When it comes to capturing great headshots, there are several different types of photography you can use. What type of photo you choose for your self-portrait or business profile photograph depends mostly on what kind of look you want to achieve.
Some people prefer using full-length portraits, while others like engaging close-up shots or even candid photographs. No matter which style you choose, make sure your settings and camera angles are appropriate for your intended audience.
This article will go into more detail about each type of headshot and some examples. Hopefully, you’ll be inspired to try one out for yourself!
Remember, personal photos should be authentic to who you are as a person. Never pose in front of a mirror or put on fake smiles if you feel like you’re not smiling enough. Your natural expression is much better representation of you.
A product headshot is also known as a brand photo or marketing photograph. This type of photography focuses on your products or services!
Product photos are mostly taken in front of a good background and are designed to draw attention to the item being photographed. These backgrounds usually feature some kind of texture, like wood or brick.
Some brands choose not to use a background and just put their product next to another one for effect. This way, they emphasize only the item being advertised while at the same time creating an eye-catching picture.
“The key with this style of photography is having fun with photogenic settings and props,” says photographer Vanessa Garcia. “We create designs where needed and add interesting textures and shapes to make it look natural.”
Vanessa adds that most people do not hold a camera naturally, so automatic modes are available to take away much of the work. Settings such as back light and shutter speed can be adjusted depending on how the person holding the camera acts.
Photo by Christina Morillo on Pexels
A commercial style portrait is typically referred to as a business portrait or, less commonly, executive portrait. This type of photograph is usually one or two shots with your subject looking directly at the camera, accompanied by some additional decorations or props.
Commercial style portraits are very popular because they convey an elegant look that can help promote your business or career. They also cost around $100–$250 per person depending on the length and number of photographs needed.
Because this type of photography starts with your subject looking into the lens, it is quite difficult to take without people showing slight signs of nervousness or boredom. Maintaining eye contact is important for producing a professional photo!
Another key factor of a successful commercial headshot is having a good balance of colors and light in the setting. Plants, furniture, and other objects should not be completely white or black but have shades of color to make photos more natural and believable.
Photo by Li Sun on Pexels
An action headshot is typically referred to as a life portrait or close-up portrait. With an action headshot, you can usually tell the person was asked to stand still for the picture.
Action portraits are very popular because they convey strength and confidence. Who wants to meet someone who isn’t confident in their own abilities? You probably wouldn’t want to be surrounded by people who don’t believe in themselves either!
When taking an action portrait, your model should try to pose as confidently and purposefully as possible. A good way to determine if your model has lost control is to see whether they look relaxed and calm. If so, then keep shooting!
Another great thing about action headshots is that most cameras have at least two shutter speed settings. There is often one wide open setting and one longer closed down setting.
Photo by Skyler Ewing on Pexels
A closeup or intimate portrait is typically one where your subject does not stand more than three feet away from you. These types of portraits are very personal as you get to explore both their personality and expression under that level of intimacy.
With a closeup headshot, you can also include some additional touches such as putting props in front of them or having them look directly into the camera. Both of these add intensity to the image because they emphasize focus on the person rather than the prop or the space around them.
This type of photo is great for capturing candid pictures as well. Because there is no back ground, nothing but their face is seen, it creates an interesting picture.
Photo by Ramon Vision on Pexels
A group headshot is when you are not only asking individuals to sit down, but there are more than two people in the frame as well! This can be very tricky to do properly if you have never done this type of photography before.
Group headshots typically involve having at least three main people in the picture. It is important to ask each person if they would like to participate in a group photo before taking the pictures.
Make sure to tell everyone what time the photo session is being held and where it will be photographed so that someone does not get stuck waiting for or chasing after another individual.
Everyone should feel comfortable during the shoot and giving their full attention to the other people in the photograph. Make sure to discuss potential scenarios and how everyone feels about them.
Usually, photographers hire members of the community through word-of-mouth or via their social media accounts.
Photo by Skyler Ewing on Pexels
A studio headshot is usually done at a location or set up that has good natural light, such as a room with windows. The person being photographed typically uses their own clothes in order to look more casual or professional.
In order to have a great studio headshot, you must be willing to invest some time into your career. While having your own wardrobe does not make you professionally dressed, it can help you convey this message. Your hairstyle and facial expression should be consistent throughout the photograph because they will repeat what an audience sees for a few minutes.
Photographers are trained in capturing honest, real looking images so don’t worry about looking too posed or fake. When taking a studio headshot, try to use a neutral background and focus on getting a one-on-one relationship with the camera. This way, your photographer can edit the photo later to create a better picture.
