How to Shoot Corporate Headshot Photography

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One of the jobs you will find yourself doing as a portrait photographer is Corporate Headshots. This isn't usually glamorous work. You often only have a couple of minutes with each person and so speed and consistency are the name of the game. In this video I share a pretty comprehensive overview of the system I use when shooting Corporate Headshot Photography. I hope you pick up some useful tips.
Share it on if you found it helpful.
#headshots #whitebackground #photography

[@snowman7234]

....and this is free content. Surely we've hit a golden age of information at our fingertips. How much better can it get? This is fan-tas-tic content. I don't think there's better on YT on the subject.

[@seantuck]

Thanks mate:)

[@Mikikkkkl]

I totally agree

[@TheCaptainWalter]

I thought I'd flick through the comments to see how many others realised how fortunate we are that Sean is willing to go to such lengths to share his hard-earned knowledge on a free-t-view site. Agree 100% with Snowman and thanks Sean!

[@erickjuma7643]

Thinking like me

[@kidsreadingroundup5881]

Yes. Subscribed right away. So helpful as i was just asked to do my first product shoot and info on lighting is super helpful

[@georgeclinton6833]

I have learned much more in 24 minutes than in 5 years of university.

[@chasonlee5930]

I cant agree with you anymore.

[@juliussternfeld428]

Trump University?

[@marvindiazjr99]

@@juliussternfeld428 not likely, look at his last name

[@beerosaurusrex]

@Cicada 3301 Exactly, whenever anyone says university didn't teach them properly, that either means they enrolled in a bad program, or they screwed it up.

[@lemon58421]

Haha...Right! :-)

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Nobody can pack as much great information into 20 minutes as well as you mate. Fantastic - and I love the tape trick!

[@chryseass.5143]

James Popsys said it exactly! I feel like going out and doing head shots after viewing this!!

[@Tren_is_okay]

Agreed

[@williamfritsch3310]

I mostly knew a lot of this stuff, but this two positions tape marking on the ground trick really blew my mind, so simple and effective ! This is really going the extra mile !

[@GabeRodriiguez]

James Popsys Agreed!

[@danielsantisteban]

agree!

[@anniecompton503]

I’m 7 minutes into the video and you’ve already explained what gear you needed in a method which I could find each piece, you’ve explained your settings and WHY. I could duplicate the shot myself from just 7 minutes of your explanation (and I’m just learning flash photography). Clear, concise, reasons explained, and NO filler talking. Usually takes anyone else 5 minutes just to start the video! So many times people say, “your settings are unique to your light and shooting”-well, obviously, but first time I’ve ever heard anyone say, put your aperture on f4 so the whole face is clear, etc. Thank you!

[@seantuck]

You’re welcome Annie:)

[@jamiewindsor]

This is a refreshingly practical video for a subject a lot of people find intimidating. Good work. 👍

[@ac3arcadia]

...and it's 100% free! No horrendous 30-page sales text and bullshit-talk.

[@bbayek5573]

Yes, I think you can buy some videos with 3hour workshop of how to shoot headshots, lol, what a waste of money.

[@ivan2795]

Oh Hi Jamie. :) Luv your channel!

[@jamiewindsor]

Ivan Arapinac Hello. Thank you very much.

[@AndyMc1952]

100 % Agree

[@joeytranchina8839]

I've always shot a lot of portraits but i haven't made portraits at this sort of volume since I had a studio in Hollywood in 1968. I can not begin to tell you how much experience is compressed into this short video, but it could not only save years of experiments; the preplanning in this setup could start a photographer off in the right direction to make efficient use of a subjects time which becomes increasingly important when you might be shooting important people who have very tight schedules and often limited patience for photographers.... As James down below wrote "Nobody can pack as much great information into 20 minutes as well as you mate." I don't know if nobody else can do this but I've never seen anyone do it.... The one thing I'd expand on - something that was mentioned but not stressed do to the limited subject being corporate headshots - is that now, I vastly prefer shooting tethered to Lightroom via a laptop. Making serious portraits is a collaborative venture so it's great to share the progress of the images which draws your subject into the creative process. This is sound advice very efficiently delivered - I wish I'd had access to this 50 years ago...jt

[@seantuck]

Thanks Joey.

[@ralfymercedphotography1212]

Great comment 👍 Written from experience.

[@arunashamal]

but 50 years ago you had easy access to LSD so I call this a win win

[@tavo7465]

Hey Joey. I was wondering if you could answer one of my questions: Is the only light that is constantly on the Keylight? does the background light go off as soon as he presses the shutter button and then the other two follow?

