How to Take a Killer Headshot: 8 Tips from J.R. Clubb
Hey guys, J.R. Clubb here. Today I’m going to show you how to take a killer headshot that makes you look awesome and gets you noticed. Whether you need a headshot for LinkedIn, your website, or your portfolio, you want it to be professional and polished, but also show your personality and brand. So let’s get started!
Find your best angle by turning your head slightly left or right until you see the most flattering shape of your face. Don’t turn too much or you’ll lose the connection with the camera. You can also tilt your head slightly up or down for some variety and interest. This is what I call the “head twist”. It’s a simple trick that makes a huge difference in how you look in photos.
Choose a background that matches your personality and profession. The background sets the mood and tone of your image, so pick one that suits your purpose and character. For example, a clean white background for a corporate lawyer, a colorful background for a yoga instructor, or a black background for an actor or writer. I offer different colors for backgrounds, or I can create my own in post-production if you prefer.
Show a strong jawline by pushing your head forward and chin down. A strong jawline defines your face shape and makes you look confident and assertive. Push your head slightly forward and lower your chin slightly down to create a slight angle between your neck and your jawline. Avoid tilting your head too much or raising your chin too high. This is what I call the “jaw jam”. It’s another simple trick that makes you look more defined and sharp in photos.
Practice different expressions in front of a mirror before the shoot. Your expression shows who you are and what you offer. You want to convey confidence and personality in your headshot, so practice different expressions in front of a mirror before the shoot. Try smiling naturally, looking serious, friendly, curious, etc. See what works best for you and what matches your goal. Experiment with different emotions and moods, but don’t force anything unnatural or uncomfortable.
Smile naturally and look at the camera with a friendly and engaging expression. Think of something that makes you happy or excited, or imagine that you are talking to someone you like or admire. This will help you relax and show some genuine emotion in your eyes and mouth.
Squinch your eyes slightly when smiling or looking at the camera inspired by Peter Hurley . Squinching is when you lower your upper eyelids slightly while raising your lower eyelids slightly , creating a slight squint in your eyes . This will make you look more confident , attractive , and interesting than if you have wide-open eyes . Squinching also adds some intensity and depth to your eyes , which are the most important features of your face . This is what I call the “squinch”. It’s the secret sauce that makes you look amazing in photos.
Relax your shoulders and posture by breathing deeply before the shoot. Breathing deeply will help you release any tension or stress in your body, which will make you look more relaxed and natural in front of the camera. It will also help you improve your blood circulation and oxygen flow, which will make you look more healthy and vibrant in your image.
Have fun! Don’t take yourself too seriously or stress too much about getting the perfect shot. Instead, enjoy the process and have fun with me behind the camera! I’ll guide you through the session, give you feedback and direction, crack some jokes, and make you feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera.
I hope these tips help you take killer headshots that make you look even more awesome then you already are!
