In my latest video, I address seven common mistakes that beginner headshot photographers make and offer ways to avoid these pitfalls.
In many ways, I feel like I took the long road in learning about lighting, posing, wardrobe, and other important facets of a headshot, and although this video is aimed at beginners, all of the advice I offer is good food for thought for those of us at any point in our journey as headshot and portrait photographers. The topics I cover include wardrobe, specifically, the importance of having clients bring a large variety of clothes to work with instead of just showing up with what they are wearing; gear, addressing why you should never purchase cheap stands and how very cheap gear really costs more in the long run; retouching; and lighting, where I discuss the strange shadow patterns seen often in the work of beginners. I also address the importance of being aware of the details when working with clients when it comes to hair, neckties, collars, and more, and advise beginners (and all of us for that matter) spend a lot of time photographing people in natural light, so we can understand how light falls on a face. I hope you enjoy the video and that you find it informative.
Thanks, Lee! Appreciate the feedback and detailed response. I agree that expression is everything!
As always Pete, these are great tips! I love the idea about setting up too moody of lighting for everyone. One thing Peter Hurley does well is he makes sure each client gets multiple looks with bright and airy lighting and also edgy lighting (usually on with the guys). I think too many photographers try to show off the lighting they can achieve without completely valuing the aesthetic their client needs.
Thanks, Patrick! You are totally right. Like Peter, I always start with an even flattering light, since it looks amazing on everyone. Later on in the session I will break out more dramatic lighting, but by then the client is already amped up about the shoot, so it's easier for them to be excited about something more dramatic too, without being distracted by shadows on the face. It's a win win.