Mar 20 2023

Creating a Flattering Headshot | The Best Poses for Your Face Shape

As a professional photographer, I have seen the impact that a great headshot can have on a person’s career. Your headshot is often the first impression that potential clients, employers, or collaborators will have of you. It is crucial to put your best face forward and flatter your features in your headshot. In this ultimate guide, I will share tips on how to determine your face shape and suggest headshot poses that will enhance your unique features.

Determining Your Face Shape

Before we dive into specific poses, it’s important to determine your face shape. There are five main face shapes: oval, round, square, heart, and diamond. To determine your face shape, pull your hair back and take a close-up photo of your face. Then, using a ruler or measuring tape, measure the width of your forehead, cheekbones, and jawline.

An oval face shape has a forehead that is slightly wider than the chin and a face that gently tapers towards the jawline.
A round face shape has a rounded hairline and chin, and the width and length of the face are the same.
A square face shape has a strong jawline and a forehead that is roughly the same width as the cheekbones.
A heart face shape has a narrow jawline and a wider forehead and cheekbones.
A diamond face shape has a narrow hairline and chin, and the cheekbones are the widest part of the face.

Once you have determined your face shape, you can start experimenting with headshot poses that will flatter your features.

Headshot Poses for Oval-Shaped Faces

If you have an oval-shaped face, you are in luck! This face shape is considered the most versatile and can pull off many different poses. One pose to try is to tilt your head slightly to one side and bring your chin down. This will elongate your neck and make your face appear slimmer. Another pose to try is to look slightly away from the camera with a slight smile. This will create a natural, relaxed look.

Avoid poses that involve looking straight at the camera as this can make your face appear wider. Also, avoid poses that involve tilting your head too far back as this can create an unflattering double chin.

Headshot Poses for Round-Shaped Faces

If you have a round face shape, you will want to aim for poses that create the illusion of length and angles. One pose to try is to tilt your head slightly to one side and bring your chin down, just like the pose for oval-shaped faces. Another pose to try is to look slightly away from the camera and bring your shoulder towards the camera. This will create a diagonal line and make your face appear slimmer.

Avoid poses that involve looking straight at the camera or tilting your head straight back as this can make your face appear wider. Also, avoid poses that involve looking down at the camera as this can create an unflattering double chin.

Headshot Poses for Square-Shaped Faces

If you have a square face shape, you will want to soften your strong jawline with poses that create curves. One pose to try is to tilt your head slightly towards the camera and bring your chin down. This will create a diagonal line and make your face appear slimmer. Another pose to try is to look slightly away from the camera and bring your shoulder towards the camera. This will create a natural, relaxed look.

Avoid poses that involve looking straight at the camera or tilting your head straight back as this can accentuate your strong jawline. Also, avoid poses that involve looking down at the camera as this can create an unflattering double chin.

Headshot Poses for Heart-Shaped Faces

If you have a heart-shaped face, you will want to focus on creating balance between your forehead and jawline. One pose to try is to tilt your head slightly to one side and bring your chin down. Another pose to try is to look slightly away from the camera and bring your shoulder towards the camera. This will create a diagonal line and make your face appear slimmer.

Avoid poses that involve looking straight at the camera or tilting your head too far back as this can accentuate your forehead. Also, avoid poses that involve looking down at the camera as this can create an unflattering double chin.

Headshot Poses for Diamond-Shaped Faces

If you have a diamond face shape, you will want to focus on creating balance between your narrow hairline and chin. One pose to try is to tilt your head slightly towards the camera and bring your chin down. Another pose to try is to look slightly away from the camera and bring your shoulder towards the camera. This will create a diagonal line and make your face appear slimmer.

Avoid poses that involve looking straight at the camera or tilting your head too far back as this can accentuate your narrow hairline and chin. Also, avoid poses that involve looking down at the camera as this can create an unflattering double chin.

Tips for Flattering Your Features in Headshot Photography

In addition to specific poses based on your face shape, there are some general tips that can help you flatter your features in headshot photography.

Practice good posture. Standing up straight and pulling your shoulders back can create a confident and approachable look.
Play with angles. Experiment with different angles by tilting your head or turning your body slightly. This can create interesting and dynamic shots.
Choose the right clothing. Wearing clothing that flatters your body and matches your brand can create a cohesive and professional look.
Use good lighting. Lighting can make or break a headshot. Make sure to use natural light or a well-placed artificial light source to highlight your best features.

Common Headshot Mistakes to Avoid

While it’s important to focus on what to do in headshot photography, it’s also important to be aware of common mistakes to avoid.

Over-posing. Too many poses can make your headshot appear forced or unnatural. Stick to a few poses that highlight your best features.
Poor posture. Slouching or hunching can make you appear unconfident or unapproachable.
Overuse of props. Props can be fun, but too many can distract from your face and message.
Using outdated headshots. Make sure to update your headshot regularly to reflect your current look and brand.

Putting Your Best Face Forward

Your headshot is an important tool in your professional arsenal. By determining your face shape and experimenting with poses that flatter your features, you can create a headshot that accurately reflects your brand and personality. Remember to avoid common mistakes and focus on good posture, angles, clothing, and lighting. With these tips, you are well on your way to putting your best face forward.

Book a professional headshot session today to flatter your features and enhance your professional brand.

314-913-5626

stlouiscorporatephotographer@gmail.com

Mar 3 2023

Interview and B-roll Filming Services: Tips for a Successful Shoot.

It’s important to make sure that the interviewee is relaxed and prepared to answer questions.

