Shot in-studio this headshot represents the executive as approachable–as a manager of a thousand people it’s an important reflection. This was shot with continuous light using a style developed for film stars decades ago called “Paramount Lighting”. It’s also called “Butterfly Lighting” because of the shape of the shadow under the nose. It’s a flattering lighting style.
Musician photo sessions are full of creative ideas. Musicians are all about the music and their instrument, so we gave center stage to the trumpet in this headshot. The beauty and contrast of the metal and skin is the life a musician breathes into his instrument. This was shot in-studio using Paul Buff’s PLM umbrellas and Einstein Studio Flash for precise control of the strength of light.
Headshots are a marketing tool for professional from all industries.
What separates a headshot is the intimacy of the subject with the camera/photographer. While a portrait may be full length, 3/4 length or chest high, a headshot is about the face. Lighting is the key. The above was shot with Paul C Buff Einstein and Beauty Dish. The light wraps around the face creating subtle shadows. For the subject of a headshot – the facial expression is critical. Talk with your photographer before the session to capture the expression you are looking to convey to your viewers.
Equipment used:
Paul Buff 22 inch Beauty Dish with Diffusion
Set to one side, camera right
Einstein 640 Studio Flash
Black sweep
Canon 6D, 35mm 1.4
Portraits for men begin with getting the subject relaxed in front of the camera. A natural relaxed position is the goal so the subject looks comfortable. You only have a few minutes to determine the best pose for any given shot. There are no hard fast rules. You’re looking for individuality.
What goes into a portrait photography session?
This is an in-home session. This small house had no background photographic opportunities. The photographer created one from a set of window blinds. Despite looking like it was shot at sunset this is a staged shot-manipulating the background. We created this effect by setting up tungsten lighting outside the window at night. Adjusting the window shades for the precise bounce of light gave the photographer the control he wanted. Using a handheld flash allowed for exactness in adding the highlights to face and hair. Every angle and tilt of camera complete the composition of the subject. Once softness and overall look was established to the photographer’s eye the session proceeds with multiple shots. Finishing touches are completed in Photoshop for facial tone and minor touch-up.
Read more on our website about backgrounds for portraits.