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Sep 10
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5 Tips for Model Headshots to Help You Get the Best Out of Your Photography

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Explore our 5 tips to improve your model headshots

In modelling, your headshot is your calling card. It’s the first impression casting directors, agencies, and photographers have of you. A killer headshot can land you gigs, while a mediocre one can keep you in the shadows. The pressure is real, but with the right approach, you can consistently deliver headshots that highlight your best angles and personality.

So how do you make your headshot unforgettable? Here are 5 expert tips to ensure your headshot stands out in a sea of faces.

A perfect example of model headshots.

1. Know Your Angles—and Work Them

Not every model looks their best from a straight-on angle. Discovering your best angles can make a world of difference in your headshots. Practice in front of a mirror or work with a photographer to find which side of your face is more flattering, which angles highlight your jawline, and how subtle movements can enhance your features.

Slight head tilts or shifts in your body can drastically improve the outcome of your photos. Once you know your angles, you’ll feel more confident in front of the camera and be able to serve up those powerful looks effortlessly.

Actionable tip: Always try a slight head tilt or turn to the side—this adds dimension and keeps the shot from feeling too flat.

2. Focus on the Eyes—They Tell the Story

In a model headshot, your eyes need to connect with the viewer. It’s all about creating a sense of intensity and emotion that draws people in. Whether you’re aiming for a fierce look or a more approachable, warm vibe, the energy comes from your eyes. Practice different expressions that feel authentic, not forced.

Here’s a trick: Think about a specific scenario or emotion as you pose—this helps your eyes communicate real feelings rather than looking blank or disengaged. Confidence, mystery, or even vulnerability can all come through your gaze with the right mindset.

Pro tip: Slightly squinting (also called “smizing,” a term popularized by Tyra Banks) can add an extra layer of intrigue to your shot without losing that all-important connection.

3. Nail Your Expression: Relaxed Yet Intentional

While it’s tempting to think you need a big, bold expression for every shot, the magic of a headshot often lies in the subtlety. A natural, relaxed expression is key to letting your face do the talking. Poses should feel effortless and authentic. A stiff smile or overly posed look won’t connect as well.

Find that sweet spot between too serious and too smiley. Think confident, calm, and in control. Want to try a smile? Go for a soft, genuine one—avoid overly broad grins that can feel out of place in a high-fashion context.

Actionable tip: Keep your lips relaxed. Whether smiling or neutral, slightly parting your lips can make your expression feel more natural.

4. Perfect Your Posture—It Shows Confidence

Posture is a silent power player in headshots. A strong, upright posture exudes confidence and professionalism, while slouching can undermine the strength of your expression. Keep your shoulders back and your spine straight, but stay loose and relaxed so you don’t appear rigid.

Think of elongating your neck and lifting your chin slightly. These small adjustments can make a big difference in how your headshot comes across—more refined, polished, and editorial.

Pro tip: Avoid tensing up! Take a deep breath between shots to stay loose and keep your posture naturally strong.

5. Wardrobe and Makeup: Keep It Simple, Let Your Face Shine

While wardrobe and makeup are essential in a full-body shoot, for headshots, less is more. The focus should always be on your face, so stick to neutral or solid-colored tops that won’t distract from your expression. Avoid bold patterns or flashy accessories—they pull attention away from your eyes and face.

As for makeup, go for a look that enhances your natural beauty. Choose light foundation, defined brows, and soft contouring to highlight your features. Bold, trendy makeup looks can date a headshot quickly. Clean and polished will always work in your favor, especially if you’re submitting these headshots to agencies or clients.

Actionable tip: Bring multiple wardrobe options—something simple, but versatile. A plain black or white tee is a classic choice that never fails.

Final Thoughts

Serving face in a model headshot is about more than just posing—it’s about knowing how to make your features pop and creating an emotional connection with the viewer. With these five tips, you’ll be well on your way to nailing every headshot with confidence and style. Whether it’s your first shoot or your hundredth, these fundamentals will help you serve face and land that next gig.

Ready to step in front of the camera? It’s your time to shine!

Sep 10
0

Corporate Headshots: How to Capture Professional, Authentic Portraits that Stand Out

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Essential Tips for Capturing Polished and Authentic Professional Corporate Headshots That Leave a Lasting Impression

A great corporate headshot does more than just show a person’s face—it represents their professionalism, their confidence, and sometimes even the company’s entire brand. Research shows that people form an impression within the first 7 seconds of seeing someone. In the business world, that means your corporate headshot matters. A lot. Whether you’re a photographer or someone needing a professional portrait, a strong corporate headshot can be the difference between blending in and standing out.

So how do you capture headshots that exude professionalism while still showing personality? In this guide, we’ll break down the key elements of a successful corporate headshot, from lighting and poses to expressions that look authentic—not forced. Let’s dive into the details that make all the difference.

