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How to Take a Great Head Shot Outside

Portrait photography serves many functions, but few as practical as the "head shot" portrait. Head shots serve as a visual resume for artists, from actors and comedians to musicians and public speakers. Head shots cannot function solely as a flattering portrait, but must reflect an attractive, accurate image of the artist. This becomes especially important in the audition process, in which casting professionals require an accurate image of the candidate. With the right equipment and technique, you can take a great head shot outside.

Things You'll Need

  • DSLR camera
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Instructions

    • 1

      Choose a "flat" lens of approximately 50 mm in length. Smaller lenses, such as a fisheye lens, exaggerate the subject's facial features and will immediately signal an amateur head shot. Extremely long lenses tend to create an overly "flat" image that loses some of its dynamism.

    • 2

      Shoot at a low aperture setting. This will blur the background and help focus the viewer's attention on the subject. Avoid using too low of a setting, however, as this can create a very shallow depth of field and leave parts of the subject's face in focus and blur others. For example, if the subject tilts his or her head, one eye may appear in focus and the other blurred.

    • 3

      Stay in the shade. Awnings, balconies, park shelters and garages make excellent head shot locations, as they provide shade with indirect light.

    • 4

      Shoot down rather than up. Shooting down on the subject creates an engaging facial expression and flattering lighting. Shooting up toward the subject will highlight chin fat, brow shadow and the nostrils.

    • 5

      Keep the light up front. Excessive backlight will draw the eye to the background and pull focus from the subject.

    • 6

      Avoid excessive makeup. Any head shot photographer calling himself a professional will retouch his images, making the subject look camera-ready. The subject may wear makeup, but heavy, professional makeup can draw attention to itself and create an inaccurate image of the subject.

    • 7

      Know your type of head shot. Head shots for actors fit into two major categories: commercial and theatrical. Commercial head shots require that you see the subject's teeth, as commercials often require the performer to smile. Theatrical head shots, used for film and episodic television casting, can be more subdued and show a broader emotional range. You can shoot other subjects such as musicians and public speakers in either of these styles.

    • 8

      Shoot your subject in context. An actor requires no props for his head shots, but a musician may wish to pose with his instrument. Avoid shots that show the subject using his prop or while performing his skill.

    • 9

      Keep it simple. Shoot the subject in a natural pose and avoid wacky poses. These poses, intended to create dynamism and catch the attention of casting professionals, will mark the image and the subject as amateur.

    • 10

      Shoot the head. The name "head shot" says it all. Shoot the subject from the chest up at most, focusing on her head and include all of her hair. Casting professionals need to see the subject's hair, but do not need to see the subject's build as the resume will have his or her height and weight.


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