Quick Answer
Taking your own acting headshots using just an iPhone is totally doable with some preparation. First, set up your phone on a tripod or stable surface and frame yourself from the shoulders up. Use rear-facing portrait mode and adequate lighting from a window, ring light, or reflectors. Clean the background and wear solid colors that complement your complexion. Get a variety of shots including head-on, profiles, candid smiles, and dramatic expressions. Edit the photos to adjust lighting, crop tightly on your face, and convert to black and white for powerful contrast. With some DIY equipment, intentional framing and lighting, and strategic editing, actors can use their iPhones to self-capture quality headshots on a budget that effectively showcase their brand.
Introduction
In the era of social media and digital profiles, high quality headshots are more important than ever. But hiring a professional photographer can be expensive. With some DIY planning and preparation, your iPhone can capture pro-level headshots rivaling shots from fancy cameras and studios.
Learning how to leverage natural light, create flattering poses, and retouch photos transforms basic selfies into refined portraits suitable for professional profiles, resumes, online dating, social media, and any other use you need a fantastic photo of yourself.
Whether looking to upgrade your LinkedIn profile picture, actor headshot, online dating photos, or professional portfolio, taking your own headshots puts you in control. iPhone cameras have improved dramatically over the years and now offer powerful tools like Portrait Mode to mimic DSLR background blur. Combined with some simple accessories like tripods and lighting, stunning headshots are within reach.
In this complete guide, we'll share insider tips on perfecting every aspect of your iPhone self-portraits, from optimal camera settings and angles to posing for different looks to editing techniques that polish your portraits. Follow these pro tips for DIY headshots worthy of a professional photographer's portfolio. Let's master the art of taking beautiful, high quality headshots with just your iPhone and a few accessories.
Setting Up Your iPhone Photo Studio
Creating a mini photo studio in your home takes just a few supplies and setup. Here are the basics you'll need:
Backdrop
Solid colored backdrop (white, black, gray) - use a wall, posterboard, or cloth
Textured backdrop (brick, wood) - tape up wrapping paper, fabric
Creative backdrop - string up fairylights or foliage
Lighting
Natural light - sit facing window, use reflective surfaces
Portable light - clamp light with softbox or diffusion disc
Ring light - clip onto phone for direct, even lighting
iPhone Accessories
Tripod - stabilizes phone at eye level
Remote shutter - Bluetooth or wired to eliminate camera shake
Lenses - macro, wide angle, telephoto for variety
External mic - improves audio quality for videos
Styling & Props
Iron or steam background fabric to remove wrinkles
Style hair, makeup and outfit for polished look
Books, flowers, props for visual interest
Camera Settings
Set to Portrait mode for blurred background
Gridlines on - helps straighten angle
Tap to focus - adjusts exposure on your face
Burst mode - takes rapid photos to capture best expression
With these simple DIY photography supplies and iPhone camera tools, you can create professional headshots at home.
How to Pose and Look Your Best
Posing and expressions are key to taking attractive headshots. Here are some tips for looking and feeling confident in front of the iPhone camera:
Relax Your Body
Keep shoulders lowered and relaxed
Allow arms to hang naturally at sides
Soft hands instead of tense fists
Square hips/shoulders towards camera
Distribute weight evenly on feet
Engage Your Face
Focus eyes on lens for direct eye contact
Allow natural smiles instead of forced grins
Have a variety of expressions prepared
Avoid tense mouth or jaw muscles
Be Mindful of Angles
Position camera at eye level or slightly above
Lean body slightly towards camera
Lift chin parallel to floor
Turn head slightly for 3/4 view
Watch negative space around hair and shoulders
Take Your Time
Have some test shots to warm up
Do some standing and sitting poses
Change up your expressions
Review photos as you go and adjust
Take candid moments between poses
Feeling comfortable and confident will give you great energetic and authentic expressions to choose from later.
How to Edit Your Headshots
Editing your selfies in apps like Snapseed, Photoshop Express, or Adobe Lightroom can take them to the next level. Here are some editing tips for professional looking headshot portraits:
Color Correct
Adjust temperature for natural skin tones
Reduce shadows and highlights
Decrease saturation slightly for muted color
Enhance Eyes
Brighten whites of eyes
Decrease shadows under eyes
Saturate iris color subtly
Retouch Blemishes
Use healing tool to minimize pimples
Reduce appearance of dark circles under eyes
Even out skin tone and texture
Accentuate Key Features
Whiten teeth and eyes
Define eyebrows
Sharpen eyelashes
Saturate lip color
Add Contrast
Increase contrast slightly for definition
Darken backgrounds to make subject stand out
Add vignette to draw focus inward
Enhance Framing
Crop tightly around head and shoulders
Straighten horizon line if needed
Remove distractions in background
With refined color correction, flattering retouching, and thoughtful framing, your iPhone headshots can rival professionally taken portraits.