Looking for a professional photographer to capture your corporate headshots? Use my contact form to enquire about my packages.

a happy client after reading Louis Burgess' guide "Corporate Headshots: How to Capture Professional, Authentic Portraits that Stand Out"

1. Start with the Right Background

When it comes to corporate headshots, the background is more important than you might think. A cluttered or busy background can distract from the subject and look unprofessional. Ideally, you’ll want to keep it simple—a clean, neutral background like gray, white, or soft blue tends to work best for most business portraits. If you’re working with a company, make sure the background reflects their brand—some may prefer a more modern, sleek look, while others may want a warm and approachable vibe.

Pro tip: For a bit of visual depth, try using a backdrop with subtle texture or gradation. It adds professionalism without being distracting.

2. Focus on Natural Lighting (Or Mimic It)

Good lighting is essential for any headshot, but especially for corporate ones. You want your subject to appear clear, approachable, and confident. Natural light from a large window is your best friend, but if you’re shooting indoors with no natural light available, soft, diffused artificial lighting can mimic the effect.

Position your key light at a 45-degree angle to the subject’s face for a natural look. Avoid harsh shadows—corporate headshots should feel clean, well-lit, and approachable. Ring lights or softboxes work wonders to create flattering light that enhances skin tones.

Actionable tip: Use a reflector to bounce light and fill in any unwanted shadows, particularly under the eyes, to keep the shot bright and engaging.

3. Posing: Keep It Relaxed, Yet Confident

The goal of a corporate headshot is to communicate confidence and professionalism without appearing stiff or unnatural. A relaxed, natural pose is key. Encourage your subject to stand or sit tall with their shoulders back, but avoid overly formal or rigid positions.

A simple tip? Have them shift their weight slightly onto one foot or lean slightly toward the camera. This trick keeps the pose casual but composed. Instruct them to maintain a gentle tilt of the head, as direct, head-on shots can sometimes feel too confrontational.

Pro tip: Direct the eyes. Eyes should be looking straight into the camera lens to create a connection with the viewer.

4. Expressions: Professional, Yet Approachable

One of the biggest challenges in corporate headshots is capturing an expression that strikes the right balance between serious and approachable. A stiff or forced smile can feel off-putting, while an overly casual expression might not convey enough professionalism.

The key is in finding authenticity. Instead of asking your subject to smile on command, engage them in light conversation to get a natural expression. Ask about their work, their hobbies, or a recent project they’re excited about—this will help them relax and bring out a genuine smile or confident look.

Actionable tip: Take multiple shots with varied expressions—neutral, serious, and smiling. This gives the subject more options to choose from based on their industry or personal preference.

5. Wardrobe: Keep It Simple, Clean, and Professional

What your subject wears in a corporate headshot plays a major role in the image’s overall professionalism. The rule of thumb is to stick with classic, professional attire—think tailored blazers, solid colors, and minimal patterns. Avoid busy prints or overly trendy outfits that might distract from the face.

Encourage your subject to bring a couple of wardrobe options so you can help them choose what works best on camera. Darker colors like navy, black, or gray tend to be flattering and project authority, while softer tones like light blue or pastel can evoke warmth and approachability.

Pro tip: Suggest avoiding flashy jewelry or accessories—they can draw attention away from the face and feel out of place in a professional headshot.

6. Pay Attention to Framing and Cropping

A corporate headshot is typically cropped tightly around the subject’s face and shoulders, so composition is key. Aim to capture from the chest or shoulders up, and leave enough space above the head so it doesn’t feel cramped. The framing should be balanced and visually appealing, while keeping the focus squarely on the subject’s face.

Actionable tip: Try both landscape and portrait orientations. Portrait is more traditional, but a landscape shot can work well for website headers or LinkedIn profiles.

7. Editing: Subtle Enhancements, Not Over-Correction

Post-processing is where you can refine your headshot, but the goal is to keep it subtle. This is not the place for heavy filters or over-smoothing skin tones. Use editing tools to correct blemishes, adjust lighting, and slightly enhance the sharpness or color balance. However, your subject should still look like themselves—authenticity is key.

If you’re working with a corporate team, keep your edits consistent across all the headshots. This helps maintain a cohesive and professional brand image.

Pro tip: Use spot healing tools sparingly to remove temporary imperfections like blemishes but avoid airbrushing to the point where the photo looks unnatural.

Final Thoughts

Corporate headshots are about more than just a picture—they’re a reflection of someone’s professionalism, competence, and personality. By paying attention to details like lighting, posing, and expression, you can create portraits that truly stand out. Whether you’re the photographer behind the lens or the person stepping in front of it, these tips will help you capture headshots that are both polished and personal.

Ready to make your corporate headshots more impactful? Start incorporating these techniques and watch your portraits elevate from ordinary to exceptional.

Sep 10
0
Athlete having their headshot taken by professional sports photographer Louis Burgess | Sports photography by North London Photographer Louis Burgess

Sports Photography: The Ultimate Guide 2024

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Here is a comprehensive guide to understanding and perfecting the art of professional sports photography in 2024.

 

Capturing the perfect moment in sports isn’t just about luck—it’s about timing, technique, and a deep understanding of the game. According to a study by the Nielsen Sports Report, the global sports photography market is expected to grow by 6% annually, proving the rising demand for dynamic, high-quality sports visuals. Whether you’re shooting a local high school game or the Olympics, great sports photography can elevate a moment into an unforgettable image.

