Scott Lawrence Scott Lawrence

How to Rename Headshot Files by Subject Name with HeadshotTools.com

As a headshot photographer, the idea of renaming your files to match your subject name seems simple enough, right? Well, it turns out that only until recently is it pretty easy to do. HeadshotTools.com is a new service that makes it incredibly easy to rename files by your subject names.

As a headshot photographer, the idea of renaming your files to match your subject name seems simple enough, right? Well, it turns out that only until recently is it pretty easy to do. HeadshotTools.com is a new service that makes it incredibly easy to rename files by your subject names.

I’ve been using HeadshotTools for a few months now and wanted to make a quick video on this topic.

Benefits of Headshot File Naming by Subject Name

  • It saves a lot of time after your session sorting out who’s who.

  • Even in a small organization, the person who hired you might not know everyone. So having the files named accordingly saves a lot of awkward questions back at the office.

  • And, when a headshot has your name in it, Google will start to show it when someone searches your name. I don’t know about you, but I’d much rather have Google show a professional headshot of me than anything else!

Try HeadshotTools

Check out HeadshotTools for yourself and let me know what you think. They have a great set of tutorial videos to get you up and running.

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Scott Lawrence Scott Lawrence

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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Scott Lawrence Scott Lawrence

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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Scott Lawrence Scott Lawrence

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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Scott Lawrence Scott Lawrence

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.

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