How to Take Engaging Profile Headshots
Headshots for professional profiles require some additional strategies beyond standard portraiture. Here are some tips for taking headshots that capture your brand and connect with viewers:
Dress for Success
Wear clothes that reflect your profession
Iron out wrinkles and lint for polished look
Limit patterns and distracting jewelry
Style hair neatly away from face
Convey Your Personality
Capture your unique essence in look and pose
Allow strengths to shine through - confidence, warmth, etc
Reference interests with props if relevant
Compose a Clear Background
Complementary solid or subtle texture
Avoid clutter and distracting elements
Use shallow depth of field for soft blur
Take Both Vertical and Horizontal Options
Vertical works for many profiles and headsheets
Horizontal provides flexibility for banners, websites
Get complete eye contact and connections in both
Capture Different Crops
Wide for more environment and space around you
Mid for classic head to mid-torso framing
Tight for impactful head only close-up
Remember Your Audience
CEOs convey leadership strength and vision
Creatives showcase style and artistic flair
Professors want to look approachable and engaging
With attention to styling, composition, and context, you can take professional headshots tailored to your personal brand and industry.
How to Take Natural Looking Headshots
Sometimes professional headshots can come across overly posed and unnatural. Try these tips for taking more candid, relaxed iPhone self-portraits:
Shoot During Golden Hour
Early morning or evening sun is more diffuse
Golden glow casts everyone in flattering light
Catch Unplanned Moments Between Poses
Allow real smiles and laughs to happen naturally
Shift your weight or relax your body between shots
Focus on Your Eyes
Have bright natural light hit your eye direction
Look down, then lift eyes up gently to the camera
Engage the camera with your eyes, not just your face
Use Mirroring Techniques
Have a photo with movement or expression to mirror
Mimic the feeling of expressions in real time
Try Different Angles and Heights
Shoot from slightly above, below, and directly at eye level
Turn your body or head in different directions
Minimal Retouching
Use subtle edits that retain natural skin texture
Avoid plasticized filtered perfection
Focus edits on opening and brightening eyes
Allowing real personality and moments to shine through results in headshots that capture authenticity.
How to Take Dramatic Headshots
For actors, models, and anyone wanting to add some dramatic flair to their portraits, these tips can help amp up the drama and mood:
Use Directionality
Turn your body at an angle to the camera
Focus gaze off camera for intriguing intimacy or mystery
Play with Lighting
Use low key, Rembrandt, or split lighting
Add drama with shadows and highlighted contours
Black and White Conversion
Eliminates distracting colors
Creates classic timeless feel
Allows focus on lighting and expression
Wardrobe and Styling
Darker clothes and hair absorb light for contrast
Smokey eyes and muted color palette
Show one eye through messy hair parted to the side
Compose With Negative Space
Wider framing and minimal background
Out of focus backgrounds for separation
Off center positioning in frame
Emote With Your Eyes
Strong direct or averted eye contact
Convey mood through your eyes - pensive, fiery, somber
Using these dramatic portrait ideas, you can create headshots that tell a story and convey the inner character.
How to Take Warm and Inviting Headshots
For headshots aiming to capture personality traits like warmth, friendliness, and approachability, use these suggestions:
Genuine Duchenne Smiles
Allow real smiles to reach your eyes
Imagine something that makes you laugh
Burst mode can reveal authentic grins
Bright Open Eyes
Ensure catchlights in the eyes from key light
Lift your chin and gaze slightly upwards
Whiten eyes and sharpen details in editing
Relaxed Non-Verbal Cues
Unclench jaw, relax mouth and eyes
Allow natural hand gestures if desired
Lean slightly forward toward camera
Warm Coloring
Slightly overexpose for bright cheery feel
Warm clothes in peach, yellow, coral
Pop of color on eyes, cheeks or lips
Direct Engagement
Make eye contact directly with lens
Focus gaze outwards to viewer
Angle body forward in frame
Complementary Pose
Clasp hands in front
Rest hand on chin pensively
Cross legs and tilt head
With these tips, your own iPhone headshots can exude approachability and create an instant connection with the viewer.