But how do you consistently capture those split-second shots that tell a story? In this article, we’ll dive into the top techniques, gear essentials, and framing strategies that can instantly improve your sports photography. Ready to step up your game? Let’s get into it!

(Want to hire a professional sports photographer instead? Use the contact form to enquire about my services)

Athlete having their headshot taken by professional sports photographer Louis Burgess | Sports photography by North London Photographer Louis Burgess
Sports photography is a fast-paced, high-stakes world where a fraction of a second can make the difference between a good shot and a great one. But how do you ensure your work stands out, especially with so many moving parts? Let’s break it down into actionable tips that will take your sports photography from average to outstanding.

1. Know Your Sport

Understanding the game you’re shooting is half the battle. Whether it’s football, basketball, or track and field, every sport has its rhythm and key moments. Anticipation is crucial. When you know when that game-changing play might happen, you can be in the right place at the right time.

Take football, for example. The peak moments often happen in the red zone or when the quarterback steps back for a long pass. If you can predict these moments, you’re ahead of the game. Study the sport, follow the players, and be ready for those crucial milliseconds.

2. Choose the Right Gear

Having the right equipment is non-negotiable in sports photography. A fast camera and a quality lens are essential. Why? Because you need to freeze motion with precision. A camera with at least 10 fps (frames per second) is recommended for capturing high-speed action, while a telephoto lens will allow you to zoom in on the details, even from the stands.

But gear isn’t just about the camera. You also need memory cards with high write speeds so you don’t miss out on shots due to buffering. A monopod is another must-have, especially for longer events—it gives you stability without sacrificing mobility.

Actionable tip: Start with a 70-200mm f/2.8 lens. It’s versatile, fast, and perfect for most sports scenarios.

3. Master Shutter Speed and Aperture

Shutter speed is your best friend in sports photography. You’ll want to shoot at 1/1000th of a second or faster to freeze the action without motion blur. The faster the sport, the quicker your shutter speed should be. However, there’s a balance—you don’t want to underexpose your shots, so adjusting your ISO and aperture is crucial.

For outdoor sports, you can afford to drop the ISO because you have plenty of light. But for indoor or night games, you’ll need to boost it while keeping noise under control. A wide aperture (low f-stop number) will help isolate the subject and blur out the background, bringing all attention to the athlete.

Pro tip: In daylight, start with f/4, ISO 400, and a shutter speed of 1/2000. Adjust from there based on the lighting conditions.

4. Framing and Composition

Sports photography is all about capturing emotion and intensity, but framing matters just as much. Where you position your subject in the frame can elevate an action shot into something iconic. Avoid the temptation to center your subject in every shot. Instead, use the rule of thirds to create dynamic compositions.

Shooting from a lower angle can make athletes look more powerful and dramatic, while a higher angle can showcase the full scope of the action. Experiment with different perspectives to keep your shots fresh and engaging.

Actionable tip: Use continuous focus (AF-C) and burst mode to increase your chances of getting the perfect shot in fast-moving situations.

5. Focus on Storytelling

The best sports photography doesn’t just capture action—it tells a story. It could be the raw emotion of a game-winning goal or the determination on an athlete’s face mid-stride. Look beyond the obvious moments. Often, the most powerful images come from quieter moments: a player sitting on the bench, exhausted but hopeful, or the coach’s intense expression during a time-out.

Consider how each image contributes to the narrative of the game. What story are you trying to tell? What emotions do you want to evoke in the viewer?

6. Understand the Importance of Timing

Great sports photographers know that it’s not just about taking hundreds of photos. It’s about knowing when to press the shutter. Timing is everything. Instead of relying purely on continuous shooting, train your instincts to click at the perfect moment—when the basketball leaves the player’s hands, when the runner crosses the finish line, or when the soccer player celebrates a goal.

Actionable tip: Set your camera to high-speed continuous shooting, but don’t lean on it as a crutch. Practice timing your shots manually to develop a sharper instinct.

7. Post-Processing for Impact

After a long day of shooting, your job isn’t over. Post-processing is where good photos become great. Use software like Adobe Lightroom to fine-tune your images. Adjust exposure, contrast, and sharpness to bring out the best in each shot. Keep in mind that you’re not altering reality—just enhancing what’s already there.

Remember, less is more. Avoid heavy filters and over-editing. A subtle touch can make your photos pop without sacrificing authenticity.

Pro tip: Pay attention to the cropping in post. You can often enhance the impact of a shot by removing distractions and focusing on the main action.

Final Thoughts

Sports photography is both an art and a science. It demands technical expertise, quick reflexes, and an intimate understanding of the sport. But more than that, it requires a passion for capturing the energy and emotion of the game. With the right techniques, gear, and mindset, you can turn fleeting moments into lasting memories—shots that not only tell the story of the game but resonate with the viewer on a deeper level.

Ready to take your sports photography to the next level? It’s time to get out there, practice, and start capturing those winning moments!