You don’t need a fancy studio or loads of gear to take a great headshot. Whether you’re updating your LinkedIn, building a portfolio, or just want a solid portrait of yourself, here’s how to do it using whatever you’ve got at home.

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Professional commercial photographer in Glasgow Scotland UK Eilidh Ross Canon R5 and Fujifilm GFX 100S II systems. Eilidh Ross Glasgow Photographer Commercial Photographer Portrait Photographer Product Photographer Canon EOS R5 Fujifilm GFX 100S II Scotland Photographer UK Photographer UK commercial photographer fashion photographer editorial photographer. UK Photographer UK product photographer UK product photography.

How to Take Your Own Professional Headshots at Home

With What You Already Have

SEE MY WORK

Step 1: Pick Your Camera (Any Will Do)

Use whatever camera you have - your DSLR, mirrorless, or even your phone. What matters most is good lighting and composition, not megapixels.

Step 2: Choose a Simple Backdrop

Look for a clean, uncluttered background. A plain wall, a brick texture, a neutral curtain, or even a large sheet works. Make sure it doesn’t distract from your face.

Step 3: Find Good Light

Natural light is perfect - set up near a window with soft, indirect light.

If you’re using artificial lights (lamp, ring light, etc.), position them in front of you to avoid harsh shadows.

Step 4: Set up Your Camera

Mount it on a tripod, a stack of books, or any stable surface.

Frame your shot from the chest or shoulders up, and give yourself a little headroom. Use a self-timer or remote shutter so you can pose hands-free.

Step 5: Pose and Relax

Stand or sit up tall, keep your shoulders relaxed, and angle yourself slightly - you don’t have to face the camera dead-on.

Take a few test shots and adjust as needed.

Step 6: Edit Lightly (If You Want)

Use your phone’s built-in editor or free apps like Lightroom Mobile or Snapseed to tweak brightness, contrast, and crop. Keep it natural.

My Gear

Choosing the right photography gear - body or lens - can completely transform your photography. Whether you need a wide-angle lens for breathtaking landscapes, a fast prime for stunning portraits, or a versatile zoom for everyday shooting, the right focal length makes all the difference.

Here, you’ll find the camera bodies and lenses I use and recommend, categorised by brand, Fujifilm and Canon.

Click on the links to check them out, and if you purchase through an affiliate link, it helps support my work at no extra cost to you.