Headshot Photography: A Guide on the Different Types Available
In the same way that a person is recognized by their face, images are identified by their angles and backgrounds. Headshot photography is about capturing a portrait of your subject and making them look good through certain techniques and manipulations. These can range from simple background changes to adding a new element if needed. Corporate headshots require professional photographers to apply different techniques.
In this article, we’ll be looking at five different types of headshot photography techniques and their uses and some tips on how to achieve the best results in your images.
1. The Simple Headshot
Also known as the Classic headshot, this is usually a simple portrait with soft shadows on one side of the face and no background, leaving only pure blackness to highlight the subject prominently in front of their environment. It’s probably safe to say that most people are familiar with this type of image.
2. The Dramatic Headshot
The opposite of the first headshot, the dramatic shot has a very strong light coming from one side, usually to produce hard shadows across the face. This creates an image that looks more like a movie poster and gives it a look that you’d usually find on public posters and advertising boards for movies or music tours.
3. The Red Carpet Headshot
This is a very popular look, most commonly found at festivals and award ceremonies such as the Oscars or Grammys. It’s produced by adding a colored background to the image to give it depth and set it apart from normal headshots. Actors will especially use this technique before attending events to create a more like a movie poster.
4. The Natural Headshot
As the name suggests, the natural headshot is light, simple, and has no background at all to minimize distractions from your subject’s face. This image is usually used by professionals who need an accurate shot of themselves for reports or work purposes rather than marketing material or promotional use.
5. The Artistic Headshot
The artistic headshot is quite different from the rest because it has no traditional lighting whatsoever. It usually uses bright colors and co-coordinating shadows to create an image that makes your subject look like part of the background. Different effects are used to make sure colors blend well together, usually with multiple exposures to ensure the background is evenly exposed.
It’s also possible to use a combination of these techniques to create the best results. It all depends on what you’re using it for and what would look best.
As we’ve seen, there are many different types of headshots, and each one has its purpose. Therefore, it’s important to decide what type you’re going for before taking the shot so that you can create the best results possible.
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