So it's a slower time over the summer and I've just been referred to shoot a number of clients needing head shots. Realtor / professional / doctor types who need that awful lame 1x2 picture that goes next to their signature in journals and publications. Ick.
I know I can just sit them in a chair and "say cheeze" but I was hoping someone had some better inspiration for this stuff. Unfortunately it's not young hipsters or I'd do something more fun and edgy, but I still want this stuff to look good, be half way interesting. One thought is just to goto the book store and flip through all those awful boring business journals - they've always got lots of those "business formal" pictures.
Any other ideas? I'd pass this up, but it really is a pretty simple gig and it's with a circle of clients I'd like to know.
Any inspiration anyone could send this way would be much appreciated.
Full Version: Head shots are lame.
Kevin, I've shot MANY headshots over the years, and I still enjoy shooting them outdoors in natural light with nice, out-of-focus backgrounds.
Kevin,
Headshots can be boring. So can running a marathon. To me it is really about how you approach them. Depending on the client I either go to their office or meet at a Starbucks*.
If I go to the clients office I try to find a space that they will look good in and that they haven't thought about. I think the one session that got me the most referrals was for a executive that needed the image for his annual report. When my assistant and I showed up, his secretary said he didn't have time. I said he needed to make time as his report was going to press and he didn't want to use last years image. He came out and said he was sorry but had to run to the airport. I said "You're heading out now? Down the elevator?" He said yep and with that I sent my assistant to grab and secure the elevator. He was on the 50th floor and I shot him as he took the ride down the elevator. He talked on the cell phone the whole time. At the end of a call my assistant grabbed his phone and I got one shot without the phone. He got into his car and took off. I went back upstairs and emailed 2 pictures to his blackberry. He replied back that he wanted me to shoot the rest of the team in the same style. $$$
Another time I shot the model below for a headshot right outside of Starbucks in Las Vegas. When I got back to Starbucks, the barista told me that someone left there card for me. I called the number and was asked if I could shoot a legal team the next day. Yep they wanted the same look and feel.
If you want some more inspiration take a look at Kevyn Major Howard's website: http://www.headshot-photography.com/
He has 1 style and that is all he does. You can even find a video on his website that shows exactly how he does it.
*Oh yeah, if the client meets me at Starbucks it costs more. Exactly one Grande Vanilla Latte More.
I hope this gives you a little inspiration. If not let me know and we can meet up when I come into Arizona next month.
-Bill
Headshots can be boring. So can running a marathon. To me it is really about how you approach them. Depending on the client I either go to their office or meet at a Starbucks*.
If I go to the clients office I try to find a space that they will look good in and that they haven't thought about. I think the one session that got me the most referrals was for a executive that needed the image for his annual report. When my assistant and I showed up, his secretary said he didn't have time. I said he needed to make time as his report was going to press and he didn't want to use last years image. He came out and said he was sorry but had to run to the airport. I said "You're heading out now? Down the elevator?" He said yep and with that I sent my assistant to grab and secure the elevator. He was on the 50th floor and I shot him as he took the ride down the elevator. He talked on the cell phone the whole time. At the end of a call my assistant grabbed his phone and I got one shot without the phone. He got into his car and took off. I went back upstairs and emailed 2 pictures to his blackberry. He replied back that he wanted me to shoot the rest of the team in the same style. $$$
Another time I shot the model below for a headshot right outside of Starbucks in Las Vegas. When I got back to Starbucks, the barista told me that someone left there card for me. I called the number and was asked if I could shoot a legal team the next day. Yep they wanted the same look and feel.
If you want some more inspiration take a look at Kevyn Major Howard's website: http://www.headshot-photography.com/
He has 1 style and that is all he does. You can even find a video on his website that shows exactly how he does it.
*Oh yeah, if the client meets me at Starbucks it costs more. Exactly one Grande Vanilla Latte More.
I hope this gives you a little inspiration. If not let me know and we can meet up when I come into Arizona next month.
-Bill
dude....spice up your headshots with some off camera flash.....gel the kicker, feather the main....baam......need examples?
I also posted awile back for examples of heashots check out franks on this thread
This is a "lo-fi" version of our main content. To view the full version with more information, formatting and images, please click here.