DIY Headshots That Don’t Suck
A new photoshoot every year with my go-to photographer is a must-have in my business. My image is a business asset so I invest in and treat it like one. But let’s be real. Photoshoots aren’t everyone’s cup of tea. Not to mention the hefty price tag. So, I use DIY headshots to carry me over between professional shoots. Like this one →
You can do it too, and I’ll tell you EXACTLY how with just a $20 tripod, your iPhone, a free app, and a few pro tips.
Snag a $20 Tripod
You don’t need anything fancy. As long as it holds your phone and tilts up and down you’re good.
When setting up your tripod, extend the legs as far as they will go, making it as tall as possible. Position your phone vertically and tilt it down, putting as much of your body in the frame as possible. In my example to the right, all but my feet are in the frame.
The funny thing is, for a great headshot, we really need more than your head.
Face a Window
The BEST light for your shot is natural sunlight. If its cloudy out, wait another day. We need the sun to make you shine. Position yourself so that you’re facing the window and the sunlight casts on your face.
Shoot in Selfie Mode
The best part about DIY headshots is you can see yourself in REAL TIME.
(I have this one expression where I feel like I look sexy and cool, but in photos, I look bored. It sucks going through an entire shoot with a photographer only to hate half the images where you’re making an expression you don’t realize you’re making.)
When shooting in selfie mode, you can see what you look like. Try all sorts of expressions, like laughing, smiling while showing your teeth, then without, smirking, looking thoughtful, and gazing in different directions. At first, don’t delete—just shoot—your goal is volume. You can delete the bad ones (and there WILL be bad ones) later.
Go Crazy in Your Closet
Since you’re not schlepping clothes to your photographer’s studio or sticking to a certain timeframe, you can shoot as many outfits as possible. And you should! Don’t trust the mirror. Outfits photograph differently than what you see in the mirror. (I’m not sure what wizardry is at play here, but trust me, it’s a thing.) If you’re shooting for your brand, stick to your brand colors, but add layers like jackets, hats, belts, scarves, and jewelry. I love shooting with a jacket because it gives me something to do with my hands. I can drape it over one shoulder or both, grasp the lapels, or sling it over my shoulder. This also keeps me from putting my hands on my hips, a weird Millennial habit I keep meaning to break.
Edit the Good Ones
Once you’ve taken hundreds of photos in various outfits with different expressions and poses, it’s time to edit. Open the App Store and download the Face Tune App. The app has a 10-day free trial, so don’t sign up until you have your images. And don’t worry—you’ll be notified before you get charged so you can cancel it when you’re done, OR you might just find this is your new favorite subscription. (I’m not an affiliate—pinky promise!)
⚠️ WARNING: PROCEED WITH CAUTION
This app is good. Like REAL good. It can make you look like a 10 on your worst day. Stick to basic editing that enhances but doesn’t alter your appearance.
Things to look out for:
For some reason, many AI filters make my dark green eyes almost blue. That’s NOT what I want!
Many skin-smoothing AI enhancements remove the moles on my face—the same ones my mom has—which are endearing to me. Watch for details you like about yourself that could get removed in the editing process.
With the Face Tune App you can even change your face shape or make yourself look thinner. I highly recommend staying away from these body-altering features that may make you feel better about the image, but aren’t an accurate representation of the real you. (And don’t even be tempted to use the AI headshots or hair color features unless you just want a good laugh!)
My Favorite Editing Features:
Enhance (under Retouch): This will auto-enhance the entire image making everything look a little better
Looks (under Retouch): If you’re like me and you’re not great at makeup, this is a game-changer. I’ve used all of the options, and I love the results.
Auto (under the second Retouch): This will whiten your teeth, smooth your skin, and take the photo from iPhone quality to looking like it was taken with a professional camera.
Smoother (under the second Retouch): Use this to diminish uneven skin tone, wrinkles in your clothes, or unsightly veins (is it just me?!)
Vanish (under Adjust then Patch): Remove marks on your wall, stains on your shirt, or fly-away hairs.
That’s It!
All of the images on this page were taken and edited in about 1 hour. Not to mention, I was fresh from spin class with sweaty hair which is why I’m wearing a ponytail in all of them.
I’m all about hiring professionals — but I’m also in favor of grabbing the bull by the horns, using AI ethically, and not letting anything stop me from getting #VISIBLE. How about you?
