6 Tips for Taking a Headshot at Home

A great professional headshot is an essential tool for making a strong first impression, whether you’re updating your LinkedIn profile, building a personal brand, or enhancing your website. While a professional photographer is ideal, it’s possible to create a high-quality headshot at home with the right approach. Here are five tips to help you capture a polished and professional photo without leaving your living room, plus one bonus tip on how professional photo editing can elevate your results.

1. Choose Good Lighting
Natural light is your best friend when it comes to headshots. Find a spot near a window where soft, even light falls on your face. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can create harsh shadows. If natural light isn’t an option, use a ring light or a soft lamp to evenly illuminate your features.

2. Select a Simple Background
Keep the focus on you by choosing a clean, uncluttered background. A plain wall, a solid-colored curtain, or even a large piece of fabric can work well. Avoid busy patterns or distractions in the background, as they can take away from the professional feel of the photo.

3. Dress Professionally
Your outfit should match the image you want to project in your professional life. Stick to solid colors and avoid loud patterns that can draw attention away from your face. If in doubt, opt for a business casual look that’s both polished and approachable. Make sure your clothes are wrinkle-free, and check for any lint or stray hairs before shooting.

4. Use the Right Angle and Framing
Position your camera slightly above eye level to create a flattering angle. Center yourself in the frame, keeping your shoulders squared and your head slightly tilted forward. Aim for a crop that includes your head and shoulders, as this is standard for professional headshots. Tripods or stacks of books can help you position your camera at the correct height if you’re using a phone or a basic camera.

5. Relax and Practice Your Expression
Your expression is what brings personality to your headshot. Aim for a confident and friendly look—think “approachable professional.” Take a few practice shots to find the angle and smile that work best for you. If you’re nervous, try breathing deeply or playing soft music to relax.

6. Transform an Unpolished Photo into a Professional Headshot with Editing
Not every at-home photo will start off looking professional, but photo editing can bridge the gap. A skilled editor can refine your image by making subtle yet impactful adjustments, like smoothing flyaway hairs, softening blemishes, or enhancing your makeup for a polished appearance. Lighting and color corrections can fix uneven shadows or brighten the overall tone, ensuring your photo looks vibrant and professional.

Additionally, editing can remove or replace distracting backgrounds with a clean, neutral one that keeps the focus on you. Whether it’s refining the composition, enhancing details, or transforming an unpolished shot into a sleek business headshot, professional photo editing ensures your image looks as professional as it needs to be.

With these tips, creating a professional business headshot at home becomes manageable and stress-free. And if you want to take your photo to the next level, professional editing ensures it’s polished, seamless, and ready to make a great impression much more affordably than having professional photos taken!