The Key to Striking Headshots - Richmond Headshot Photographer

Hi! My name is Sandy and I have had the pleasure of helping hundreds of individuals, small businesses, and large businesses create stunning headshots. I have a background in fine art photography, with experience in studio and location lighting all of which helps me to best serve my headshot clients.

There is so much that goes into creating a good headshot, much more than just a good camera, good photographer, and background. In this blog I will share the 3 things I focus on to help create striking portraits of my clients that will ultimately best serve their needs.

1. Consider Your Client - Picking the right environment

The first thing I do when working with a new headshot client is to ask them who their ideal client is. Who are they trying to appeal to. Is it a future employer? A consumer who needs their product? A conference they will be speaking at? Knowing your audience and what they are looking for is the first step in creating striking headshots. I focus primarily on environmental portraiture that tells the story of the person in front of the lens, but learning about a clients audience helps me determine if environmental headshots are right for them or if we need to go a more traditional route.

2. What is your light source?

The way we light headshots can dramatically change the messaging of them. Are we going for a clean, polished, professional look? Or do we need something more dramatic? And when working with larger businesses, are there already established branding guidelines that need to be followed or an existing light set up?

For most of my clients, I utilize a key light just off-center (around 45 degrees) of their face, and then add a fill light off to the side. This maintains depth so the image doesn’t fall flat, while also being fairly universally flattering.

If outdoors, I often find a shady spot that does not have any bright light reflecting off of the grass or another surface to avoid color casts.

3. Let your personality shine.

Headshots don’t have to be boring, even if they are formal. I spend a majority of my time behind the camera talking to my subject and getting them to share their role at work as well as their life with me. Keeping people talking and focused on things that either bring them joy or that they are passionate about helps to keep them from getting too stiff or too serious. The result is overwhelming positive. This approach not only helps reduce the nerves of the person in front of the camera but also results in a headshot that truly feels like them.

Want to learn more about the headshot process and what updated headshots can do for you? Shoot me an e-mail and we can connect and discuss how we can elevate your headshot or your brand!