How to Choose the Right Headshot For You | Peachtree City
We live in a digital world, more than ever it is vital to have a headshot that speaks for you. The challenge is finding what headshot photo style is best for you. Our headshot clients receive a questionnaire prior to coming into to studio so that we can prepare our lighting to best express the message our clients want to share. How we pose our headshot clients also depends on both our client's facial features and their profession.
In general, there are four types of headshot backgrounds that fit most people. High Key, Traditional, outdoors and occasionally Environmental
High Key: High key headshots are bright with a very light or pure white background, the
subject is well lit, usually with flat light. This type of headshot gives a more high energy, and friendly look and feel. Another advantage or high key images is that they lend themselves well to use in print ads and websites, as the pure white background can blend smoothly onto a white page or website background. High key headshots are also very popular for modeling and acting, these are often shot with a landscape orientation as opposed to the traditional portrait orientation. The message here is energetic, friendly, happy, approachable. Perfect for coaches, realtors, speakers.
Traditional: Traditional headshots are shot on a gray background, with a portrait orientation.
This type of headshot is ideal for professionals such as doctors, lawyers, managers, and other corporate types. The background can vary from light gray to almost black, which is best depends on skin tone, hair color and other factors with which we can help. Lighting can vary from flat light to very dramatic lighting. Posing for this headshot is very straight up and down, often with little or no smile. This type of headshot looks more serious and austere. If the message you want to give is that you are serious, no-nonsense professional, then this would be the headshot for you.
Outdoors: Don't limit yourself to studio headshots, we won't. Outdoor headshots can help
give you a more casual message, perhaps a professional that wants to look a bit more approachable, maybe a pediatrician. Outdoor headshots are also great for anyone in the health and fitness fields. Proper lighting is key to a good outdoor headshot. It is very easy to end up with a blown out background (where the sky looks completely white), or for the subject to come out darker, and just blends with the background. You want to retain the rich color of the greens and blues while making sure you have enough light on you to make you pop! The message here is that you are healthy, energetic and approachable.
Environmental: This is a headshot where the background is related to your work environment. In this example, our client is a counselor and psychologist. The background
helps deliver the message of a relaxed, safe, comfortable environment. A big, warm smile closes the deal. If it is important for your headshot to show what you do for a living, this is the type of headshot you should choose. Keep in mind that it is perhaps not as " "all-purpose" as a high-key or traditional headshot. You will need to make sure that you are wearing the attire or uniform that you use in the workplace to fully express your message.