Headshot photography

About this course

Participants alternate between photographing and sitting for one another in a studio setting, using demonstrations, guided exercises and tutor feedback to examine how lighting, perspective, posing and communication shape a headshot. The course covers studio workflow, backgrounds and spacing, lens selection, camera settings, one- and two-light arrangements, and the effects of light quality, direction and contrast. Learners also practise directing subjects, making subtle adjustments, and producing consistency and variation within a straightforward setup. The work results in a small set of headshot images of themselves and others.

What you'll learn

• Select suitable camera settings and focal lengths for headshot photography
• Use one- and two-light studio arrangements and assess changes in light quality, direction and contrast
• Direct a subject using appropriate communication, posing and expression adjustments
• Evaluate how changes in lighting and pose affect the resulting image
• Produce a consistent set of headshot images within a simple studio setup

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended for learners who have completed a beginner photography course or feel confident operating a camera in manual mode, with a basic understanding of exposure being helpful. Previous studio experience is not required. Participants work in small groups and take turns as photographer and subject.

• Suitable for learners developing beyond basic camera operation
• No previous studio experience is required
• Involves photographing others as well as being photographed

Before you go

• Participants must bring their own camera, suitable lenses, fully charged batteries and memory cards.
• Studio lighting, backgrounds and equipment are provided.
• A notebook may be brought optionally.