Photo Tips #4 - Headshots - What is a headshot?

There is one service that everyone wants from a photographer and that service is the headshot! Your friends, family, and sometimes co-workers may have, at times, let you know subtly or outright that they want a headshot. So maybe now you find yourself asking these questions:

1. What exactly is a head shot?
2. What do I need to take a head shot?
3. How much should I charge for a head shot?

With Speedlite shooting through a softbox

With Natural Light using a ring light

The answers to these questions are simple:

1.     A headshot is a specific type of portrait usually needed for a job interview or casting. Most people want attractive images of themselves not only on their Facebook but on their social profiles for networking such as LinkedIn, Model Mayhem, and Thumbtack.

2.     Regarding equipment, you really do not need much. I do most of my photo shoots with natural light and a ring light/soft box, and for the background I use a collapsible 5x7' 2 in 1 backdrop from Fotodiox, which is about $55.

3.     Charging for headshots is difficult because of the amount of competition out there. One thing that I do is spy out the competition and keep myself updated with their pricing models and place myself competitively in respect to their prices. A beginner in headshot photography may probably want to keep the number low until they develop a portfolio of images that can be showcased.

Photo Assignment: Try taking headshots of your family and friends for free to build your portfolio.

I hope this Tip has helped you understand the realm of headshot photography. If you enjoyed the article, please like it or tweet it.

Thanks guys!

---

The gear from the above article below!

---