Headshot Tips Part 2

If a client is an actor, ask them what type of acting they do and the type of characters they want to portray.

It's good to occasionally ask someone how much they paid for a headshot to compare prices to other photographers.

Communicating with your photographer will get you great shots. If you want to do something specific, talk about it right from the start. If you want to go in a different direction or if you have very different ideas, or you don’t like the background, let the photographer know immediately.
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Once the client is pleased, then it’s is time to move on to the next look and location. 
Show clients the shots as you are progressing in the shoot to make sure they are satisfied.
It’s best to do full body shots outside so you can shoot out wider. Inside shots with the backdrop are better for portraits. 


Use different backgrounds in your shots for a good variety of professional and casual shots.
White, gray and dark colored backgrounds are recommended for business headshots, and light backgrounds are best for people in the medical profession.


Make sure the background is blurred on outdoor shots because there may be something distracting that will take away from the client.


Be aware of what may be in the background when shooting outside. If it looks like a person or something distracting, it can be cropped out or it can be blurred in photo shop.


There is less retouching when a client wants his or her images in black and white since you can’t see as much and the lighting is softer.


How can you make the client appear slimmer on camera?


Place a piece of tape on the floor so the client will know where you want him to stand.


Have clients face the light or umbrella, then switch sides.
Have the client hold his hands at waist level to keep the shoulders straight and the jacket from bunching up.
What can you do if a client has a difficult time standing up straight?


What does turning the shoulder do for the headshot?
Give specific directions to the client and explain what you’ll be doing and if you’re only doing a test shot.
A client can keep the same body position and just turn the body slightly in the other direction so  the majority of shots can be taken on his best side.
Have the client drop the shoulder slightly, that’s closest to the camera.


When leaning all the weight on the front leg, don’t lean too far forward, you don’t want to feel like you’re going to fall.