Simple Corporate Headshot Lighting Setups
Watch this video as I run through the basics of my most trusted light setup for corporate headshots. They aren't fancy, but they get the job done, and get me paid. Before jumping into the fancy lights and modifiers, get the feel for these basic setups first.
Much of the art in corporate headshot photography revolves around the ability to produce a solid repeatable result in any location, at any time of day. So I thought I’d share one of my most trusted light setups.
Is it fancy? No. Does it require a lot of expensive gear? Nope.
My trusted setup is a medium umbrella with diffuser and a V Flat or reflector for fill. That’s it. Before you go crazy on all the fancy lighting equipment, work on mastering this setup first. You’ll learn a lot about lighting which will then put you in a much better position to actually understand and use any fancier setups.
Umbrella Headshot Lighting Variations
A medium umbrella is perfect for a general purpose headshot. But if you want a softer quality of light, use a bigger umbrella at the same distance to the subject.
If you want a little more contrasty or dramatic look, use a smaller umbrella.
The fill light from the V Flat (or reflector) can be tweaked quite a bit too, just by changing the distance from the subject. Move it closer (just out of frame) for more fill. Or move it farther or even remove it for a more dramatic split light look.
Not feathering the light creates a rather harsh split light look — generally not great for professional images.
Feather Your Portrait Light
You might’ve tried an umbrella before and found the light to be hard and just not very flattering. I’m guessing you didn’t feather the light. Feathering your light, or aiming it in front of the subjects face (instead of directly at the subject) makes all the difference. Only when the light can actually wrap around the face does it really start to get very flattering.
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The Best Background for Your Headshot
In this post and video, I explain why it's best to keep the background simple when photographing your headshot. The benefit is maximum flexibility in the future! If you haven't heard of PNG files, prepare to be amazed!
Are you stressing over the perfect background for to use for your company’s headshot standard? Or are you driving yourself crazy trying to find the right headshot background for your personal brand overhaul?
When it comes to the headshot backgrounds, stop stressing and keep it simple. Let me explain.
Making your images on a simple background opens up a ton of flexibility after the session.
Headshot Studio Background Options
While the possibilities are endless when it comes to headshot and portrait backgrounds in the studio, less is usually more. If your headshot will be for personal branding or typical corporate use, less is more. Trust me.
In the studio, I always recommend my clients do at least some of their photos on a neutral background (or white wall). This maximizes the flexibility going forward, because we can remove the background and give you a PNG file.
What is a PNG file?
As far as your headshot is concerned, a PNG files is an image with the background removed. This makes it super easy to drop in to just about anything later on.
You’re only going to see more options in consumer software for removing backgrounds because it’s such an effective use case for AI (AI actually works consistently here).
PNG Headshot Use Cases
First, you never have to worry about not matching the company branding colors without a background. Even if they change, you’re in good shape too!
Making a pitch deck? No problem, just drop yourself right in.
Making a real estate sign? Drop your photo into the brokerage template and you’re done.
Need a group photo? Even better, we can combine multiple PNG files (even photographed at different times or locations) to make a group composite. My corporate clients love this!
PNG files can be combined to make team photos. And the best part, they can be easily updated as your team grows.
How to get PNG files from your Headshot session
I’m happy to provide them at no additional cost to you! Just ask! You can make them yourself, but sometimes, depending on the software you use, they might not be clipped out as cleanly as what I can provide.
So start thinking about your headshots as marketing tools. The ability to use your images in multiple places and formats makes them that much more valuable.
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Got more headshot questions? Check out the headshot FAQs.
How to Look Older in Your Professional Headshot
Many of my clients are seasoned experts in their respective fields, with years of hard-earned wisdom etched on their faces in the form of gray hairs and wrinkles. And let me tell you, friends, that's a badge of honor, not something to hide away. I get it, we all want to hold onto that youthful appearance from our 30s, but here's the reality: age and experience are highly sought after qualities when it comes to hiring a true professional.
Today we're diving deep into a topic that's been on my mind: how to look more experienced (older) in your professional headshot. But first, some context for those who might be doing everything possible to hide every last gray hair and wrinkle.
Think of your age as a feature
Many of my clients are seasoned experts in their respective fields, with years of hard-earned wisdom etched on their faces in the form of gray hairs and wrinkles. And let me tell you, friends, that's a badge of honor, not something to hide away. I get it, we all want to hold onto that youthful appearance from our 20s or 30s, but here's the reality: age and experience are highly sought after qualities when it comes to hiring a true professional.
Those who are looking to hire you aren't thinking about your wrinkles and gray hairs. No, they see those as symbols of expertise and a wealth of knowledge. In fact, they're often willing to pay a premium for that touch of maturity and experience. So, let's embrace it!
Adding Maturity in Camera
Now, let's shift to the younger professionals out there, fresh-faced and ready to conquer the world. You may have all the qualifications under your belt, but sometimes your youthful appearance can work against you. It's a common challenge, but I've got some tricks ready for you in the studio.
Subtle Smiles
When it comes to the younger crowd, we need to dial down the big, cheesy grins reminiscent of those high school or college graduation photos. It's time to infuse your expression with a healthy dose of confidence and even a touch of ego. Trust me, it's all about finding that sweet spot—a look that screams, "I mean business!"