[@haydnbreecarruthers3935]

Octavio Serrano the trigger only triggers the backdrop light, the rest of the lights are set to flash when they see the flash from the backdrop. You may see the key light is on but that is not the full power of the flash which is triggered from the backdrop flash.

[@DamianBrown]

This is gonna be a classic. Out of the park Sean.

[@spikehodge5412]

Sean - you have a remarkable talent for simplifying; yet still not missing anything important. I've watched a few of your tutorials now and I love the honest, almost humble, approach you take. When you touch on the technical you still manage to make it accessible to all. I've done a few "quick turnover" corporate shots and found them very challenging and rather nerve wracking. Having watched this all I can say now is "bring 'em on I'm ready!"

[@jordhon]

Got my first corporate headshot gig this week. This video couldn’t have come at a better time!! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@kjmfoto-jorgenmartinsson8456]

Same here! Almost made me believe in god, or something. ;) Good luck on your shoot!

[@jordhon]

Thanks man! You as well :)

[@mamarrachopunpun]

Hey Gordon. I wonder how did you charge the company for the shooting. By the hour? By the number of portraited people? Arranged a fixed price for the session?

[@MrAtomicPhotography]

This is the first time I see a photographer using a ND-filter for portraits in a studio environment. Very interesting. Thanks for sharing your experiences.

[@shannoncrescent4422]

I just did my first round of corporate headshots! This video was invaluable in preparing me for it. Thank you as always for all you do!

[@shahmi94]

Ive never feel so confident on taking the next job after watching a youtube tutorial. Thank you. So much little tricks that just gold here, love that 1-2-3 open your eyes to person who blinks a lot, and adjusting the position for better light for man or woman. just absolutely boggles you teach this for free. thank you.

[@stereodan7180]

Just by seeing the comments you can tell that Sean is well respected by many experienced photographers. He's a real pro photographer who didn't mind to share his knowledge to everyone. And it's free! Thank you so much Sean.

[@jamesyan9436]

This video is of one of the highest quality with the best explanation, I've learnt so much. Thank you so much!

[@GabeRodriiguez]

James Yan Agreed!

[@abhijithjose2826]

Thsi is insane that such high quality, no BS, compact information like this is found for FREE on KZbin, THANK YOU!

[@DavidRobertsonakaBadger]

I rarely feel compelled to comment on KZbin videos, but this deserves lots of praise. Always appreciate your videos Sean; often thought-provoking, and always well made. This was 22 minutes of non-stop great, practical advice. Also helped that halfway through I went "That looks like Andreea..." Small world! Thanks for sharing.

[@andrewfehrsen]

Came back to this after 4 years and it's still absolute GOLD mate! Thank you

[@djcsr]

I’ve watched quite a few headshot tutorials; yours is by far the most complete, condensed, helpful, and easy to follow. Excellent tips.

[@johnhung8393]

No light meter needed, simple instructions, clear as mud. Sean and Gavin all day long! Love it Sean!

[@jaimecifuentes4514]

It trully is incredible Sean managed to pack so much meaningful content into 20 minutes. Ive paid good money to attend half day workshops that don't include half the info. Sean, you sir a natural born teacher! thank you so much.

[@gabolujan3109]

word up yo!!!!

[@kwizmon]

Letting the client choose the shot in ingeniously simple. Never would have thought of that 👍🏽

[@nomdutilisateur]

Wow, I never thought of using a variable ND filter instead of changing flash output! This is very smart when using 3 flash that have been carefully balanced.

Found you today, subscribed immediately, absolutely love it. No-fuss, no marketing talk and empty bla bla, just valuable tips. Thank you for this free content. Love from Portugal Sean.

[@DanRoddy]

As the digital handyman in my company, I've been fluffing up mugshots for years. Next year, people are going to /want/ those photos for their LinkedIn profiles. Thanks Sean!

[@nakleh]

I don’t understand why you don’t have a million subscribers already. This is the best photography channel on KZbin.

[@JB_Hobbies]

Easily one of the most practical photography videos out of the many I have seen on KZbin. Awesome tutorial. Thank you!

[@thetalkingfly]

Great info delivered by a good human. Cheers, Steve The Talking Fly

[@PhilomenaHughes]

Thanks loved the tape tip and filter!! And yes to name and photo choice

[@TheRichMaxwellChannel]

This video was massively helpful when I recently did headshots for my company. I was nervous about photographing so many people and doing a good job but this video showed me every step to get it right.

[@VE3NMW]

I like the fact that you let them pick out their own photo. Also, the technique you use for the "blinkers" when you have them close their eyes and count to 3 then after opening them, wait briefly then take the shot. Awesome video!!

