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

• 70-200mm f/2.8

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.

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Got more headshot questions? Check out the headshot FAQs.

Canon 70-200 2.8 L IS USM Z Quick Look

The jump to Canon’s new RF hybrid lenses has been an interesting experience, and I’ve quickly found a new favorite for my studio work. The Canon RF 24-105mm f/2.8 has become my go-to lens thanks to its versatile focal range, fast aperture, and well-designed tripod collar that makes switching between vertical and horizontal orientations effortless. The iris control ring is another nice touch for video work, making this lens a true hybrid performer. Most of the time, I rarely need to grab another lens.

But when I do, it’s the Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8—a staple in professional photography. When Canon announced the updated design, I was instantly intrigued. While the original RF 70-200mm f/2.8 was a great lens, I never fully loved the telescoping zoom design. The long zoom ring throw felt cumbersome, and while the compact size was beneficial for discreet travel (like an architecture photography tour I did in LA), it wasn’t ideal for my typical studio and corporate headshot sessions.

The New RF 70-200mm: A More Traditional Feel

The updated Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8 now has a fixed-length design, making it feel more like a classic pro lens. The short zoom ring throw allows for quick adjustments with just a flick of the thumb—whether you’re shooting stills or video, this is what a professional lens should do. Plus, the black version is a nice option for those who prefer a more discreet aesthetic.

For video shooters, the bulkier size of these hybrid lenses may be a downside for handheld work. But for corporate interviews, b-roll, and headshots, having this kind of range in a single lens reduces the need to carry multiple primes. The added compatibility with teleconverters further expands its capabilities, making it a powerhouse for both stills and video.

Should You Upgrade?

The hybrid RF lenses aren’t cheap, but the good news is that the previous RF 70-200mm f/2.8 has solid resale value. I traded mine in with KEH, and the process was seamless (consider reaching out for an affiliate link if you’re looking to sell yours). If you’re considering an upgrade and can take advantage of the incremental improvements and video-friendly features, I think it’s a worthwhile investment.

Are you planning to upgrade? Let me know in the comments!

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Learn more about corporate headshot options.

Got more headshot questions? Check out the headshot FAQs.

Corporate Headshot Poses That Work

As a full-time headshot photographer for over a decade, I’ve coached countless clients into their best poses—and I’m here to share my go-to tips for looking polished, confident, and approachable. If you need a full crash course to prep for your headshot, check out my Headshot Maximizer Course. Use the code SMILE for $30 off.

Standing Poses for Chest-Up Crops

These poses are ideal for LinkedIn profiles, social media avatars, and email signatures. Your hands won’t be visible in the frame, so keep them relaxed at your sides or in your pockets. Make sure your shoulders don’t creep up—relax them! A few notes:

• Push your forehead slightly toward the camera and lower your chin (without tucking).

• Maintain direct eye contact with the camera.

For variations, add a slight turn to the left or right, bringing your head back around to face the camera. This angle works for most body types. Or, play with your head turn slightly—but stop short of 90 degrees.

Keep your smile natural, no need to overdo it.

Standing Vertical Poses

These vertical poses, framed from the hips up, are versatile for multiple crops—perfect for website bios, marketing materials, or group composites of your team. Remember to:

• Hinge forward slightly at the waist.

• Mix up your hand positions: one in a pocket or resting naturally at your side.

• Shift your weight from one foot to the other for a relaxed stance.

For additional variations, turn slightly to one side and bring your head back around for audience engagement. For an even more polished look, place a hand on your jacket button, as if buttoning it. Keep your fingers relaxed and avoid making a fist. Check out the video for a few additional tips on these vertical options.

Try Multiple Poses

Not every pose works for every body. Your movement, body type, and clothing all play a role. Trying a few options ensures you’ll find the pose that makes you look your best.

Remember, If you need extra preparation, check out my Headshot Maximizer Course for detailed advice on everything from posing to headshot usage tips.

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Learn more about corporate headshot options.

Canon R5ii Quick Take

Should You Upgrade to the Canon R5 Mark II?

