Ah, the beloved headshot. Corporate professionals, actors, models, writers, all the way to prospective new hires, headshots are a necessary component of any profile. Whether you’re looking to sport your face on your website, a company event brochure, in a portfolio, or just because you’re worth it, we’ve got you covered.
Learn how to take headshots for any occasion, then repurpose them on LinkedIn or for prime real estate on Mom’s refrigerator.
In this tutorial, we’ll take you to headshot mastery and even show you how to spruce them up yourself in Create.
Let’s do the thing.
How to Take Headshots That Make Lasting Impressions
While the term headshot seems self-explanatory, because it is a shot of your head, there’s a bit more to it. Commonly confused with portraits, headshots are a unique style of portrait.
Folks today still waiver between what differentiates them, but we’ll explore here why headshots truly are their own art form.
If you’re looking to perfect your own, here are five quick tips to make sure your headshot stands out among the masses.
1. Establish Proper Lighting
Ready for your close up? Lighting is one of the most important aspects of quality headshots. Similar to how social media influencers might use LED rings to improve lighting quality, consider using that, a sun-lit landscape, or a bright studio.
Do the best you can and know that Create awaits you on the other side! You can always adjust exposure, saturation, intensity, shadows, contrast, fade, and more from the Adjust tab.
2. Use Welcoming Gestures
While it’s true you don’t have all the space in the world to gesture, your face alone is capable of 10,000 different facial expressions!
Given that 73% to 90% of communication is non-verbal, it makes sense why a picture could be worth a thousand words.
So? Before you decide which facial and body gestures to use, remember who you’re doing this for and let that guide you. Depending on the environment, certain gestures won’t make sense.
The goal here is balance. How can you best achieve the following in one photo?
- Professionalism
- Intrigue
- Relatability
- Positive energy
- Adaptability
Now, how exactly does one capture such a multifaceted, nonverbal experience? Just as modeling has unique criteria for each sub-sect—like commercial, editorial, and promotional—consider what your profession’s niche would want to see from you. Do your best to channel your inner Twiggy, Tyra, or whoever inspires you most.
Okay, back to gesturing. What types of gestures are acceptable for headshots? Subtle positions can speak volumes when working with a limited space.
Gestures, positions, and other nuanced headshot aspects may include:
- Turning 45 or 90 degrees (consider the angles from the above image for reference)
- Sitting vs. standing
- A hand cupping the face
- Surprised or winky face (for playful submissions)
- Fist holding up the chin
- Posture leaning forward into the camera
- Upright standing posture
- Relaxed, laid back shoulders
- Two hands on each side of the face
- Both hands intertwined in a hand-holding position under the chin
- A hand gripping a tie, scarf, or necklace
Ultimately, you don’t have to use your hands at all, but doing so can inform your facial expression. If you decide not to go this route, simply consider how to maximize your micro-facial movements.
Tip: Practice in the mirror! It works.
Last thing. Appropriate gesturing also means keeping a proper distance from the camera. Don’t position yourself too far back or too near. Don’t lean backwards away from the camera or have the camera angle get you from the ground-up.
Trust us. It’s not a good look.
3. Select Appropriate Backgrounds
It’s that time! Just like picking your senior yearbook photo background, you’ll know that your background can make or break a headshot.
Similar to finding appropriate lighting, choose a background that makes your headshot pop. Busy backgrounds can deter or distract viewers.
Do: Use solid, blurred, or calm nature backgrounds.
Don’t: Have background clutter or colors that match your outfit.
Use intentional color palettes to create cohesion between the back and foregrounds. Also, know that each color conveys a particular mood and can therefore instantly influence your viewers. So choose wisely!
Lastly, while it goes without saying, pick a professional outfit. If you’re aiming for bright and bubbly, let your outfit reflect it.
If you’re seeking casual, sophisticated, fun, or bold, go those routes instead. Whatever you choose, just be intentional.
Beyond aesthetics, your outfit can determine your demographic. In the above example, the left headshot is likely resonant for a younger audience, whereas the middle and right headshots scream working professional.
4. Retouch
Different from lighting edits, retouching your image is the move for blemishes, red eye, lip tint, sculpting, and more last-minute crisis interventions.
And, while there’s no need for significant image alteration (you’re perfect as you are), retouches can be instrumental in capturing that polished look.
In Create, simply click on your uploaded image, then select Adjust. From here, find the Touch Up section and explore the benefits of Eye Brighten, Eyebrow Pencil, Highlights, and more!
Yep, you heard us. Your instant digital makeover has arrived!