[@blackburd]

You have basically described an entire side business in 23 minutes. I wish I had this information 15 years ago.

[@allanwalls53]

Hey Sean... This is one of the most practical, complete, and useful tutorial videos I have seen in years. Awesome work! Thanks!

[@floatingrabbit3556]

Tell you what, i love how you keep the color profile consistent on both camera's you are shooting. Now that's very admirable.

[@JWMCMLXXX]

That bit about 3 clean edges for the sake of designers was next-level pro. I am forever trying to find clever ways of de-cropping images for all sorts of design projects.

[@adampoll4977]

Great advice. "Efficient and consistent". Companies and institutions appreciate this. Some are a bit disbelieving when I tell them I can shoot 50+ people in an hour if everyone is organised. I also learned long ago that the longer you take to get the shots the less relaxed people get (unless it's a long shoot developing rapport etc), but a quick relaxed chat and simple coaching, then bang, bang! Most are are surprised, if they demand to see the shot afterwards, at how good and natural they look :) Great tips on the high-key background set-up with minimal lighting - great for location work. Thanks!

[@maxwuertt]

Finally someone talking technique and workflow, not equipment! Really nice and comprehensive video, Very helpful. Thank you!

[@karlx-1]

This is the finest and most straightforward head shot instruction I've seen. Thank you!

[@PatrickWeichmann]

This is by far the best tutorial i found on the subject of portrait photography. It's even hard to find a class on skillshare which comes close to this. By writing down a few notes you could learn portrait photography in about 25 minutes. The results are going to be at least 5 times as good as ever before :D Thanks a lot!

[@GuyBoggan]

So so informative in a very real and practical way, so many photographers on youtube just waffle on about rubbish and use technical terms to seem like they know it all/ are better than anyone else. I loved that this was simple and actually helpful, down to earth whilst clearly we are all in the industry so not dumbed down.

[@seantuck]

Thanks mate. That’s a great compliment because it’s exactly what I’m aiming for: Education without the complication.

[@ioperate_x]

Every video such high quality, thank you Sean!

[@captureit3063]

After scrolling through an hour of content on this topic. This still remains the best.

[@teagannblythephotography]

You are such a natural teacher...love your energy and obvious extensive knowledge of this subject. Thank you for the lovely video!

[@JulioParigi]

Wow, after crawling through 100s of videos about corporate portraits, I just found the one that says it all. Very clear and easy to remember. Thank you !!

[@gillardpetry2068]

I have a headshot session scheduled for this afternoon. I already have everything dialed in, settings wrote down...now I feel like I need to reassess my settings...lol, great video! Thank you!!

[@henningskj]

Not only is this video a-ma-zing - the music makes it a solid 11/10 !

[@edvanderveer4553]

Hi Sean, Thanks for sharing this :) I’m in the process myself of taking numerous headshots of people and struggled with the same issues as you have shown. The most important part is having people standing in the same spot. Otherwise you end up with different portrait sizes in the end and that might not be what the client is after. Personally I’m more drawn towards taking some extra time to get to know the client, before I shoot anything. Most of the time I don’t like hastily shooting portraits, as this tends to ‘stiffen’ people up (and me!). But then again, one needs an income too and these sessions sure do help! Anyway, thank you for letting us look over your shoulder and experience a session :) Highly appreciated!

[@whothewho82]

Ive watched this video three times, your videos are making me into a MUCH better photographer holistically as well as technically. Your reasonings for being detail oriented make so much of a difference for me

[@zippywalker6406]

Wow. A lot of really good tips. I like the "mirror me" approach for posing and also the method for handing people that blink. Very helpful.

[@DavidLWhitehurst]

Sean, your instruction is world-class! I've gone from no DSLR experience before February 2022 to now having two Canon cameras, lens, Godox light, softbox, trigger, portraits, and also using manual for everything. I've taken town photography and I hike every weekend doing wildlife and mostly birds. You are my go to for photography education. Great work!

[@KarlBertyn]

Sean, thank you for sharing, you seem like a really confident and modest guy for such talent. God bless you, sir

[@denizkendirci]

this instruction video contains lecture quality information, it also features an elegant simplicity and a sense of tranquility which, in my opinion, reflect your style quite well. this is not the first time i watch this video of yours, i feel like i learnt a great deal about studio lighting setup just by watching this, thank you so much for high quality content you present to us.