When Canon announced the R5 Mark II, I wasn’t planning to upgrade. My R6 Mark IIs are perfect for headshot work—most of my clients use their images on LinkedIn or websites, where ultra-high resolution isn’t a concern. However, after giving it some thought (and a few tests), I realized there are a few situations where the extra resolution and features are game-changers.

Resolution Matters

For most headshot work, the R6 Mark II’s resolution is more than enough. But when it comes to group shots, sports photography, or tight crops of wider portraits, that extra resolution can save the day. It’s also a reassurance for clients who expect top-tier quality and flexibility. Plus, avoiding extra Photoshop steps to upscale images is a nice bonus.

Autofocus That Thinks Faster Than You Do

Canon’s autofocus system in the R5 Mark II lives up to the hype. Testing it during soccer games, I was blown away by the action-priority mode. It seemed to anticipate the play, locking focus on the ball and players with incredible speed.

The Eye AF is also impressive, especially for erratic movement or group subjects like dancers. It doesn’t replace knowing your subject, but it’s a tool that delivers where it counts.

RAW Files: Big and Better Options

Canon RAW files from the R5 Mark II are massive, but I’m a fan of the compressed RAW (CRAW) option. It cuts file sizes in half without sacrificing visible quality in Lightroom, perfect for high-volume shoots like sports. I’ve tested this format extensively, and it’s a solid compromise between resolution and storage efficiency.

Video: A Step Up

I’ve been dabbling more in video, and the R5 Mark II offers some compelling features, like Canon Log 2 for incredible dynamic range. The addition of a full-size HDMI port is a game-changer for corporate work—no more fumbling with adapters in conference rooms. The digital hot shoe and Canon’s compact shotgun mic make capturing audio a breeze, ideal for events where ambient sound tells half the story.

Battery and Build: A Few Caveats

Canon’s updated battery comes with a catch—some features are restricted with older batteries, so stock up (if you can find them). I also discovered that my R6 Mark II SmallRig cage doesn’t quite fit the R5 Mark II—something to consider if you’re heavily invested in accessories.

Is It Worth the Upgrade?

If you’re a headshot photographer like me, the R5 Mark II might not be essential. But if you shoot group portraits, sports, or video—or simply want the versatility of higher resolution—it’s a worthwhile upgrade. Just keep the battery situation and accessory compatibility in mind.

What about you? Are you upgrading to the R5 Mark II? Let me know in the comments or reach out—I’d love to hear your thoughts.

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Canon 35mm f1.4 L VCM Quick Take

Canon’s 35mm 1.4 L VCM Lens, Is It Worth It for a Headshot Photographer?

When Canon released their new hybrid 35mm 1.4, I didn’t think it was for me. As a headshot photographer, 35mm is a bit too wide for my usual work. However, with some interesting video-centric features like an iris control ring, I decided to give it a try.

Currently, the only other hybrid lens in Canon’s lineup with the iris control is the 24-105 f2.8 L USM Z, which is amazing. But it looks like new lenses might be announced any day now!

While I enjoy the 35mm 1.8 for its affordability and macro capabilities, it’s not ideal for video, so this new 1.4 seemed worth a test.

Field Testing the Lens

I’ve used the new 35mm 1.4 during high school senior sessions, dance clinics, and soccer games. It also worked great for lifestyle portraits of my dogs and son. The compact design makes it a fantastic walkaround lens, and the custom button on the barrel adds some nice flexibility (though I’m still deciding the best use for it!).

How Does It Perform?

For pet portraiture, especially action shots of my dogs, this lens really shines. The autofocus is fast and accurate, ensuring a high hit rate—just keep that shutter speed high. In senior portraits, it’s perfect for environmental shots but a bit wide for close-up headshots.

And I even recorded this video using the new lens. What do you think?

Should You Get It?

If you’re doing video work on Canon RF mirrorless or cinema cameras, this lens is a no-brainer. The performance and f1.4 aperture (with manual iris control) are ideal for video applications. Still photographers, if you’re happy with your current 35mm, this lens might not be life-changing. But if you’re considering an upgrade, you won’t be disappointed.

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Learn more about corporate headshot options.

Got more headshot questions? Check out the headshot FAQs.