The Essential Guide to DIY Headshots: Gear, Tools, Tips, and Techniques

Professional headshot photography can be expensive, and not everyone has the budget for it. Luckily, with the right gear and a bit of know-how, you can create quality headshots on your own. Whether you're a small business owner, an aspiring photographer, or simply in need of a great headshot, this guide will help you achieve professional-looking results.

One of the most common questions I get is, “What gear do you use for professional headshots?” While I could simply list my equipment, I think it’s more valuable to explain why I chose each piece. Photography gear is like any set of tools - having the right tools for the job makes a big difference, but your technique, creativity, and preparation are just as critical, if not more so.

Drawing from years of experience in professional headshot photography, I’ll share some of my insights on essential tools, techniques, and best practices to help you get started.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

• Key Equipment for DIY Headshot Photography: Cameras, lenses, and accessories for creating flattering portraits.

• Lighting Essentials: The ideal lighting setups to highlight your best features.

• Backdrop Tips: Choosing the right background for clean and professional results.

• Editing Basics: Simple post-processing tips to polish your photos.

By the end of this guide, you'll have the knowledge and confidence to capture headshots that look polished and professional—perfect for LinkedIn, resumes, websites, or social media. Whether you're setting up your first headshot session or looking to refine your skills, this guide is your step-by-step roadmap to success.

So, let’s dive in and take a look at the key equipment necessary for DIY headshot photography, the best camera and lens choices for flattering portraits, ideal lighting setups, backdrop options, and editing tips.

1. Choosing the Right Lens for Flattering Headshots

The lens is the first key consideration (not the camera!) when it comes to capturing the human face in a flattering way. Avoid using wide-angle lenses, as they can distort proportions and result in an unflattering image. The shortest focal length I can recommend for portraits is 50mm. While 85mm is often considered THE classic focal length for portraits, I personally love the look of even longer telephoto lenses such as 105mm, 135mm, or even 200mm. These lenses are commonly used in beauty portraits because they offer a flattering representation of facial proportions.

How is that achieved?

Short telephoto lenses, typically in the 85mm to 135mm range on a full-frame camera, are flattering for headshots and portraits because they reduce distortion and create a natural, proportional representation of the face. Unlike wide-angle lenses that exaggerate features closer to the camera, such as the nose, short telephoto lenses minimize this effect. The compression effect, caused by the narrower field of view, makes objects at different distances appear closer together, subtly bringing facial features into better balance and enhancing symmetry for a more pleasing aesthetic.

Here are some of my favorite lenses across different portrait focal lengths (note that APS-C lenses will have a different effective full-frame focal length):

• Fujifilm Fujinon XF33mm F1.4 R LM WR

• Sony Carl Zeiss Sonnar T* FE 55mm F1.8 ZA

• Voigtlander Nokton 58mm f/1.4 SL II S Ai-S

• Viltrox 75mm F1.2 PRO

• Fujifilm XF90mm F2 R LM WR

• Samyang 135mm f/2.0 ED UMC

• Viltrox AF 135mm F1.8 LAB FE

PRO TIP: In my experience, 135mm lenses are fantastic for individuals with more angular or thinner facial features, while those with fuller faces often benefit from the 50mm-58mm range for a more flattering result.

2. Camera: Selecting the Right Tool for the Job

While the latest high-resolution camera may seem like the answer to everything, professional headshots are typically delivered at dimensions well under 3000px on the long side. So, a super-high-res camera really isn’t necessary for stunning results. Any DSLR or mirrorless that produces an image 20 megapixels and up will be plenty.

What’s much more important is your ability to control the image’s exposure, focus, and lighting, and again, the lens choice. While I recommend that you select the camera based on the lens that produces your desired look, here are some additional considerations, especially since there are many lens manufacturers that create the same lens for different camera systems:

Key Camera Features:

• Autofocus: If autofocus is important to you, Sony, Canon, and Panasonic are excellent choices. I personally love Sony for its fast, reliable autofocus, and this seems to be the consensus among professional headshot photographers who value the convenience of autofocus.

• In-Body Image Stabilization (IBIS): For sharper images in lower light, Panasonic leads the market in IBIS, which helps you avoid camera shake and maintain image clarity. If you have a low powered key light, this is very useful. If you’re using a tripod with a remote trigger, this won’t matter nearly as much, but if you have a friend or family member taking your photos handheld, IBIS can prove very useful.

• Color Science: For the best skin tones and flattering color, I recommend Fujifilm or Canon. Fujifilm’s color science is particularly well-suited for headshots, delivering beautiful skin tones. Their film simulations, especially “Classic Chrome,” create a very special look - vivid but not saturated - which I haven’t been able to match with other systems.

