How to Pose for your Headshot
Watch this quick video for a few key posing tips before your next headshot session. Just a few tricks can make a huge difference in the final result.
It turns out there’s a lot of posing for the best headshot. As your Detroit photographer, here are some essential tips.
Why Headshot Posing Matters
While you may only see your shoulders and face, posing fundamentals are hard at work when it comes to a headshot. In fact, I would argue that posing is even more critical in a headshot. An inch or two in the right direction makes all the difference.
Proper Stance
It all starts with an athletic stance, feet shoulder width apart or so. And lead with one foot. From there, expect to lean (from the core) on the front foot a bit more. This gives you a more engaging presence in the camera. The alternative is a standoffish look, if you lean back.
Reduce a Double Chin
Think forehead out, chin down. That’s the most important part! This little trick will slim down your neck and emphasize your eyes!
Waist Up Posing
If you need a waist up or full length shot, clothing fit is critical. Fitted shirts or jackets (jackets that button) will help you appear slimmer because we can leverage negative space between your arms and torso.
Expression and Lighting
Finally, now the magic happens as we fine tune the lighting and fid your most authentic expressions!
Ready to make your first professional headshot appointment?
Learn more about corporate headshot options.
Got more headshot questions? Check out the headshot FAQs.
MacBook Pro M1 Max for Photographers
With power to spare, Apple's MacBook Pro M1 Max is incredible. But does it make sense for a photographer's workflow? Watch this video for my take from the standpoint of a full time working headshot & portrait photographer.
With power to spare, Apple's MacBook Pro M1 Max is incredible. But does it make sense for a photographer's workflow? Watch this video for my take from the standpoint of a full time working headshot & portrait photographer.
The best laptop for photographers?
As a working portrait photographer, here in Detroit, I’ve been putting my MacBook Pro M1 Max to the test. Granted, as a photographer, I don’t need a ton of processor cores, but it’s nice to have some breathing room. If only Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom would take advantage of all this head room.
I opted for the 14” model as it’s ideal for any and all travel. The built in SD card reader is a welcome addition along with the HDMI port! It’s so nice not to have to worry about dongles.
The machine is fast! Is it a little more than I need? Well, it helps me run my business faster (and lighter). Time is money…
Ready to make your first professional headshot appointment?
Learn more about corporate headshot options.
Got more headshot questions? Check out the headshot FAQs.
How to Crush Your First Headshot Session
Are you gearing up for your first professional headshot? As your Detroit Headshot Specialist, I’ve put together a list of four key pieces to a successful portrait session.
Are you gearing up for your first professional headshot? As your Detroit photographer, I’ve put together a list of four key pieces to a successful portrait or personal branding session.
Picking the Right Photographer
Choosing the right photographer for your first headshot is critical. I always recommend hiring a specialist, someone who regularly works with professional headshot clients. By hiring a specialist, you get an expert who knows the finer points of posing, lighting and expression coaching with respect to professional or personal branding images.
Take a good look at the work of any photographer you’re considering. Look for some consistency in the work. You should have a good idea what your image would look like based on the portfolio.
The Right Outfit
Remember, the image is about you. You’re not modeling the clothing you’ll be wearing. So if they take the attention off you, there’s too much going on. Keep things simple—solid colors to start. If you have a bold color of choice, bring it for a second look.
And make sure things fit properly. That said, a jacket that’s a little tight can actually help you appear thinner. When buttoned, we can leverage some great posing tricks to lose that camera weight!
Professional Makeup
While not required, I strongly recommend making the investment. A makeup artist will ensure you look amazing under the power studio lights. It also takes some of the last minute stress off your day.
Guys, this applies to you too. Male grooming (makeup for men) has been a big hit among my clients!
Have Fun
You’ve prepared, done the homework and watched all my videos. When you finally get in the studio, enjoy yourself! Have some fun. This means playing along, even goofing off a bit. Letting your guard down helps to ensure you’ll get a range of expressions in your session.
You don’t have to use them all, but it gives you so many options for all sorts of applications.
Your social followers will love the outtakes and your work colleagues might be just a bit jealous when they see your new profile photo in Zoom or Teams.
Ready to make your first professional headshot appointment?
Learn more about corporate headshot options.
Got more headshot questions? Check out the headshot FAQs.
How to Do a Corporate Group Photo
There are a number of logistical challenges to consider that the pandemic has only amplified. But rest assured I have some tricks to share. This video covers my philosophy and approach to group.
If you’re reading this, you’ve probably realized that organizing a team photo at your Detroit office is harder than it sounds. There are a number of logistical challenges to consider that the pandemic has only amplified. But rest assured I have some tricks to share. This video covers my philosophy and approach to group.
One of the challenges I mention in the video is dealing with new hires. Learn more about all my New Hire offerings here.
Learn more about corporate headshot options.
Got more headshot questions? Check out the headshot FAQs.
The Best Detroit Headshots of 2021
As the year wraps up, I wanted to say thank you for your support! Despite the challenges of the pandemic, 2021 was a record breaking year for my Detroit photography studio. What started as an entrepreneurial dream a few years and two states ago is going strong!
As the year wraps up, I wanted to say thank you for your support! Despite the challenges of the pandemic, 2021 was a record breaking year for my Detroit photography studio. What started as an entrepreneurial dream a few years and two states ago is going strong!
I’m not one for a lot of statistics anymore (that was my old career), but a quick look back at my bookings showed over photography 300 sessions with about 750 people photographed! To celebrate, I put together this highlight reel.
My little YouTube channel has grown to 2K subscribers, a pleasant surprise for what was just meant to be a few FAQ videos for clients. If you’ve contemplated starting a channel for your business or just for fun, go for it! It’s definitely not too late.
Looking into 2022, January is booking up!
So if a headshot is on the list, grab a session as my rates will see a small increase. But if you book now for January you can sneak in at the old rates.
I wish you and your family a safe and happy holiday season and we’ll see you in 2022 🥂🎉.
—Scott
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