Commercial headshot
Photo by cottonbro studio on Pexels A commercial headshot is usually for an employer to show their potential future employees how they want to be represented as an employee- or even just showcasing your personal style. This is typically done at least partway through with either you taking pictures of yourself in front of a background that represents the company, or them having the photographer take photos outside or in a studio setting. These types of headshots are great because not only do you get to showcase your personality, but you also get to use the settings effectively to emphasize what you are trying to communicate as an employee. For example, if you work in marketing, then using a backdrop full of flashy logos will highlight that you are good at advertising. Or if you are passionate about fitness, a natural light window would create a nice still photo where you can really see your muscles. There are many sites that offer free or paid accounts to professional photographers. You can find one that works well for you by doing some research and testing out different services. Make sure to look at reviews so you know if someone had bad experiences to avoid it.Product headshot
A product headshot is also known as a brand photo or marketing photograph. This type of photography focuses on your products or services!
Product photos are mostly taken in front of a good background and are designed to draw attention to the item being photographed. These backgrounds usually feature some kind of texture, like wood or brick.
Some brands choose not to use a background and just put their product next to another one for effect. This way, they emphasize only the item being advertised while at the same time creating an eye-catching picture.
“The key with this style of photography is having fun with photogenic settings and props,” says photographer Vanessa Garcia. “We create designs where needed and add interesting textures and shapes to make it look natural.”
Vanessa adds that most people do not hold a camera naturally, so automatic modes are available to take away much of the work. Settings such as back light and shutter speed can be adjusted depending on how the person holding the camera acts.
Commercial-style headshot
Photo by Christina Morillo on Pexels
A commercial style portrait is typically referred to as a business portrait or, less commonly, executive portrait. This type of photograph is usually one or two shots with your subject looking directly at the camera, accompanied by some additional decorations or props.
Commercial style portraits are very popular because they convey an elegant look that can help promote your business or career. They also cost around $100–$250 per person depending on the length and number of photographs needed.
Because this type of photography starts with your subject looking into the lens, it is quite difficult to take without people showing slight signs of nervousness or boredom. Maintaining eye contact is important for producing a professional photo!
Another key factor of a successful commercial headshot is having a good balance of colors and light in the setting. Plants, furniture, and other objects should not be completely white or black but have shades of color to make photos more natural and believable.
Editorial headshot
An editorial headshot is typically for advertising or marketing purposes. Ad agencies and brands look to create powerful images that convey their message. These are usually longer exposures so you get more detail in the image and better quality overall. They are also often planned out ahead of time, which allows for some preparation (e.g. putting on makeup and/or clothing).Action headshot
Photo by Li Sun on Pexels
An action headshot is typically referred to as a life portrait or close-up portrait. With an action headshot, you can usually tell the person was asked to stand still for the picture.
Action portraits are very popular because they convey strength and confidence. Who wants to meet someone who isn’t confident in their own abilities? You probably wouldn’t want to be surrounded by people who don’t believe in themselves either!
When taking an action portrait, your model should try to pose as confidently and purposefully as possible. A good way to determine if your model has lost control is to see whether they look relaxed and calm. If so, then keep shooting!
Another great thing about action headshots is that most cameras have at least two shutter speed settings. There is often one wide open setting and one longer closed down setting.
Close up headshot
Photo by Skyler Ewing on Pexels
A closeup or intimate portrait is typically one where your subject does not stand more than three feet away from you. These types of portraits are very personal as you get to explore both their personality and expression under that level of intimacy.
With a closeup headshot, you can also include some additional touches such as putting props in front of them or having them look directly into the camera. Both of these add intensity to the image because they emphasize focus on the person rather than the prop or the space around them.
This type of photo is great for capturing candid pictures as well. Because there is no back ground, nothing but their face is seen, it creates an interesting picture.
Group headshot
Photo by Ramon Vision on Pexels
A group headshot is when you are not only asking individuals to sit down, but there are more than two people in the frame as well! This can be very tricky to do properly if you have never done this type of photography before.
Group headshots typically involve having at least three main people in the picture. It is important to ask each person if they would like to participate in a group photo before taking the pictures.
Make sure to tell everyone what time the photo session is being held and where it will be photographed so that someone does not get stuck waiting for or chasing after another individual.
Everyone should feel comfortable during the shoot and giving their full attention to the other people in the photograph. Make sure to discuss potential scenarios and how everyone feels about them.
Usually, photographers hire members of the community through word-of-mouth or via their social media accounts.
Studio headshot
Photo by Skyler Ewing on Pexels
A studio headshot is usually done at a location or set up that has good natural light, such as a room with windows. The person being photographed typically uses their own clothes in order to look more casual or professional.
In order to have a great studio headshot, you must be willing to invest some time into your career. While having your own wardrobe does not make you professionally dressed, it can help you convey this message. Your hairstyle and facial expression should be consistent throughout the photograph because they will repeat what an audience sees for a few minutes.
Photographers are trained in capturing honest, real looking images so don’t worry about looking too posed or fake. When taking a studio headshot, try to use a neutral background and focus on getting a one-on-one relationship with the camera. This way, your photographer can edit the photo later to create a better picture.