How to Shoot Professional Headshots of Other People
Once you've mastered taking headshots of yourself, try taking professional portraits of family or friends. Here are some tips for getting great shots of other people:
Make Them Feel Comfortable
Warm up with compliments and casual chat
Guide posing gently, don't overly direct
Keep things fun and lighthearted
Watch for Natural Expressions
Look for smiles, laughs between shots
Time shots for magical moments
Avoid forced expressions
Help them Angle Their Face
Guide chin positioning with fingers
Have them lean forward slightly
Watch neck and jaw tension
Know Your Angles
Shoot around eye level or slightly above
Circle around forVariety
Check Lighting on Skin
Notice shadows or highlights on face
Have them turn face towards or away from light
Review Images Together
Show great shots to build confidence
Get their input on favorites
Making subjects feel at ease leads to better rapport, interaction, and photos everyone will love.
How to Take Your Own Video Headshots on iPhone
Taking video headshots with your iPhone requires an approach optimized for motion:
Set Up Stabilized Framing
Use tripod and remote to avoid shake
Leave extra room around head and shoulders
Ensure Consistent Lighting
Position light sources out of frame
Diffuse natural light if needed
Capture Clips With Movement
Rotate your head slowly side to side
Shift your gaze gradually upwards
Lean slightly in and out
Vary Your Angles
Straight on, slightly profile, three-quarter turns
Tilt chin up, down, and neutral
Use Candid Moments
Laughs, smiles, eye contact, looking off camera
Let real personality shine through
Optimize Audio
Use an external iPhone mic just out of frame
Record in quiet room without echoes
Pay Attention to Backgrounds
Make sure movement in frame isn't distracting
Keep clutter minimal and complementary
With these tips, you can take engaging iPhone video headshots from the comfort of your own home suitable for professional use.
How to Take Headshots Optimized for LinkedIn
Perfecting headshots for a LinkedIn profile requires optimizing for their specific photo dimensions and platform needs:
Go for High Quality Photos
Use the rear iPhone camera, not lower res selfie camera
Shoot in bright natural light whenever possible
Stick to Approved Aspect Ratios
400 x 400 px square photo works for mobile
984 x 554 px landscape 16:9 photo also accepted
Avoid cropped or oddly sized shots
Wear Professional Attire
Business or business casual is best
Solid colors photograph well on camera
Avoid distracting patterns
Show Your Authentic Self
Use a genuine headshot, not overly staged
Show your unique personality and brand
Pick a Complementary Background
Solid or subtle textures work best
Anything too busy competes with you visually
Have Great Lighting on Your Face
Position light in front, not behind you
Watch for shadows across your eyes or nose
Make Direct Eye Contact
Engage the camera to connect with viewers
Rotate facing light source for catchlights
Head and Shoulders Framing
Get full face with some headroom
Cut off framing around chest level
Leave more space in direction you're facing
With these tips, you can take professional headshots tailored to showcase you perfectly on the LinkedIn platform.
How to Take Warm LinkedIn Headshots
In addition to optimizing for LinkedIn's specifications, you can also take steps to make your photo especially inviting:
Genuine Smile
A real smile with crinkled eyes builds trust
Relaxed Hands
Have hands rested loosely instead of stiffly
Open Body Language
Angle slightly towards camera
Avoid crossed arms
Warm Outfit Colors
Earth tones photograph well and feel friendly
Bright Open Eyes
Ensure light catches eyes properly
Whiten eyes slightly while editing
Complementary Background
Avoid distracting busy patterns
Warm wood tone communicates warmth
Positive Facial Expression
Engaged, upbeat vibe over serious or stern
Sense of Connection
Direct eye contact with viewer
Lean slightly inward
Using these tips, you can take professional yet approachable headshots perfect for a warm and inviting LinkedIn profile.
Common Selfie Mistakes to Avoid
It's important to avoid common mistakes that can make your DIY headshots appear unprofessional:
Odd Angles
Holding camera too low or high
Tilting head sharply
Shooting from side selfie view
Messy Background
Clutter distracts from you
Harsh mixed lighting
Visible ceiling line/wall edges
Over or Underexposed
Blown out highlights from too much light
Dark underexposure loses detail
Awkward Cropping
Cutting off top of head or one side
Too much or little headspace
Distracting stuff in frame
Poor Framing
Centered makes photo static
Too much empty space around you
Lack of Eye Contact
Eyes glancing at screen not lens
Looking down instead of out
Facial Tension
Forced smile instead of relaxed
Jaw or mouth tension
Avoiding these common mistakes helps ensure your DIY headshots look cleanly composed, flattering, and professional.