[@johnmcfarland2055]

Simple but very effective tutorial. Excellent episode, Sean. Thanks

[@chiaracamera853]

Dear Sean, I'm writing from Italy and I'm sorry if my english is not very correct. I just want to say that your videos are amazing and you are a fantastic teacher...you are really able to explain in a very simple way a very difficoult argoument and I'm really learning a lot from you. Thank you again and again!!!!!!

[@seantuck]

Thanks my friend.

[@madebychris935]

This is just sensational. Thank you for the time and effort you put into these videos 👏👌

[@charnunez]

Wooow! This is one the best photography video tutorial on KZbin! So clear, so organized! You explained every step, all settings on camera, strobes, background, a how the light works with all this settings! You win a New follower with this.

[@Bishnu_Deb]

The tape trick was superb. It saves a lot of time and hassles while positioning people before clicking. Great video.

[@raulmosleyphotography]

Excellent tutorial, Sean. The tip about having the clients hold up the paper with their names and selected headshot was brilliant.

[@YvesMichelGuejuste]

Thank you for refreshing my memory, and after 32 years of shooting I’m still learning a few tricks from you. Thank you.

[@AndykSuper2]

This guy is just a natural.... So relaxed and calming. He packs so much information into a film and it never feels hurried.

[@keithshenkin3674]

Such a beautifully presented video - really learned so much. Stuffed to the gills with great tips. Thank you, Sean.

[@gohumberto]

No nonsense and to the point. That's exactly what I wanted so I can adapt it too my low-budget Speedlight (Yongnuo) and Umbrellas (Neewer) setup.

[@saurabhprabhakar3096]

Hi Sean, your video was very practical and easy to understand. I am a photographer too and found couple of nice points which I would surely use in my shoots too. Thanks a ton for the help...keep them coming !! Cheers!

[@mwitalemi]

You are a great teacher. I have watched many photographers explain lighting techniques, I think this is the easiest and least intimating it has sounded. Thank you.

[@tejasdoshi79]

Sean, this is insane! I mean I think it probably has everything that one needs to know about headshots! Incredibly! Kudos! I learned a lot! Just subscribed!

[@michealwithington]

Excellent work. I have just gone through a corporate headshot shoot, this has cleared up some of the problems I had, especially with the part where you let them choose a picture and then get a photo with their choice on so there is no disputes or any issues arising from it. People do get very self conscious about their photos and this is an allegiant solution. Thanks.

[@davidunoi7099]

what a meaty tutorial meal! One of the best i have ever seen on KZbin. So practical and no nonsense. I learned so much and was engaged right through to the end. SUBBED!

[@gazl7356]

that flash sync explanation just saved me. i shoot action indoors and constantly get those black half pictures

[@andrewconwayphoto]

Fantastic Sean! Absolutely the best video I've seen on this subject and believe me, I've seen a few!! Loving your work and loving your videos. Thanks a bunch!

[@larbueno]

This is the best. You are the best. I've learned so much from this and will apply it tomorrow on my 1st flash photography, corp headshot gig. For over 30 years I've been primarily a natural history, wildlife, environmental video shooter, but necessity has me needing to learn more skills so I can stay viable as a businessman. Plus, I've always been intimidated by flashes...they SEEMED so complicate, but now that I've spent a couple days practicing at home, it's making more sense. Thanks once again, Sean! Stay healthy and blessings to you.

[@paulkorchok6567]

Soooo many great tips. Thanks for sharing. Love your work Sean.

[@ClaudioGonzaga]

3 years later....you still deserve a massive Thank You! Brilliant lesson!

[@tompetersphotography]

Really enjoyed this Sean brilliantly put together and talked through!

[@GustavoOcampoBecerra]

Best Teacher on this planet! Period. Thank You!

[@zenaetmoi2011]

That's incredible, can' believe this is free content !

[@esphilee]

Great video. You manage to pack so much practical knowledge in a short video. Another thing I would like to mention, While the pros are happily crunching out great works using an old 5D2, the desk bound fan boys are bashing each other over the features, or the lack of certain feature, of any newly launched camera below other youtube channel. Any new camera launches these days, are mostly over filled with very capable feature that most photographers never need. This is what I learnt from this video, watch more video about photography skill, stop watching those gear review and camera comparison video.

[@love2cycle2]

Sean - I shoot exec headshots here in Silicon Valley and use almost the exact same set up. Tip - instead of lugging a studio flash for the background light you can use a speedlight and it will work just as well and is much easier to take on location. I let the client choose their headshot as well, but when I get back to the computer if its not the best choice I change it and I have never had the client even notice.

[@lilblingking1491]

Do you think I could get away with using a speedlight for the rim lighting too? Or would it be better just to bring another strobe?

