Detroit Photography Tips & Tricks

Thinking about offering corporate headshots to your clients? Or maybe you’ve already started, and you’re realizing it’s not as simple as setting up a light and pressing the shutter.

After more than a decade photographing everyone from local financial advisors to executives at international firms, I can tell you this: corporate headshots are deceptively tricky.

If you’ve ever wondered how to dial in the perfect camera settings for headshots, especially in a studio or controlled environment, this one’s for you. These are my go-to settings when I want consistent, flattering results—without fighting ambient light or burning through my flash batteries.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

When Canon released the new 24-105 f2.8 RF lens, I was initially uninterested. My experience with the 28-70 f2 lens was underwhelming due to its limited range and awkward size. However, in situations where f2.8 is necessary, f4 simply doesn’t cut it. So, I decided to give the new lens a second look.

When the M4 iPad Pro was released, I found myself contemplating whether it was worth upgrading from my existing iPad Pro. I know Apple Silicon is nothing to write off, but my previous iPad Pro was still performing well. So, is the upgrade really worth it?

Tripods may not be the most glamorous piece of photography equipment, but I believe they are essential, especially in headshot photography.