Outdoor Headshots
Photographs taken outdoors in natural light have a fresher and softer feel than pictures taken indoors. Indoor lighting is quite clinical, but natural light is warmer and more approachable. Outdoor headshots have become the norm in the entertainment sector, and they have also become common in industries that were once considered quite conservative. If you are thinking of having your headshot taken outdoors, there are a few things you should think about first.
- Choose your backdrop: One of the best things about shooting outside is the almost endless background choices. Parks, harbors and beaches are ideal tranquil settings, while skylines and streets could provide a more vibrant backdrop.
- The golden hour: The best time to take an outdoor headshot is sunrise or sunset. Either of these times is called a “golden hour” because the lighting conditions are optimal for photography.
- Check the weather: Driving rain, gusty winds and extreme temperatures can make shooting an outdoor headshot anything but fun. Checking weather reports regularly and making sure that plans have a little flexibility built in are the best defenses against Mother Nature.
- Expect the unexpected: The weather is not the only thing that can interfere with an outdoor shoot. The world is unpredictable, and things like car accidents happen. You can minimize the risk by choosing a quiet location and giving yourself plenty of time.
- Dress appropriately: It is hard to hide discomfort in a photograph, which makes choosing the right clothes to wear to an outdoor shoot important. If the message you want to send calls for a business suit, make sure that you schedule your headshot close to sunrise or sunset when temperatures are lower.
- Find shade: Trees and buildings provide more than cooling shade. They also create unique lighting opportunities for a memorable headshot.
- Be natural: People choose to have their headshots taken outdoors because they want a more natural look. Headshots taken outdoors have an effortless quality, and they tend to convey the person rather than a constructed image of the person.
- Logistics: Check the area you pick for stores, cafes and restrooms. Check the parking regulations and look for trees or buildings that could provide shade.
- Avoid busy places: Having your headshot taken in front of an iconic building or famous landmark may seem like a good idea, but it probably isn’t. Places such as these are filled with people who will probably wander into and out of shot with frustrating regularity.
Choosing a Photographer
Once you have decided where to take your headshot, you will have to choose a photographer. Before you make a final decision, you should speak with photographers and take a look at some of their work. You should also look for somebody that seems prepared to listen to you and work with you.
- Experience: The photographer you choose should be familiar with what you want.
- Ideas: A good photographer will be a source of good ideas.
- Scheduling: How busy is the photographer? Can you change plans if the weather takes a turn for the worse?
- Friendliness: Was the photographer friendly? Did they seem concerned about you?
A subject that has a story to tell, a photographer who wants to tell that story, and a magnificent backdrop can all come together to make a perfect headshot. An experienced photographer could help to make your vision a reality, or they could give you some new ideas.
Please contact Gary Sheer for all your headshot photography needs.