iPhone Camera Tools to Improve Your Headshots
Utilizing the right camera tools and techniques can drastically enhance your iPhone headshots:
Gridlines
Helps frame and compose symmetrically
Portrait Mode
Blurred background aesthetically frames face
Burst Mode
Takes rapid sequence for best expressions
Self Timer
Eliminates camera shake with handsfree shutter
Remote Shutter Release
Wireless Bluetooth clicker for stability
Ring Light
Direct frontal lighting prevents shadows
Tripod
Sturdy base keeps phone steady at eye level
Camera Apps
Manual settings and RAW like Moment Pro Camera
Lenses
Macro for detail, telephoto for compression, etc.
External Mics
Improves audio quality for videos
Taking advantage of your iPhone's camera features allows greater control over your headshot results.
How to Shoot iPhone Headshots Outdoors
Besides shooting self-portraits inside, heading outdoors can provide beautiful backdrops and flattering natural light for your headshots. Here are some tips:
Choose Softer Light
Shoot in shade to avoid harsh shadows
Overcast days create diffused lighting
Use Nature Backdrops
Greenery, fields, brick walls, etc
Position subject facing light source
Pay Attention to Angles
Position yourself and iPhone at eye level
Use boxes or benches to elevate phone
Avoid Backlighting
Keep sunlight shining on face, not behind
Watch for lens flare washing out images
Manage Wind
Use portable reflector to reduce wind
Pause during gusts to avoid blurred shots
Bring Reflectors
Folding disks bounce light back onto face
Fix shadows created by sunlight
Use Covered Locations
Shaded porches or gazebos diffuse light
Overhangs provide rain protection
Taking your DIY headshots outdoors can incorporate natural beauty while leveraging flattering outdoor light.
How to Shoot a Complete Set of Headshots
To end up with shots suitable for any purpose, take a complete variety:
Warm smile - welcoming, approachable
Pleasant smile - friendly, genuine
Neutral relaxed face - natural, candid
Concentrated look - focused, thinking
Direct eye contact - engaging, professional
Looking slightly off camera - intriguing, pensive
Vertical and horizontal compositions
Play with angles and positions
Seated and standing poses
Range of distances - wide, mid, tight shots
Profile from both sides
Variety of backgrounds - solid, textured, natural
Shoot a broad range of expressions, angles and framings for maximum flexibility to convey your brand and personality.
How to Look Less Shiny in Photos
If your iPhone headshots turn out overly shiny, try these tips to look less oily:
Matte Finishing Powder
Apply just before shooting
Blot skin instead of buffing
Switch to a Less Shimmery Foundation
Use oil free, matte foundation
Sheer tinted moisturizer can minimize shine
Set Makeup With Powder
Lightly set makeup with translucent powder
Avoid thick layers that look chalky
Use Powder Just on T-Zone
Concentrate on oiliest areas like nose and forehead
Change Light Direction
Have light source in front not behind
Watch for hot spots reflecting
Backdrops That Enhance Headshots
Choosing a backdrop that compliments you makes a difference in headshots:
Solid neutrals like black, gray, or white nicely frame the face
Subtle patterns like brick or wood add visual interest
Greenery and outdoor nature scenes convey vibrance
Fabric backdrops in coloredsolids or geometric prints
Bookshelves work well for academics and professionals
Metallic reflective paper creates studio feel
For corporate headshots, choose conservative hues and patterns
Experiment with different backdrops to change the tone and personality of the photo. Position yourself at least 2 feet in front of the backdrop to avoid shadows. Iron or steam fabrics to remove wrinkles and tape background paper securely on all sides to keep it taut.
Have Fun Props or Accessories
Adding relevant props or accessories adds personality:
Books, musical instruments, sports equipment suggest hobbies
Animal companions such as dogs or cats
Eyeglasses if you normally wear them
Statement jewelry like large earrings or necklaces
Props related to your profession - teacher with apple, musician with guitar
Flowers are a classic feminine accessory
Hats, headbands, or eye catching hair accessories
Scarves or ties in splashy patterns
Choose props and accessories that represent your brand and interests without being too distracting. Make sure embellishments don't cover your face or draw too much attention from your expressions.