Camera Recommendations:

• Panasonic S5IIX: Great IBIS and low light performance. A great option if you might want to explore videography in addition to portraits and headshots.

• Canon EOS R6: Excellent autofocus, color science, and low-light performance.

• Fujifilm X-T5: Compact and offers stunning image quality with unique film simulation modes. My personal camera of choice.

• Sony A7 IV: Versatile, with superb dynamic range and amazing autofocus.

Pro Tip: A camera with manual control options will give you the flexibility to tweak settings and get the most out of your gear. Learn the exposure triangle of aperture, shutter speed, and ISO to take control of the exposure of your images so that you can reliably achieve correct exposure and pristine image quality.

3. Lighting: The Key to Professional Results

Lighting makes all the difference when it comes to professional headshot photography. Whether you're using natural light or studio lighting setups, knowing how to manipulate light is essential.

Natural Light: Simple and Effective

The best natural light comes from a large window with sheer curtains to soften the light. It’s perfect for beginners. If you're outside, look for areas that offer diffused sunlight, like an alleyway or the corner of a building. The key is finding "feathered light", where the sunlight is soft and directional, creating flattering shadows.

Another great natural option is backlighting during golden hour (early morning or late afternoon). This creates a beautiful rim light around the subject’s hair and body, giving a glowing effect that adds to the cinematic quality of your shot.

Studio Lighting: More Control with continuous lighting

For controlled lighting in a studio, consider a 200+ watt continuous light as your key light. My go-to light is the SmallRig RC220D, paired with a large umbrella to provide soft, even light. If you need something more powerful, the Aputure C300 is a great option that offers a lot of power and flexibility in a small package.

It’s great to have a high-quality continuous light to work with, especially for DIY headshots. I prefer continuous light (over flash) because it provides a consistent source that many people find more comfortable. Plus, it’s crucial for you, the photographer, to have a setup where "what you see is what you get." This helps you visualize the final result in real-time, which is especially helpful when working on your own.

Lighting Patterns to Consider:

A studio light on its own is harsh, very harsh! After all, it’s a bright, concentrated point-source that will create hard shadows on the face.

To make it more flattering, we need to soften it. The solution? Soft modifiers like softboxes, umbrellas, beauty dishes, and octaboxes. These tools spread the light, making it larger and softer, which creates a much more flattering and even lighting.

Once you’ve softened your light, the next step is positioning it correctly. Here are some of my favorite lighting patterns for headshots, after modifying the light to a softer source (I’m a fan of the large 7-foot Westcott umbrella with a white diffusion panel):

• Clamshell Beauty Lighting: Positioned with a key light above and a fill light below (I use a eyelighter reflector for fill), this pattern creates soft, even lighting and enhances the eyes—ideal for headshots.

• Rembrandt Lighting: Creates a small triangle of light on the cheek, giving a dramatic, classic portraiture look that we associate with fine art.

• Butterfly Lighting: Light placed above and in front of the subject to highlight cheekbones and provide a glamorous effect.

• Loop Lighting: A more versatile option, creating soft shadows next to the nose, which is flattering for most face shapes.

To add interest to your headshots, consider adding:

• Hair Light: A small Aputure MC light or similar can create separation between the subject and background. It’s especially useful for dark-haired subjects or dark backgrounds. Don’t overdo the hair light if you have light colored hair.

• Eyelighter Reflector: A curved reflector that bounces key light into the subject’s eyes. This adds sparkle and can minimize shadows under the eyes, making the subject appear fresh and awake. I use this in a clamshell lighting pattern, which flatters everyone.

How to Decode Studio Lighting Using Eye Reflections

Learning studio lighting doesn’t have to be complicated - you can start by reverse-engineering photos you love. One powerful trick is to analyze the reflections in the subject’s eyes, also known as catchlights. These reflections reveal the lighting setup, including the type, placement, and number of lights used. If you understand the basics of studio lighting, this method can provide everything you need to replicate the shot. Want to dive deeper into this technique? Check out my blog post where I break down how to use this approach to improve your studio photography lighting skills.

Pro Tip: For consistent, accurate color, use daylight-balanced lights (5600K) and set your camera's white balance to match. This ensures that the color temperature remains steady throughout your shoot. Avoid using auto white balance (tempting as it is!), as it makes the camera guess the lighting temperature with each shot, leading to unpredictable results and inconsistent color.

4. Backdrop: Simple and Effective Options

Your backdrop doesn’t have to be complex or expensive. Here are some good options:

• Simple Options: A clean wall, seamless paper rolls in neutral colors (white, gray, or beige), or even an outdoor setting like a concrete wall or brick wall. You can also shoot in areas with leading lines (e.g., fences or archways) to add dimension.

• Professional Option: Savage produces collapsible backdrops that are portable, easy to store, and deliver a smooth, professional backdrop.

