There are different techniques to keep in mind for flattering headshots.
One of the most common forms of portrait photography is headshot photography. Headshots are more than just a shot of a person's head. They are typically dramatic, and they are most often used for acting and modeling portfolios. Headshots are meant to give a good, clear and flattering view of a subject. If you plan on being a headshot photographer, it's important that you know best compliment your subject with your photography. You must take into consideration things such as lighting, angling and posing.
Shoot From a High Angle
Angling has a lot to do with making a headshot flattering. If you shoot from below the subject, you will get an unattractive, "up-the-nose" shot or a good view of the subject's chin. By shooting from above the subject, the subject will often look thinner. You will avoid a double-chin look, and the eyes of the subject will stand out more.
Don't Shoot Too Close
The closer you are to your subject, the more lens distortion you will get. While lens distortion can often be used to create artistic photo effects, it's not appropriate for a headshot. If you shoot too close, the subject's nose will often look larger than it really is or her face will look distorted. Try to use a zoom lens; distance yourself from your subject as much as possible.
Use a Softer Lens
For portrait photography, you usually don't want to use the lens that gives you the sharpest picture. While a sharp lens is great for capturing fine details, it can make for an unflattering portrait. Nobody wants to look at his own headshot if he can see every pore, blemish and wrinkle on his face. You don't want a lens so soft that the photo looks low-quality or unfocused, but a slight softness is ideal. Typically a zoom lens will be softer than a single-distance lens.
Use Diffused Lighting
Diffused lighting is lighting that is made softer by either streaming or bouncing the light off of another object or making use of shadows. If you are shooting outdoors in natural light, be sure your subject is either in shade or that you are shooting just before dusk, when the lighting is best for portraits. If this is not possible, use a soft reflector to diffuse the light. If you are fortunate enough to have cloudy weather, this is perfect for photos at any time of day. When shooting in a studio, always use a soft box or shoot through an umbrella. Harsh light is unflattering for head shots, so it is important to make sure you always diffuse the light in some way.
Tilt the Subject's Head
A headshot often has more impact if the subject's head is tilted. Leaving the subject with her head straight tends to make photos look like a school portrait and doesn't leave a positive impression. Females can tilt their head either forward or backward. In most cases, a male subject should only tilt his head forward, as tilting the head backward tends to make the subject look feminine.