5. Strong Resolution
Last, but not least, make sure to protect your hard work with impeccable resolution and image quality. If you’re using a phone to capture your headshot, follow these quick tips:
- Set your phone to HDR (High Dynamic Range). For iPhone models, you can go to Settings > Camera and toggle on Auto HDR. For Androids, tap the Home button > Settings then select Picture & Display from the TV category. Find HDR under the Picture Adjustments section.
- Don’t manually zoom. Set up a tripod or keep your photographer close by to capture an unfiltered, perfectly positioned photo.
That’s it! Once you’ve edited your image in Create, select the big red Download button to choose your preferred file format (JPEG, PNG, or PDF).
From there, select High quality and click Download once more to print or upload straight to social.
Headshot Sizing Rules and Regs
While we’d like to say there’s no such thing as too big when it comes to printing a picture of your face, no one really needs to see a close-up of your skin pores.
So? Combat the up-close-and-personal pic with these headshot sizing tips.
Generally, headshots land at 8” x 10”, or 2400 x 3000 px, with a 4:5 aspect ratio. While other professions—like writers, artists, or musicians—might allow unconventional submissions, auditioners and casting professionals look for a clean-cut, polished, and specific 8” x 10”.
Just as prospective employers spend a mere 6 seconds on resumes, a poorly sized canvas can be the beginning, middle, and end of someone’s consideration. Unless given leeway to switch things up, stick to the expected look. Then, it’ll be up to you to make the photo stand out!
When printing or uploading to social platforms, check their individual specs and make adjustments accordingly. Just kidding—we’ve spared you that step and compiled a list for you here! Check it out.
How to Size Headshots for Business
Alright, business professionals. It always helps to keep a headshot around so as not to rush a last-minute photo shoot before starting your dream job. Knowing standard admission protocol beforehand will keep you ahead of the pack.
Now, back to the specs!
LinkedIn Profile
With 800 million members, LinkedIn has become the go-to hybrid professional-social media platform of the decade.
- Size: To join the (professional) party, make sure your profile lands at 400 x 400 px. Larger files are fine, too, so long as they don’t exceed 8 MB.
Resumes
Everyone appreciates being able to put a face to a name. Anticipate your prospective employer’s needs and include a headshot in your resume for added personality.
Depending on your field of expertise, make smart choices by picking photos, colors, and layouts that make sense.
Since this resume is designed for a marketing professional, the headshot can be a bit more artistic than what you’d choose in other fields. Offer your prospective employers a memorable experience to increase your chances for hire!
- Size: Don’t stress too much about specifics here. Since headshots in resumes aren’t expected, you can make it however big as it makes sense.
Do this easily in Create by clicking Images and uploading your own. Drag to adjust sizing and position.
Advertisements
Words convey personality, but there’s nothing more impactful than advertised headshots. Pair this example with a makeup or beauty brand, and let it speak for itself. Headshots usually dominate text and prompt emotional responses.
Sizes: Here are the platform deets:
- Facebook ad: 1200 x 628 px
- Facebook Carousel ad: 1080 x 1080 px
- Instagram ad: 1080 x 1080 px
- Instagram Carousel ad: 1080 x 1080 px
- Pinterest ad pin: 1000 x 1500 px
- Pinterest Carousel ad pin: 1000 x 1500 px
- Snapchat ad: 1080 x 1920 px
- Snapchat Story ad: 360 x 600 px
- YouTube display ad: 300 x 250 px
- Half page ad: 300 x 600 px
- Large rectangle ad: 336 x 280 px
As you can see, there are a plethora of ad types to select from. The good news? They’re all available at the click of a button inside Create.
Flyers
Similar to ads, flyers offer a bit more room to sport the latest product release, fashion line, jewelry brand, or whatever else you’re promoting.
Explore geometric shapes with a collage-like design, a headshot, and plenty of space for pertinent details.
- Size: 2550 x 3300 px
- Half sheet: 1650 x 2550 px
- Large format: 3300 x 5100 px
Brochures
Marketing brochures are the perfect way to announce an event, company team, service, or product with images, text, color, and loads of information.
- Size: 8.5” x 11”, or 2550 x 3300 px
Business Cards
Business cards, like resumes, provide ample headshot opportunity. Albeit a small space, business cards host minimal text anyway.
Absorb some white space with a professional pic—one that represents you and your field, of course.
Website
In the vastness of personal and life coaching, therapists, practitioners, and health and wellness folk, there’s no better way to attract clients than with website headshots.
Take them wherever you thrive—outdoors, in your office, or in a professional photography studio.
Especially when pursuing holistic health and energetics, it’s imperative to resonate with your practitioner. So? If you are one, make it easy for people to learn about you. Post welcoming, warm, and passion-fueled pics.
