DIY 5 Minute Headshot (Featuring my puppy)
The days of selfies, graduation pictures and the infamous "picture at a wedding in front of the bushes" are over.
As a personal branding coach, I tell every client that they NEED a professional headshot.
I also tell them they don't need to pay for it.
While I have a professional headshot myself, and I do recommend the process, I have been so broke that i've had sleep for dinner. You don't need to let that stop you.
Here's my process for creating your own 5 minute headshot using my puppy Jim as the model.
Things you'll need:
- A phone
- A friend/tripod/something to lean your phone on
- Light
Take the picture
Where
- Yes: city background, large yard away from bushes, patio with no people, brick wall. You should be away from a wall.
- No: Colour wall, bushes, somewhere with people in the background
When
- Yes: overcast days (during the day without a lot of sun are the best for getting a crisp shot)
- No: High noon under the sun or anytime you need to use the flash
How
- The two thirds rule: keep the subject in the bottom two thirds of the frame (When you're trying to fit your close up headshot in the LinkedIn circle, you'll be grateful you took a "far away" shot)
- SMILE! (Jim's brand is that he's a sullen little puppy wth a lot to prove, so this is very on brand for him.)
Edit the picture
Open Instagram, and upload your photo
Play around with the highlights and shadows under "edits" (beside filters)
Choose radial tilt Shift and focus the centre on the face
Next step is to post it. It will automatically save a copy on your phone. You can delete it right away if you want, but i'm sure you look great.
All done!
I am by no means a photographer, but this whole process took me about 1 minute. It's a great way to have a placeholder until you're ready to take the plunge with a professional photograph.
Have fun!