Interesting Light
But that's not all. Lighting plays a pivotal role in transforming your headshot from ordinary to extraordinary. While soft, flat lighting works well for group photos, we want to channel the spirit of GQ and Vanity Fair in your individual studio session. We'll play with shadows, adding a touch of drama and sophistication that oozes maturity and professionalism.
Power Posing & Camera Angle
And let's not forget about power posing and camera angles. Remember Grandma's constant reminder to stand up straight and push those shoulders back? Well, it's time to take it up a notch. We'll guide you to lower that chin, extend your forehead, and adopt a confident stance. Think Sports Illustrated cover-worthy—an angle that radiates strength and authority.
So there you have it. With some careful posing, thoughtful expression work, and the right lighting techniques, we'll elevate your headshot from "too young" to "she knows what she's doing, let's hire her!" Embrace your age and experience, for they are the very qualities that set you apart.
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Canon RF135mm f1.8 Lens Quick Take: Versatile for Headshots, Sports and Pet Photography
Considering the new Canon RF 135mm f/1.8 lens? As a full time Detroit based headshot photographer, here’s my quick take on this lens. I tested it in my headshot studio, on the soccer field, and at a dog park. Let's explore its performance and versatility in different photography scenarios.
Considering the new Canon RF 135mm f/1.8 lens? As a full time Detroit based headshot photographer, here’s my quick take on this lens. I tested it in my headshot studio, on the soccer field, and at a dog park. Let's explore its performance and versatility in different photography scenarios.
Headshots
While much of my corporate headshot work is photographed with the Canon 24-105, I love the tighter frame this 135 provides with simple prime lens solution.
Compared to the standard 70-200mm f/2.8 lens, the 135mm f/1.8 lens is slightly shorter and lighter. It features autofocus and stabilization switches, along with custom function buttons on the barrel. With its sweet spot focal length for headshots and the ability to shoot wide open at f/1.8, this lens offers creative possibilities, although depth of field can be extremely shallow.
Sports
Despite its shorter focal length, the 135mm lens performed well for soccer photography. Shooting at f/1.8 near the sidelines, along with Canon's excellent autofocus tracking, produced impressive results. Will every shot be perfect at such a shallow depth of field? No, but I found the hit rate more than acceptable given the extreme situation. The lens's custom buttons can be used to take advantage of the 1.6x crop factor on full-frame Canon bodies—a great option for this scenario.
Pets
I also took the lens to a dog park for some action shots. The shallow depth of field added impact to the images, turning ordinary snapshots into visually striking images.
Final Thoughts
As a headshot photographer, the Canon RF 135mm f/1.8 lens is a valuable addition to my kit. While it may overlap with some of my existing lenses, its focal length and performance make it a worthwhile investment. Combined with other lenses like the 24-105mm and 50mm f/1.2, this lens offers versatility and the ability to capture stunning bokeh. The custom buttons on the barrel are a welcome addition, and the lens's price of around $2000 makes it reasonably priced. Just be aware that it may be currently back-ordered at most retailers.
If you're in the market for a versatile lens for headshots, sports, and even pet photography, the Canon RF 135mm f/1.8 lens is definitely worth considering. Don't forget to share your thoughts and let me know if you'll be upgrading in the comments section.
Learn more about corporate headshot options.
Got more headshot questions? Check out the headshot FAQs.
Angie McMonigal's Fine Art Photography Workshop
As a full-time headshot photographer, it’s easy to forgot what it’s like to shoot for fun, as a hobby. But recently, I had the opportunity to join my friend Angie McMongial on one of her abstract architectural photography workshops in LA, and it turned out to be the perfect creative reset I needed
As a full-time headshot photographer, it’s easy to forget what it’s like to shoot for fun, as a hobby. But recently, I had the opportunity to join my friend Angie McMonigal on one of her abstract architectural photography workshops in LA, and it turned out to be the perfect creative reset I needed.
Angie McMonigal
I met Angie while still living outside of Chicago. We both taught at the Out of Chicago workshop. She does some fantastic architectural work, most of it more abstract as she plays with the interesting combinations of new and old structures in a big city. Her style is quite unique in my opinion, and her teaching style is relaxed, casual, and very approachable.
I still attend workshops on occasion, but everything I’ve done in the past few years was geared towards more advanced portrait photography techniques. So, the decision to give this workshop a try was a big jump for me.
The Workshop Experience
For three non-stop days, we hit many of the key LA landmark buildings, most notably, the Disney Concert Hall and the Getty. Each spot started with a brief overview as Angie provided some insight into the location. She showed some past images for inspiration and discussed opportunities specific to the time of day, etc. Then we pretty much roamed free. Some participants chose to do their own thing, while others stuck more with the group or had other questions for Angie.
Walt Disney Concert Hall
Getting dropped into these locations, usually via Uber, is great because I don’t have to think about getting there and all the other logistics. Angie covers all the details in a well-planned schedule. During the workshop, I really just had to make it to the morning meeting spot in the hotel, and Angie takes it from there.
We bonded as a group, and the days ended with a great dinner and drinks. I made new friends that I would ordinarily have little in common with photographically speaking.
Upcoming Workshops
Angie has led or is planning workshops in NY, SF, LA, and Toronto. She’s always scoping out new ideas as well, and Miami might be next on the list. If you're looking for a change of pace in your photography or need a creative reset, I highly recommend checking out these workshops. And if photographing architectural details is your passion, then you've got to do one of these workshops.
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