How To Take A Professional Headshot At Home.
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How To Take A Professional Headshot At Home.

Updated: Mar 21

Taking a headshot can be a little harder than you might have first imagined. Here I discuss a few tips on how to get a great headshot at home and if you think you might need some help, some information on how to book in with me.


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Composition for headshots


Eyes are the most important aspect of a headshot, they must be clear and crisp in focus.


The eyes should ideally be on the line of the top third, framing of a professional headshot is everything and cannot be underestimated. See the examples below of proper framing and central face framing.


If you are using a camera phone I recommend taking it out of portrait mode, there is nothing more telling than a bokeh background that starts too soon and cuts parts of your face off. If you don't have a tripod to place a phone on, use a stack of books.


💡 Pro Tip: Try a few variations—centered, slightly off-center, and a closer crop—to find what works best for your face shape and style.



Smiling person in a brown top against a neutral background, exuding a cheerful and welcoming vibe.


Composition tips for a headshot

Lighting for headshots


  • Natural Light: Position yourself near a large window with soft, indirect light. For a passport photo you'd want to face the window fully for even light on your face, for a professional headshot, stand with the window 45 degrees to your left or right.


  • DIY Softbox Hack: No soft light available? Use a lamp, point it towards you and drape a white t-shirt or sheet over it for natural diffusion.


  • Cloudy Days Are Your Friend: Overcast skies act as nature’s softbox, giving you even, flattering lighting without harsh shadows.


Once your lighting is perfect, experiment with different angles and expressions to capture a range of options.



Smiling man in white shirt and dark vest kneels with hands clasped, against a plain white background.


Need a Professional Headshot? I Can Help!

If you’re struggling to get the perfect shot at home, I offer studio and mobile headshot services to make things easy for you.


In-Studio Headshots

If you need just one polished headshot for your LinkedIn or business profile, coming to my studio in Fleet, Hampshire is the most time- and cost-effective option.


Conveniently located near: Church Crookham, Farnham, Guildford, Reading, Camberley, Basingstoke. If you’re coming from London, taxis from Fleet Station cost around £10.


Mobile Headshot Studio – I Come to You!

Need a bespoke session with multiple looks? My pop-up studio is a great solution! If you have just 2ft of space, I can create a professional studio setup right in your home or office.

What I Bring:

✅ 2ft white pop-up backdrop

✅ Professional studio lighting (with extension cable if needed)

✅ A small fan for natural movement and comfort

✅ Various colored backdrops and reflectors to match your branding


Want to see how it works? Check out this behind-the-scenes video of a living room headshot setup!



Smiling woman with wavy brown hair in a pearl-adorned white top against a simple gray background. Bright, happy expression.

Check out this video to see the space I used to create a backdrop in a living room.





Headshot Pricing

Mobile Headshot Studio: Starts at £499 Travel charge: £50 for locations over 30 minutes from GU52 7JY

Additional time: £50 per extra hour (for easily accessible locations)

City Locations: I can travel to London and other city centers, but parking charges will be added to your invoice if applicable.


Not ready to book but want a quote? Drop me a message, and I’ll price up your project—no pressure!



Bespoke Backdrops & Branding Headshots

Brand consistency is key! Whether you're an actor, actress, or entrepreneur, I can tailor your headshot session to match your aesthetic.


Case Study: Zoe Croft (Actress)

Zoe needed a variety of headshots for agency submissions and auditions, including black-on-black and warm brown tones. To achieve this, I sourced custom backdrops matching her vision. Here she is with a coffee coloured backdrop.


Have branding colors? I’ll find the perfect backdrop to complement your brand identity.



Zoe Croft Actress With A Custom 'Coffee' Backdrop
Zoe Croft Actress With A Custom 'Coffee' Backdrop



Retouching – The Best Version of You

Retouching is about enhancing, not altering. Your headshot should still look like YOU!

✅ Light skin smoothing & blemish removal

✅ Brightening eyes & enhancing natural glow

✅ Flyaway hair fixes & minor clothing touch-ups


What I won’t do: Change facial structure, remove permanent features (moles, scars, etc.)


For actors & models: Your casting shots must represent you authentically—I ensure your final images are natural and true to life.


Transparent, All-Inclusive Pricing

The quote you receive includes editing, retouching, and full print releases—no hidden costs! The only additional charges apply if you request extra edits beyond the agreed package.

Ready for your best headshot yet? Let’s chat—drop me a message today! ✨

Zoe Croft Actress Before and After light professional retouching
Zoe Croft Actress Before and After light professional retouching



Ready to go ahead? Contact me today, lets chat x







 
 
 
hi! I'm cat and i am a full time wedding photographer
(and a little bit of a photography geek!)
 
I started taking photos as a teenager, my Dad was a wedding photographer and I would often help him. In 2021 I left my corporate job with a dream and hope that I could make photography a full time job. Since then I have been pouring my heart and soul into this business and have been honoured to be chosen as wedding photographer for so many lovely couples as well as being a portrait and event photographer.  
​
I TAKE CLASSIC, TIMELESS, DOCUMENTARY STYLE PHOTOGRAPHS WITH MINIMAL INTRUSION

 

But I will step in and offer gentle guidance when it's right to do so, I have learned over the years to read the room, anticipate the next move, hold space when needed and offer support when I can.

​

aRE YOU LOOKING FOR A WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER?
When choosing a wedding photographer, consider their style, experience, portfolio, and reviews from previous clients. It's also important to discuss pricing, availability, and any specific requests you may have.
 
Don't forget to meet with them in person to ensure you have good chemistry and feel comfortable with their approach.
​

Once you have narrowed down your list of potential wedding photographers, it's a good idea to ask them some key questions to help you make your final decision.

 

Here are a few questions to consider:

  • What is your photography style? Do you prefer a more traditional approach or a more candid, documentary style?

  • Do you have experience with weddings of a similar size and style to mine?

  • Can I see a full gallery of a recent wedding you photographed? This will give you a better sense of their consistency and quality of work.

  • Do you have backup equipment in case something goes wrong on the day of the wedding?

  • How do you handle difficult lighting situations (e.g. low light, harsh sunlight, indoor vs. outdoor)? This will help you gauge their technical expertise.

  • What is included in your packages? Are there any additional fees I should be aware of (e.g. travel, overtime)?

  • How long will it take to receive my photos after the wedding? Will they be edited and retouched?

  • Can you accommodate any special requests I have (e.g. specific shots, family portraits)?

  • How do you ensure that you capture all of the important moments on the day of the wedding?

​

By asking these questions and having an open and honest conversation with your wedding photographer, you can ensure that you find the right fit for your big day.

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