VIRTUAL HEADSHOTS FAQ
We are looking forward to working with you and your team in your virtual headshot session! Make sure to read and follow the directions below to ensure that your session is fun and you get great results! If you have any questions that are not listed on this page, you can call or text 407-617-1231 or email info@hughesfioretti.com.
How does a virtual headshot work?
It’s definitely different than a traditional headshot, but the results can be great and you don’t even have to leave your desk! Essentially we use a mix of your smartphone and video chat via Zoom to help you pick the best spot in your workspace for a photo and then guide you through the best way to get great headshot. This includes wardrobe consultation, posing, expression coaching, and finding the best light and angle to capture a headshot of you using your own smartphone. Once we grab a few great shots together, you text us your favorite and we retouch it, replace the background, and use digital editing to make it match the other people on your team as closely as possible.
How long does it take?
If we do everything we need to prepare, the session should take about 15-20 minutes. Once we have the right image to start with, we will deliver the final digital file to your company within 3-4 business days. Because of the work involved in the digital editing, the delivery is a little bit longer that a standard in-person headshot.
What do I wear?
This is an interesting question because there are a few factors to consider. First, are you trying to align with any particular brand? Many of our clients give their employees a particular dress code and color palette to work from for team headshots. For example, business attire with navy blue as the main color. The style of dress is up to you, but the basic guidelines are this:
- All clothes should be clean and pressed. We do not remove wrinkles in retouching or offer reshoots if a team member doesn’t come prepared.
- Solid colors are better for headshots than busy patterns
- Very bright colors can often distract from a great expression in a headshot. Check out our guide to picking the right colors for you skin tone here.
- Consider your brand. Are you more polished and formal? Are you a more laid back tech startup? Do you sell fun jewelry? Dress and accessorize in a way consistent with your brand message.
- Encourage your team to wear clothes that they know they look and feel good in. Buying new clothes for the session can lead to uncertainty after the fact. It’s often best to wear those tried and true outfits.
How do I pick the best place to take the headshot?
When choosing the best spot in your office or home to set up for your virtual headshot, the 2 biggest factors are lighting and background.
Lighting
Lighting is the best place to start with a virtual headshot. It’s important to select a place in your workspace or home that has the best lighting possible. The easiest choice is standing directly in front of a window with indirect sunlight coming through. This will give you soft, flat lighting that will soften your facial features and illuminate your eyes. You shouldn’t have any other lights illuminating your face, so make sure to turn off any overhead lights, lamps, or televisions that might add strange shadows or colors to the image. If you don’t have a window with indirect lighting that you can use for whatever reason, an open door or sliding glass door can also give you the same effect. You will just need to stand 3 or four feet away from the source facing it directly. Avoid any and all overhead lighting as it’s not flattering and can cause dark shadows under your eyes.
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Background
The background isn’t as important as you might think as we are going to digitally remove it later. There are a couple of things that you need to consider when you are preparing your space for the session. First, you want to make sure that when you test out a space to create the headshot, that you can clearly see the edges of your head and shoulders as discernible from the background. For example, if you have very dark hair and your background is very dark, you can end up not being able to see where you end and the background begins. This can make it difficult and even impossible to remove the background digitally. It doesn’t really matter so much what is behind you, as long as your edges are clearly defined in the image.
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Do I take the photos myself?
The best case scenario is if you have someone with you to help. We can definitely make a selfie work, but having an extra set of hands to hold your device makes things much easier. In lieu of an assistant, the next best thing is to have a small tripod for a mobile device. Check out the Amazon link below for a great tripod option for smartphones if you’re unable to have someone help during your shoot.
How should I orient my camera for the best shot?
For the best results, all of the team shots should be consistent. This includes the distance from the camera and how it is oriented to you. Whether on a small tripod or held by an assistant, the device should be held in landscape orientation (horizontal) about 4 feet from you. It is important the we don’t get too high or too low of an angle so make sure the camera is not tilted forward or back, but straight and roughly at eye level with your head and shoulders completely in the frame, face centered. The photographer will guide you through and make sure you are doing it right, but knowing this can help you be ready ahead of time.
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What settings do I need to use on my smart phone?
In your camera settings menu, we recommend the following:
- HDR mode ON
- Flash OFF
- Live Photo Mode OFF
- Make sure that your lens has been wiped with a clean, soft cloth prior to your shoot
How do I get the images to you?
We will provide your company with a Dropbox link to place your photos in or you can text them to us directly at 407.617.1231
What if the camera on my phone isn't very good?
Most current iPhones and Android smartphones have cameras that will work perfectly for your session. If you have concerns regarding your particular camera, don’t hesitate to reach out and we can help you with questions/issues in advance.