Headshot

[stldenise]

So what do you guys use for a headshot when you need a photo for your bio? Do you take the picture yourself, have someone in the family take a picture, or has anyone gotten a professional photo done?

I really like the photo I've got up on this site -- this was self photography. My kid and I set up a sheet in the backyard this summer and took pictures of ourselves in Scout uniform. I didn't really intend to get in myself, but my son was only going to do it if I let him take my photo too. We ended up using the timer and getting some together. We were laughing our butts off the whole time, so we got some really good smiles. There's another one of just me that is also good...

But, I don't really want to use this photo for my Examiner site, because of the uniform. I have another one (I've used it here at AW) that I made my hubby take of me that I thought was pretty good. But DH was looking over my last Examiner post and said that I needed a new head shot because this one looks like I'm going to bite someone's head off.

Great.

So what should I do for a decent photo? I'm the photographer of the family, so when I get others to take pictures they end up with the tops of heads chopped off.

[Matt Willard]

I say spring for a professional photo, if you're going that route. I know a guy who has a bunch of good and professional headshots on his website which help establish how serious he is about being an actor.

[wyntermoon]

I'd spring for a photographer, see if you can barter in some writing (web, brochure) to cut the cost. ;)

[ishtar'sgate]

So what do you guys use for a headshot when you need a photo for your bio? Do you take the picture yourself, have someone in the family take a picture, or has anyone gotten a professional photo done?

I've used both and frankly preferred the candid shots taken by a family member over the ones taken by professionals. Maybe it's because they know me so the photos look less contrived.

[charlotte49ers]

I'm a photographer, so I either shoot one myself (which I need a new one, come to think of it) or get one when I'm doing a session swap with someone else.

If you are going to go pro, though, I would spring for a custom photog who does more lifestyle photography so your personality shines though.

[CACTUSWENDY]

Not sure if in your area you have many, but here in the city we have discount photo things all the time. I would spring for one of those. Be sure to dress in something that might be wore in all seasons, or take a couple of different out fits to wear so you have different looks.

Good luck.

[charlotte49ers]

Another option is to look on Craiglist for people who are portfolio building. But look at their pictures first and make sure they don't use a point and shoot. If the pictures are way too good, they are lying. If the pictures suck donkeyballs...keep moving.

[backslashbaby]

Do you have a camera that you can set up to take your own pic? Find lighting you like [use a mirror to see] and go for it. Take 10 billion and don't be afraid to be natural. You'll get one you like! Or else it's the lighting, makeup, etc. Which you can change.

I used to model and still find that being natural is the hardest part of your part in a pic. You need a way that you can experiment and be natural.

Good luck! [You're lovely, btw... no worries :)]

[stldenise]

The photo I'm using right now on the forum was taken on a tripod with a timer and a sheet for a backdrop in the yard. So, I can do it if I can get the lighting to work. I did a whole bunch in my craft room and had to throw them all out when I realized most were out of focus just a little bit. Couldn't tell how bad they looked until I pulled them up on the computer! And yes, this one here is one of 100 or so shots we took!

The one I'm using on Examiner right now was taken by my hubby in the yard.

[nancy sv]

I'm using one my husband took of my on our bike tour. I cropped the bike out and just have my face. That being said, I have my headband on and all that - but I figure that's OK since I write about bicycling and travel.

[K-Mark]

If the pictures suck donkeyballs...keep moving.

That made my day. Hilarious :roll: Sending you a well-earned rep point.

[charlotte49ers]

lol Hey, if the shoe fits! : -P

[michellek]

My friend that is a professional photo guy for a living told me that you can take good shots of yourself using a normal digital camera. He said that you just need to take multiple shots in order to get a few good ones. He said that it is important to get different angles too.

Photography doesn't have to be old school anymore. There is a ton of the new technology coming out such as digital cameras.

[stldenise]

Yep, did that. I have about 30 or 40 slightly blurry or slight cross-eyed, angry looking photos of myself. Then about 20 more my hubby took in the yard. I used one of those for my Examiner head shot. My hubby says I look like I'm about ready to bite someone's head off (http://www.examiner.com/x-3599-St-Louis-Motherhood-Examiner). Hmm, seems extreme.

The one I'm using now was taken on self timer & tripod in our yard, with a sheet for a backdrop. I got some good shots that day because my kid and I were cracking each other up. But I can't use me in a Scout uniform for all my headshots...maybe I'll photoshop my head onto another shirt...