5. Tripod: Ensuring Consistency

For DIY professional headshots, a tripod is crucial for maintaining consistent framing and focus. Here are a few good options:

• Manfrotto Befree Camera Tripod: Reliable and sturdy for maintaining consistent angles.

• Neewer Tripod with Fluid Head: A great value for the price, providing smooth pan and tilt functionality.

6. Camera Trigger: Control Without the Timer

To take your DIY headshots, you'll need a way to trigger the camera remotely. I can highly recommend using the Pixel Pro Wireless Remote, a budget-friendly option that works very reliably.

7. Editing Software: Polishing Your Images

Once you’ve taken your shots, the next step is to enhance your images through editing. Here are the tools I recommend:

• Capture One: This is the software I personally use and it is a game-changer!

• Adobe Photoshop: Essential for retouching, but if you need a shortcut, Evoto is an AI-based editor that offers quick fixes for common issues.

Essential Editing Tips for Professional Headshots

Here’s how I approach editing professional headshots in Adobe Photoshop:

1. Correct the Color:
Start by ensuring the color balance is accurate. True gray should look gray, and true white should look white, so skin tones appear natural and lifelike. If the white balance is off, the subject may look overly red and flushed or yellow and unhealthy. I use the color panel in Camera Raw Filter to select an area of the photo that should be color-neutral.

2. Adjust Vibrance and Contrast:
For lighter or pale skin tones, a slight boost in vibrance can enhance the image by adding saturation to less colorful areas without overwhelming the photo. Increasing contrast also naturally boosts saturation, but I recommend combining it with vibrance adjustments for more nuanced results.

3. Remove Blemishes and Stray Hairs:
Photoshop’s healing and remove tools are excellent for cleaning up small blemishes, wrinkles, and stray hairs. This step instantly polishes the image without requiring advanced techniques.

4. Smooth Skin with Frequency Separation:
Frequency separation is a powerful method for softening deep wrinkles while preserving natural skin texture. Though it may take practice to master, this technique ensures the skin looks smooth without crossing into “over-retouched” territory.

5. Use Dodging and Burning:
Think of dodging and burning as digital contouring. This technique can subtly enhance the facial structure—softly defining features for women or sharpening a man’s jawline to make it appear more masculine.

6. Work with Layers for Subtle Edits:
Apply your edits on separate Photoshop layers and feel free to make adjustments with a heavy hand initially. Then, reduce the opacity of the layer to dial back the effect. Always revisit the image with fresh eyes to ensure the changes look natural.

7. Perfect the Background:
Professional headshots require smooth, distraction-free backgrounds. Use editing tools, including but not limited to applying Gaussian Blur filter to clean up any imperfections or inconsistencies.

8. Refine Features with Liquify:
Photoshop’s Liquify filter can help make subtle adjustments to the body outline, enhance hair volume, or fine-tune facial features. Use it sparingly to maintain a natural look.

These steps aren’t exhaustive, but they highlight the most impactful edits that elevate a headshot to a professional standard. Each adjustment contributes to a polished final result that clients will appreciate.

Final Thoughts: Bring Out the Best in Your Headshot

Creating a professional DIY headshot is within reach with the right gear, techniques, and a little practice. Whether you're aiming to update your LinkedIn profile, create a fresh image for your business, or simply have a professional photo that reflects your personality, the key is in preparation and knowing how to use your tools to enhance your best features.

Now that you have the tools, it’s time to put them into practice! The best way to improve is by experimenting with these techniques, observing what works, analyzing what doesn’t, and adjusting accordingly. The more you test, the more you’ll learn.

The final piece of the puzzle is capturing the right expression. Most people want their headshot to appear friendly and approachable, but that doesn’t mean you need to smile ear to ear or force a grin. Smiling with tension (and trying to hold a smile) can result in a stiff, awkward, or even nervous look. I use simple verbal and posing cues to draw out authentic, relaxed reactions while making natural conversation, but if you're working on this yourself, try taking bursts of photos while you genuinely laugh. Invite a fun friend over, watch a comedy you enjoy, and shoot continuously to capture those natural in-between moments—when you’re not overly smiling, but still showing your true self. One of those candid shots is likely to be your most genuine and flattering headshot.

While this guide provides the tools and techniques to elevate your headshots, there’s no substitute for the experience and expertise of a professional headshot photographer. If you find yourself overwhelmed or just want to get the most polished professional result, I’m always here to help with lighting, composition, and expression coaching to ensure your headshot makes a lasting impression and captures your natural confidence.

Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with any of the brands mentioned, nor do I receive compensation for promoting their products. The links provided above are affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission if you purchase through them. However, these companies have not approached me for promotion, and all recommendations are based solely on my personal experience.