- Size: Sizes will vary for website headshots, but ensure it’s the highest resolution. Recommended sizes are 400 x 400 px to 600 x 600 px
If you need to print your headshot for portfolios or in-person interviews, make sure to download in JPEG or PNG file formats with the highest quality.
If printing in bulk, consider consulting with a local print shop for cost effectiveness.
To leave space for bleed marks, do so easily in Create by clicking the Settings (gear) icon from the bottom toolbar, then toggling on “Show bleed marks.”
Then, click the red Download button in the top right corner to select your preferred file format and image quality settings.
Click Download again to save to desktop or upload straight to your website or email.
Who said headshots couldn’t be used for social media? That’s right! No one. Here are the specs for popular headshot-supported online platforms.
Facebook Profile
Facebook has personal and professional profile options. Since they share the same specs, make one or both of your Facebook accounts the same headshot (or related ones) in just a few clicks.
Facebook Post
In addition to swapping your profile pics, post the entire photoshoot for all to witness.
Note: While some online posting methods will require you to adjust specs, others simply change them for you automatically. While uploading a Facebook profile picture, you’ll have to crop a large file, which can lower image quality. Adjust specs beforehand and you’ll be set.
For Facebook posts, your images will be readjusted automatically. If you’re not sure, you can always adjust beforehand, but save yourself extra time and energy with some quick research.
Twitter Profile
As you can see from this example, having a professional headshot for your profile image builds credibility. Cross-link your website, Instagram, and other platforms to manage all of your platforms in one place.
Same deal as Facebook, if you’re crafting a general Twitter post and want to be exact, post sizes are 1024 x 512 px.
Usually, if you’re cross-linking or uploading through desktop or mobile, the platform will auto-adjust or prompt you to adjust as you go.
Instagram Profile
Like all social media platforms, having a headshot for a profile picture is the easiest way to establish and maintain a professional image.
Instagram Post
Instagram influencers are taking over the (digital) world. If you’re among the 3.2-37.8 million influencers out there, maybe your entire feed consists of headshots taken around the world.
Whatever your concept or theme, just be sure to size correctly and maximize image quality.
Edit Your Headshot to Perfection with Create
Alright, good-looking people of the world! You have your headshots. You know your specs. Time to hop into Create for some pristine edits before you submit. But why, you ask?
Don’t let blemishes, yellowed teeth, or a spray tan gone wrong be the reason you don’t land the job. We’ve individually mentioned each design component thus far, but we’ll run through it cohesively and with screenshots so you understand the flow.
1. Start from Scratch with a Blank Canvas
In Create, select File > Create new > Blank Canvas. Per the aforementioned sizing rules, you’ll either type in custom specs and click Make it! or scroll to Print Sizes to find the 8” x 10” (2400 x 3000 px) option. Click to jump into the tool.
2. Upload Your Image
For the sake of this demo, we’ve uploaded images from Shutterstock’s endless stock photo library but, of course, you’ll be using your own photos.
In the Images tab, select the big Upload button to find your file. Click, then drag to position and resize.
3. Select Background Colors or Textures
If choosing a solid color, simply click Change color after highlighting the background layer. For this color, we used the Eyedropper Tool next to the hex codes.
To match any design element to another section on the canvas, select the background layer (behind the image), click the Eyedropper Tool, drag it over the color you want, then click to set!
We used this gentleman’s hair as the color to match the background. Neat, eh?
To apply a professional-looking texture to your background instead, click Textures and peruse your favorites.
We chose Smudge with the Overlay blend mode. You can always adjust Saturation, Fade, and Size. Then, click Apply.
4. Remove Background
Last, but not least, one of Create’s most convenient assets: instant background remover! This feature is available for Pros and can take your once-busy headshot to new levels.
To do it, simply click the Remove bkgnd button on the left-hand panel and poof! Gone forever (unless you want it back, then just click Undo).
You’ll notice, while it offers a neat outline effect, there’s still a touch of that background color living behind this gentleman.
If you want to go the extra mile and hyper-finesse your look, all subscribers can utilize the Eraser feature.
To get there, simply highlight the image layer, then click Erase, adjust your eraser size, and slowly begin removing the unwanted aspects. If you mess up, don’t sweat! Just click Undo or Redo to get back to base.
The final product? We’re glad you asked!
That’s it, folks! Remember, all of your editable creations remain immortal in our cloud storage. If you need to adjust at any time, just click File > Edit a copy so as not to override the original.
Now, go crush that audition, job interview, or new professional venture. When editing in Create, use that time to envision a successful new chapter.
We’re rooting for you!