Getting Started in Headshot Photography: Essential Gear You Actually Need
Starting your journey in headshot photography? You're in the right place. As a full-time headshot photographer, I’ve tested a lot of gear—some essential, some nice-to-have, and some... well, let’s just say it’s still in a drawer somewhere.
In this post, I’ll walk you through exactly what you need to get started and what can wait. Whether you're shooting in a home studio or gearing up for corporate clients, this guide will help you make smart choices from day one.
Camera & Lens
Just about any full-frame mirrorless or DSLR camera will work for headshots. You don’t need the latest and greatest—those high-end models are built for action sports or low-light photography. Headshots are done in controlled settings, so even older models will do just fine.
The Canon R6 Mark II is a fantastic choice. I’ve used the R6 line for years—it’s reliable, fast, and produces stunning portraits. Competing models in the same price range from Sony or Nikon will also do the job well.
For lenses, you’ll want a focal length of 50mm or longer. Popular choices include:
24-105mm f/4 (a 24-70 is usually a little short)
85mm f/1.8 or f/1.2
If you’re sticking to studio work, f/4 lenses are just fine. If you’ll be doing outdoor portraits too, consider investing in an f/2.8 lens—it’s more versatile, and lenses tend to hold their value better than camera bodies.
Tripods
It may not be exciting, but a solid tripod is one of the most important pieces of headshot gear. It adds consistency, helps with repeatable framing, and saves your back during long sessions.
Look for:
A ball head (not pan-tilt) for quick adjustments
A center column for fast height changes
Carbon fiber if you want something lightweight (but it’ll cost more)
Avoid adjusting the tripod legs every time you change subjects. A center column makes that much easier.
Lighting
Technically, you can be a natural light photographer, but if you want to do professional headshots—especially corporate work—you’ll hit limitations fast. Learning to use artificial light is a game-changer, and it’s not as hard as it sounds. There are so many great options that can meet most budgets.
You’ll also need a trigger to fire the flash from your camera. Some strobes include one; others you’ll need to buy separately.
Backgrounds
Want your headshots to look polished and consistent? Use a consistent background. I love Savage seamless paper. It travels well and works in all kinds of setups.
Pro Tip: Keep your subject 2–3 feet away from the background. That little bit of separation adds depth and polish to your images. Otherwise, it might start to look more like a passport photo.
Final Advice
Know Your Gear Cold. You’ll hear it a lot, and it’s true: practice is key. But even more important is owning your gear. If something goes wrong during a session, your client should never feel it.
Getting started in headshot photography doesn’t require a mountain of gear—just the right gear. Stick with the essentials, learn your tools inside and out, and focus on capturing authentic expressions.
