You may have noticed I’ve got a new photo on my blog and around the web. I took it myself and was so pleased with how it turned out that I thought I would share some tips here for your own DIY headshot. First, here’s the one I’m using on the blog.. I’ve got it squared up and saved on my computer in two files. One large and one small for sizes that need a smaller file size. {I reduced the file size on picmonkey}
here’s how I set up the shoot:
Tripod
Camera
Remote {or camera timer}
Set up the tripod with nothing in your immediate background. I just wanted a blur in the back, nothing specific. Angle the Camera slightly down and then take a couple practice shots to get the tilt and framing right. Try playing withe angle of the camera, your distance from it, and the angles of your face.
Please don’t laugh at some of these next photos… they aren’t my best looks, but I’ll use them to illustrate my points {be nice!}
Please don’t laugh at some of these next photos… they aren’t my best looks, but I’ll use them to illustrate my points {be nice!}
Try to keep the kiddos out of the background {like this one}
and this one… although look at me.. I couldn’t have used that anyway! I love the profile of my son!
Not my best angle, looks awkward…
I look freaky.. try to avoid looking freaky in your headshot.
so not for my blog, but I love this one… he wants to be in all my photos and I generally do my photoshoots in the afternoon after his nap and before we get my older son from the school bus. How can I resist this face?
This one the crop/framing was too close…
and… to finish off… I do like the look of gazing UP to the camera… opens my eyes, etc.. but this one just make me look like I’m about to give someone the old “eye roll”…{ha!}
I also took our own family Christmas photos! Can’t wait to share those with you, they are coming with a sewing tutorial soon. Have you thought about Christmas Cards? Tiny Prints just came out with their adorable Holiday line.
Enter your email address:
Kimberly Job says
Darling pictures. Now I need to hunt down a tripod! This is my first visit to your blog, but I look forward to following you. You have lots of great ideas!
Jenya @ While she was sleeping says
Thanks, I will try to avoid looking freaky hahaha Lovely pics by the way 🙂
Patti says
Very easy to replicate how-to. Well done!
Cheryl @ Sew Can Do says
Thanks for sharing this and the reality that it takes a few to get the right one. I hate how my head shots usually turn out, so this gives me hope I can take a few (once I figure out the timer on my camera).
Amy Latta says
Great pics! I need a new head shot…
Jillian@FoodFolksandFun says
Such a great idea, and cost effective! Pinning for later!
Jazmin Rode says
Good tips! I am not happy with my current picture on my blog so this’ll definitely come in handy.
DesignedByBH says
So your headshoot is a sophisticated selfie! Mine never look this good with my cell phone…guess I should pull out the “real” camera!!!
Thanks for sharing your tips and your “outtakes”! Pinning!
(And thanks for being a part of the Daily Blog Boost!)
Gina @ Kleinworth & Co. says
LOVE it! We did our Christmas card pics 2 years ago like this on the salt flats in Death Valley. It was fun but I was still new to photography at the time – still love those images though. I would have done it last year but we literally just finished moving cross country the week I had to put my card together- so it was some quick snapshots of the kids instead. Hoping to do a good set this year.
LOVE Tiny Prints too- they make a premium card.
Britni says
Now can you give me some tips for how to be photogenic? That’s my biggest problem even when professionals are taking the pics. Yours turned out great though!
Britni @ Play. Party. Pin.
Jamie @ Love Bakes Good Cakes says
Great pics, Emily! Love the one with you and your son 🙂 My problem is I hate pictures of myself – I think they always look freaky – so I just avoid them altogether. :/ Maybe with some of your tips I can get a good pic?!
Lynn Blaylock says
Thanks for sharing these tips. I totally enjoy taking pictures of others but I always look freaky and just plain out of sorts in most pictures. I had seen on photography site to use the tripod, so I’ve dug mine out of the closet but these tips will come in handy. I’ll just have to tell my seven year old he’s out of a job.
Marcy Knopf says
Thanks so much for sharing this on Sverve. I totally need to do one but don’t want to ask my hubbie or 11 year old to “come take some pics of me!!” Now I can do it all by myself knowing at least one will work LOL =) Marcy @ day2day SuperMom