Filming an interview or b-roll can seem like a daunting task, but with the right preparation and equipment, it can be a smooth and successful process. Whether you’re a professional videographer or a DIY enthusiast, there are a few key tips to keep in mind when it comes to capturing the perfect interview or b-roll footage. From pre-production planning to selecting the right gear, these tips can help you create an engaging and memorable video. Knowing the basics of setting up an effective shoot will ensure that you come out with a polished and professional final product that will wow your audience. With a little bit of preparation and the right knowledge, you can be sure that your interview and b-roll filming services will be a success.

What is Interview and B-roll Filming?

Interview and b-roll filming are two different types of video production techniques used to capture engaging footage. Interviews are typically conducted in a studio or on location, and involve talking with one or more people about a particular topic. B-roll, on the other hand, is the supplementary footage that is used to support and enhance the stories being told. This footage can include establishing shots of the location, close-ups of objects or people, and other visuals that help to create the overall look and feel of the video.

When it comes to filming interviews and b-roll, there are a few key things to keep in mind. First, it’s important to plan ahead and have a clear idea of what you’re trying to achieve. This will help to ensure that you have all the necessary equipment, personnel, and locations ready when it comes time to shoot. Additionally, it’s important to know the basics of setting up the perfect interview and b-roll shoot, as well as how to effectively capture the footage. With a little bit of preparation and the right knowledge, you can ensure that your interview and b-roll filming services are a success.

Benefits of Interview and B-roll Filming

Interview and b-roll filming can help to create a visually engaging and informative video for your audience. By combining the two techniques, you can effectively tell a story, showcase products or services, or simply capture a moment in time. Interviews provide a personal element that can help to bring your video to life, while b-roll footage can help to provide context and a sense of place.

Interview and b-roll filming also has the potential to reach a wider audience. By using these techniques, you can create content that is more engaging and easily accessible to a larger number of viewers. Additionally, you can use this type of footage to create a professional-looking video that can be used for marketing or promotional purposes.

*Video crew setting up for a testimonial interview.*

Pre-Production Planning

Once you’ve decided to use interview and b-roll filming services, it’s important to do some pre-production planning. This involves deciding on a shooting location, confirming the date and time of the shoot, and making sure that all necessary equipment and personnel are ready. Additionally, you should make sure that you have a clear idea of what you’re trying to achieve with the video, as this will help you to determine the type of equipment and personnel you need. It’s also important to plan out the interview questions or b-roll shots that you want to capture. This will help ensure that you have enough time to plan and capture the footage that you need.

Types of Equipment Needed for Interview and B-roll Filming

When it comes to capturing the perfect interview or b-roll footage, it’s important to have the right equipment. This includes cameras, microphones, tripods, and lights, as well as any additional equipment that may be needed. For interviews, you’ll need a camera and microphone that can capture the conversation clearly and without any background noise. Additionally, you’ll need a tripod to keep the camera steady, as well as a light to ensure that the subject is properly lit.

For b-roll footage, you’ll need a camera that can capture the desired shots. This may include a wide-angle lens for establishing shots, or a telephoto lens for close-up shots. Additionally, you may need a tripod to keep the camera steady and a stabilizer to help keep the footage smooth.

Lighting and Sound Tips

Lighting and sound are two of the most important elements of a successful interview or b-roll shoot. For interviews, it’s important to ensure that the subject is properly lit so that they are visible on camera. Additionally, it’s important to use a microphone that can capture the conversation clearly and without any background noise. For b-roll footage, it’s important to use good lighting techniques to create a visually appealing shot. This may include using a combination of natural and artificial light, as well as adjusting the shutter speed, ISO, and white balance.

Camera Placement and Framing Tips

When it comes to capturing the perfect interview or b-roll footage, camera placement and framing are key. For interviews, it’s important to place the camera at eye level with the subject, and to frame the shot so that the subject is the focus of the frame. Additionally, it’s important to ensure that the background is not distracting and that the subject is well lit. For b-roll footage, it’s important to use a variety of camera angles and distances to create an engaging and visually appealing shot. Additionally, it’s important to ensure that the camera is steady and that the framing is correct.

Tips for Selecting the Perfect Location

When it comes to selecting the perfect location for your interview or b-roll shoot, there are a few key things to keep in mind. First, it’s important to choose a location that is conducive to the type of footage you are trying to capture. For interviews, this may mean choosing a quiet location with minimal background noise and distractions. For b-roll footage, it’s important to choose a location that has a variety of interesting visuals and textures. Additionally, it’s important to ensure that the location is properly lit and that the camera is set up in a way that captures the desired shots.

Tips for Setting Up the Perfect Interview

When it comes to setting up the perfect interview, there are a few key things to keep in mind. First, it’s important to create a comfortable and inviting atmosphere for the interviewee. This can be done by making sure the lighting is appropriate, providing a comfortable chair or stool, and ensuring that the background is not distracting. Additionally, it’s important to ensure that the microphone is properly set up and that the camera is correctly framed and focused. Lastly, it’s important to make sure that the interviewee is relaxed and prepared to answer questions.

Post-Production Editing Tips

Once the interview or b-roll footage has been captured, it’s time to move on to post-production editing. This involves selecting the best takes, trimming the footage, adding transitions and effects, and creating a polished and professional final product. Additionally, it’s important to ensure that the audio is properly synced and that the colors are properly balanced. With a little bit of post-production editing, you can ensure that your video looks and sounds its best.

Conclusion

Interview and b-roll filming services can be a great way to create a visually engaging and informative video for your audience. With the right preparation and equipment, you can ensure that your interview and b-roll filming services are a success. From pre-production planning to selecting the right gear, these tips can help you create an engaging and memorable video. With a little bit of preparation and the right knowledge, you can be sure that your interview and b-roll filming services will be a success.

Mike Haller 314-913-5626

stlouiscorporatephotographer@gmail.com