Can AI Add Pants to your Headshot or Personal Branding Photo?
By now, it’s no secret that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is nudging its way into every nook and cranny of the professional world. It’s reshaping the way we operate, yet I stand firm in my belief that it’s not ready to steal the spotlight just yet, especially not in the nuanced field of people photography. Let me share a snippet of my experience with AI in the studio.
By now, it’s no secret that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is nudging its way into every nook and cranny of the professional world. It’s reshaping the way we operate, yet I stand firm in my belief that it’s not ready to steal the spotlight just yet, especially not in the nuanced field of people photography. Let me share a snippet of my experience with AI in the studio.
The Headshot Studio Surprise
A client strolled in for a corporate headshot, wearing a sharp shirt, tie, and suit jacket, and shorts… He was under the impression that a 'headshot' was all we needed. However, the firm’s specs called for a 3/4 vertical portrait, actually quite common.
You see, the term ‘headshot’ has become a bit of a catch-all phrase. Depending on marketing needs, it might entail a waist-up portrait rather than the traditional close-up.
The Suit Pants Saga
So after a laugh, it was time to improvise. A reshoot was not ideal. So, I decided to try my luck with AI. With a full-length image shot, I turned to Photoshop’s new AI generative fill features to conjure up a pair of matching suit pants. Sounds straightforward, right?
The Results
The AI’s performance was, to put it mildly, less than stellar. Beginning with a well-lit, static portrait, the AI embarked on an odd journey of its own. It juggled around with the pose, added phantom accessories, and even concocted some new fashion trends.
A Fail, A Lesson Learned
This experiment was an eye-opener, showcasing AI’s shortcomings in a practical scenario. Perhaps there’s a way to better guide AI to desired results, but that discussion is for another day. The essence is, my clients seek a polished, consistent set of images. They invest in the assurance of quality and consistency, something that AI, is far from providing.
A Word to the Wise
So, the next time you’re heading in for a headshot session, save us both a laugh and some precious time - come dressed in matching attire from head to toe.
Learn more about corporate headshot options.
Got more headshot questions? Check out the headshot FAQs.
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.
Learn more about corporate headshot options.
Got more headshot questions? Check out the headshot FAQs.
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.
Check out my digital course, The Headshot Maximizer, to help you prepare for your session.
Learn more about corporate headshot options.
Got more headshot questions? Check out the headshot FAQs.
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.
Learn more about corporate headshot options.
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.
Learn more about corporate headshot options.
Got more headshot questions? Check out the headshot FAQs.
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