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

[@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:)

[@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! :-)

[@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

[@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!"

[@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.

[@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.

[@djcsr]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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

[@allanwalls53]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@abhijithjose2826]

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

[@ioperate_x]

Every video such high quality, thank you 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!!!!

[@johnhung8393]

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

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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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 !!

[@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.

[@karlx-1]

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

[@terencetsy]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@sizhan]

Sean, thank you so much for this video. Your content has been absolutely perfect. You go into just enough detail without over-explaining the entire process and I can't appreciate that enough. Again, thank you.

[@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!

[@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.

[@NaweedQadirdotcom]

You consider you as one of my mentors and I follow your advice whenever I am photographing. Your to the point advice is life-changing and I have learned a lot from you.

[@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.

[@teagannblythephotography]

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

[@josiahpitman]

This is the best video I’ve seen on portraits. You’re an amazing teacher.

[@ClaudioGonzaga]

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

[@powershot70]

Absolutely invaluable information for anyone either in the portrait photography business already or someone who is just starting out. An oasis in the KZbin desert. Thank you Sean for sharing your knowledge on the subject.

[@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!

[@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!

[@theblanklogo]

Watched this when you first posted it and found it interesting. Now I have a corporate headshot shoot coming up and had to come back and rewatch for tips. Thank you for what you do, Sean. It's appreciated!

[@andrewfehrsen]

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

[@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!!

[@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!

[@sarahmorris599]

Wow! Excellent tutorial! I love how clearly everything is explained with no dilly - dallying around.

[@nikolak]

This is one of the best, well done and thought out, videos on photography I have seen so far. It's detailed, but very concise, explains everything in a clear way and covers every step and all of that in 20 minutes. Thank you so much for this!

[@johnmcfarland2055]

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

[@vracicot]

A thousand times thank you for sharing your whole process, this was an amazing video.

[@jackelinslack4400]

Fantastic tutorial, from lighting to posing to asking the right questions from the client and how to compose the image. Thank you!

[@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.

[@KarlBertyn]

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

[@maxwuertt]

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

[@akesq01]

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

[@bronsonvalentin4387]

Sean, love your narration and relaxed style. Very informative without dumbing it down too much or speaking too technical. Great stuff! Keep on rockin Sean, you're awesome bro!

[@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!

[@keithshenkin3674]

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

[@donm60]

Having done a bunch of similar shoots I found this to be spot on and very complete. Nicely done, good pace, solid, practical advice.

[@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.

[@JamesStevensonPhoto]

Great video Sean, as someone who occasionally does this kind of work this was full of useful tips I can take into my next shoot. Thanks for sharing.

[@madebychris935]

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

[@visualproductionsbyanthony2519]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@TheOriginalGregToo]

Fantastic video, love how concise your videos are, with tons of helpful info. Definitely subscribing, thank you for putting these out.

[@kwizmon]

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

[@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.

[@blackburd]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!!

[@paulkorchok6567]

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

[@greatpix]

I've been using a softlighter style modifier for 30 years, love it.

[@hmahmood]

The best photography tutorials out there. Every piece of advice, all the tips and tricks are incredible!

[@Bishnu_Deb]

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

[@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!

[@brettmaguire6973]

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

[@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...

[@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.

[@tompetersphotography]

Really enjoyed this Sean brilliantly put together and talked through!

[@howardmcmillian5764]

I absolutely love how much information you give in this video. I have seen very few KZbin tutorials like this that explain things we did not know we needed.

[@gauthiervieira9135]

This is a very complete, very thorough video. I thank you a lot for it, because it is full of great ideas. I especially love that you also walk us through the actual process of shooting with people. It's, most of the time, the hardest part, especially on long but tight shoots. And I have to say, I absolutely adore the shots when they're holding their piece of paper.

[@nakleh]

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

[@alisiaharris2367]

Perfect tips at the end of having the client choose the shot to edit. 🤓 TFS

[@rjrjresq]

Really appreciate the included shoot and the glimpse you give us into how you direct your subjects. For me, right now, this is invaluable. cheers.

[@jakuse11]

Sean, thanks a lot. I love it. I appreciate, that u showed the scene light by light, which is really helpful. I really like the last two shots of your final photos.

[@jHouston68]

Insightful content, tips and practical knowledge. Really enjoyed your presenting style 👌

[@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.

[@GustavoOcampoBecerra]

Best Teacher on this planet! Period. Thank You!

[@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.

[@PaleoSpoWi]

Your explanations are Great. Those make you a Great teacher

[@zenaetmoi2011]

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

[@miguelruna5322]

22min of pure gold information, this was so valuable to me! Appreaciate it!

[@AndreiRestrepo]

my gosh I’m so glad KZbin recommend this video to me. So much good info for starting out in headshots, amazing work!

[@Divineshot]

Amazing, great video! 📸😊