[@love2cycle2]

lilblingking1491 Yes you can. That’s what I do background and rim/separation/hair light are both speed lights (Nikon SB-800’s) and only the main/key light is a 500 w/s Bowen’s mono light. I also use white reflector just like Sean does. I also give the subject a small white reflector to hold just out of where I am going to crop the image to lighten the shadow under the chin.

[@lilblingking1491]

I'll definitely try this. Thanks a bunch for the advice and taking the time to respond!

[@Dos4gw]

Thank you, I had to photograph 15 people in 20 minutes yesterday and I am super happy I watched this before I did it. Great content.

[@mrosenfeld2702]

Wow. This was so helpful. Not that I want to do corporate headshots but as an amateur, I did learn a lot about lighting and setups and how to cope with the models and and and... Thanks a lot. It was very inspiring and I look forward to watching more videos of you. Take care and enjoy what you do.

[@georgschmiedl5573]

This video has been a tremendous help for me. First I purely copied your style and later on adjusted it a little. Thank you so much for sharing you great experience so openly. Your channel is the best stuff I have come across recently...

[@johnhaynes9910]

Well done Sean, a different and very interesting video because it gives an insight. I may never ever do this kind of work but from being committed to photography personally, its great to see how it is done especially when it is explained so clearly.

[@akesq01]

Soooo helpful! The shooting landscape and preserving three straight edges is so forward thinking and professional. Thank you.

[@SpoWipablo]

Your explanations are Great. Those make you a Great teacher

[@bartek6900]

I've just stumbled upon this video...this is absolutely amazing, best I have found. In 20 minutes you covered exactly everything I wanted to know, from start to finish. And without all this celebrity-like bs. Pure joy, thank you.

[@SpottedinStudios]

As someone about to do their first corporate shoot, this has given a great start. Strip light ordered. Thank you so much

[@NuggestWoW09]

I have done a few studio and headshot shoots recently and these hints helped me a LOT. It has been a couple years since I first saw this tutorial, but it has really helped me get better photographs following some of these simple techniques.

[@kermitshamburger774]

This is great video. A lot of information in a short amount of time. Thank you for posting it!

[@brettmaguire6973]

I can't believe the kind of content I have access to getting started. Thank you, Sean; this is inspiring.

[@qbnscholar]

PS Love the ambient light check idea.

[@andrewfehrsen]

Shooting some headshots at work today and knew exactly where to come - this will always be gold brother! Hope you're well

[@thearchibaldtuttle]

Very nice content. I wonder if you need to adjust when you have a mix of people with coloured skin or light skin.

[@iriartef1]

Some people complains than their mark III is obsolete, and sean making beautiful takes with a mk II. Remember... is not the camera, is the eye.

[@jackdeth5009]

Super useful information, thanks

[@kevinkostolo6949]

Fantastic video! Sean Tucker is an artist with a natural flair for teaching.

[@FilipLjungberg]

Sooo good! Thank you so much!

[@Jan_Hoffmann_MS]

This is my go-to video for corp headshots. I only shoot this style of portrait every once in a while but pretty much every time I re-watch this video. Great stuff!

[@Divineshot]

Amazing, great video! 📸😊

[@mathewcoulliette2233]

Hi Sean, I like watching your videos. I started studying photography in 2013 and I found Peter Hurley's work not long after that. As I studied his work I began forming my own opinion about my headshot photography. Peter Hurley loves shooting on a black or white background, but I found I liked a medium grey background, (125, 125, & 125 to be exact). I loved the way he coached his subjects; he really brought out their personality. (He wrote the world's best photography book: The Headshot, where he had only one chapter on settings, but the rest was on coaching his subjects.) What I didn't agree with him on was the way he heavily cropped his subjects. I have also studied other headshot photographers, but when I watched this video of yours I knew how I wanted to compose my images. When you said, "I like to have 3 clean edges, and both shoulders in the frame", then I knew what I wanted, and that is exactly how I crop my headshots. I guess this is my way of saying, "Thanks".

[@peterjackhandy]

often wondered why headshots are taken in landscape orientation. Would never have occurred to me that it's a graphic design restriction. Never too old to learn 😴

[@michael4382]

By far the most professional instructional video I have see thus far. Thank you.

[@terencetsy]

You're gonna change the way how YT photographers present their info and share their content, Sean. Top job!

[@OCFLAboi407]

You're absolutely amazing brother. I've been shooting for 18 years and love to learn new tips and tricks that can keep me on top of my game. I think your tutorial was one of the best I've seen in recent memory. Thank you so much again as you have a new fan in me.