How Lighting Affects Mood and Tone
Adjusting lighting can dramatically change the overall feel of headshots:
Bright, evenly dispersed lighting conveys energy and cheerfulness
Subtle side lighting adds depth and contour to the face
Dramatic high contrast lighting amps up mystery and intrigue
Warm golden hour lighting creates a intimate, welcoming feel
Soft focus and bounced lighting produces a romantic vibe
Cooler temperature light brings out icy vibes
Silhouetted or backlit shots evoke artistic flair
Pay attention to lighting colors and angles to tell a visual story with your headshots. Lighting from the side at 45 degrees adds definition, while lighting from directly above can flatten features.
Common Posing Mistakes
When taking headshots, also avoid these other common posing pitfalls:
Hands awkwardly stiff or clenched
Shoulders hunched forward, closed off
Leaning away from camera
Chin down, eyes glancing up
Forced smile with tense cheeks
Odd hand placement like on hip
Hair hanging in front of face
Face turned too far to the side
Close cropping that cuts top of head off
Have hands rested gently instead of clenched. Allow some space between arms and torso. Lean slightly forward and lift chin parallel to floor. Get hair styled away from face and choose cropping with enough headroom.
Group Headshots
To take great headshots featuring multiple people:
Use large backdrop to fit everyone
Stagger people rather than straight line
Have them angle bodies inward
Place tallest people in middle
Pose people closer together to fit in frame
Shoot wide to capture group
Take individuals and subsets too
For group photos, position the iPhone up higher on a ladder or stand to shoot down at an angle. This prevents people in the back being blocked by those in front. Take both horizontal and vertical options to fit various uses.
Technical Photo Editing Tips
When editing headshots, also use these technical adjustments:
Sharpen eyes and facial details
Selectively lighten or darken areas as needed
Use healing tool to remove blemishes or stray hairs
Adjust color temperature for natural skin tone
Dehaze outdoor shots to increase contrast
Vignette draws viewer's eye inward
Save edits to batch apply the same look
Careful editing polishes iPhone photos to look their best. But don't overdo it - retain natural skin texture and tones.
Managing Reflections on Glasses
If you wear glasses, watch for distracting reflections:
Tilt head or glass angle to minimize glare
Use antireflective lens glasses if possible
Try rimless or transparent framed glasses
Adjust light source placement to reduce reflections
Do separate shoot without glasses too
Gently angle glasses forward on nose
Use polarizing filter on phone lens
With attention to angles, you can minimize glare and reflections on glasses in headshots.
Selfie Sticks and Extra Camera Tools
Some additional iPhone accessories can help with self portraits:
Extendable selfie stick for hard to reach shots
Attachable reflector holds itself to bounce light
Multi-clip phone tripod mounts on several surfaces
Gripster flexible mini tripod wraps around objects
Remote watch shutter release for handsfree photos
Clip on macro lens for extreme closeups
Lens kits with fish eye, wide angle, and zoom options
Think creatively when using extra tools and aids for taking iPhone selfies and headshots from all kinds of positions and angles.
| Section | Key Points |
|---|---|
| Setting Up Your iPhone Photo Studio |
|
| How to Pose and Look Your Best |
|
| How to Edit Your Headshots |
|
| How to Take Engaging Profile Headshots |
|
| How to Take Natural Looking Headshots |
|
| How to Take Dramatic Headshots |
|
| How to Take Warm and Inviting Headshots |
|
| How to Shoot Professional Headshots of Other People |
|
| How to Take Video Headshots |
|
| How to Take Headshots Optimized for LinkedIn |
|
| Common Selfie Mistakes to Avoid |
|
| iPhone Camera Tools to Improve Headshots |
|
| Topic | Summary Points |
|---|---|
| Posing Tips for Different Looks |
|
| Creative Angles and Framing |
|
| Advanced Portrait Mode Techniques |
|
| Enhancing Eyes in Editing |
|
| Shooting Variety for Flexibility |
|
| Overcoming Shoot Issues |
|
Conclusion
Taking professional-level headshots of yourself no longer requires an expensive camera or booking a photographer. With some simple DIY tools, understanding of techniques, and practice, your iPhone can capture stunning portraits perfect for any use.
Follow these tips on optimizing your iPhone camera settings, lighting, posing, expression, editing, and more to elevate your selfies into polished headshot worthy of a model's portfolio. Pay attention to small details like avoiding common mistakes, adjusting angles and distance, and using props or backgrounds to convey personality.
With the convenience of shooting anytime at home plus total control over your image, mastering iPhone headshots puts pro-quality photos at your fingertips. So grab your iPhone, tripod, ring light, and practice your best look in the closest mirror. Before you know it, you'll have headshots reflecting the true professional and personal brand you want to present to the world.