How To Take Your Own Headshots for Therapists

Have you been wanting to get professional therapist headshot photos taken for your website and social media profiles? Are you worried about finding the budget or the time?

The good news is, taking your own headshot photos can be just as easy and even quicker. If you own a smartphone or digital device like an iPad/table, you can take photos from the comfort of your own home. All it takes is a little preparation beforehand.

Since you’re reading a guide on how to take your own headshots for therapists, you already know the importance of a photograph. A therapist headshot photo creates a first and lasting impression on potential clients. A clean and welcoming image reflects who you are as a professional while showing off your personality. This can help therapy clients feel more at ease before reaching out for sessions. 

While hiring a professional photographer is an option, it's not always necessary. With the right tips and a bit of practice, therapists can take their own headshot photos at home. In this blog post, we'll guide you through the process of capturing a great headshot on your own.

Using a Digital Camera

A digital camera, especially a DSLR, is ideal for taking high-quality headshots. These cameras offer the highest image resolution, providing crisp and detailed photographs. They also allow for control over the depth of field. This helps in creating a blurred background and keeps the main focus on the subject. You can adjust settings like exposure, giving you full control over how the photo looks. 

However, for the average person, these settings can be pretty overwhelming. Quality cameras and lenses can be pretty expensive, making them less accessible for the casual photographer. That's why we'll be focusing on using your own smartphone to take your therapist headshot photos.

How To Take Your Own Headshots with a Smartphone

Smartphones are increasingly becoming a popular choice for photography, and for good reason. They are convenient, always at hand, and the latest models come equipped with cameras that can rival traditional digital cameras. Features like portrait mode simplify the process of taking a good headshot by automatically adjusting the focus and depth of field. The downside is that, while they are sufficient for most purposes, they might not match the image quality and versatility of a DSLR. Also, in low-light conditions, smartphones may not perform as well as a professional camera.

Headshots for Therapists: Location Considerations

Once you’ve sorted out which device you’d like to use to take your therapist headshot photos, the next step is to pick a location. 

Choosing a Stable Surface

When choosing a location to take your headshot photos, look for an area where there is a stable surface to place your device, or consider investing in a tripod to hold your camera steady. If you don’t have a tripod, you can also improvise by stacking books or sturdy objects to prop up your device. 

Soft & Diffuse Lighting 

Another consideration with photography is the lighting. Natural light can be your best friend when it comes to flattering photos. If the area is well-lite with soft, diffused lighting, you can avoid some of the harsh shadows that come with bright lighting or direct sunlight. Sheer curtains or blinds to help diffuse the sunlight can be used effectively as well. 

Neutral or Clean Background 

Choosing a clean, uncluttered background keeps the focus on your face and not on the random objects behind you. Neutral background colors like white, beige, or light gray are recommended. On the other hand, if you’d prefer a portrait taken outdoors, try to pick a location that is neutral like a forest or field, or relevant to your practice. 

What to Wear for a Therapist Headshot Photo

Your outfit can make an unexpected difference in your headshots. You should pick attire that reflects your style and personality while remaining professional. This doesn’t mean that you have to wear a 3 piece suit and tie. The goal is to achieve balance between looking professional and being approachable. It's all about creating an image that clients can trust and relate to.

The same advice applies to overly casual attire, like t-shirts and athletic wear. The importance comes in striking a balance between professionalism and approachability. If it comes between more formal wear versus casual attire, it's likely a safer bet to choose the former. 

Solid and neutral colors work well when taking headshots. Earthy, blues, or green tones are universally flattering. These tones provide a sense of calm and trustworthiness. These colors also tend to work well on camera. These hues work well on various skin tones and backgrounds, whether you’re indoors or outside. Try to avoid loud patterns or very bright colors which can be distracting. 

Adjust Camera Settings

Technology has come a long way. Even if you're using your smartphone, it comes with a lot of features. Try out these tips to help with making your headshots look professional: 

• Focus: Ensure your camera is set to focus on your face. Tap your face on the screen to lock the focus.
• Exposure: Adjust the exposure to achieve proper lighting. Many smartphone cameras allow you to tap the screen and slide your finger up or down to adjust exposure.
• Timer or Remote: Use a timer or a remote shutter release to capture the photo without touching the device. This reduces the risk of camera shake.
• Portrait Mode: Try out portrait mode on your phone which blurs the background while focusing on your facial features. 

Posing and Expression in Headshots for Therapists

If you had to fake a smile for school photos every year, then you might know how hard it is to make it seem natural. When posing for your therapist headshot photos, try to relax your facial muscles and maintain a warm, natural smile. Think about a positive or calming experience to help promote a genuine smile. 

Sit or stand up straight and try to keep your shoulders relaxed, but not hunched over. Remember that good posture helps exude confidence and professionalism. By maintaining eye contact with the camera lens, your photo can help convey approachability and empathy. 

We know that it might feel pretty awkward sitting around taking photos of yourself, but try out different angles, poses, and lighting. Doing this will help you figure out what shot you like and adjust as needed. 

Editing and Post-Processing Therapist Headshot Photos

After taking your headshots, make sure to review the photos. If you decide that the photos need some editing, you can use editing apps or softwares to enhance the image.

Here are some basic editing tips:

• Cropping: Crop the image to focus on your face while maintaining proper composition.
• Brightness and Contrast: Adjust these settings to ensure your face is well-lit and stands out.
• Color Correction: Tweak the color balance to ensure accurate skin tones.
• Blemish Removal: Use a retouching tool to remove any minor imperfections.
• Background Editing: If necessary, remove or blur distracting elements in the background.

Put Your Best Face Forward by Taking Therapist Headshot Photos Yourself

Taking your own headshot photos might sound tough, but if you practice and pay attention to the details, you can snap a picture that looks professional and welcoming. Your headshot shows how professional and friendly you are as a therapist, so it's worth spending the time to make it really good. With the right camera, a good setup, and a little creativity, you can confidently show your best side online.