Creating the perfect head shot!

s I get a lot of model/actors/business people asking me for professional headshots.  A good headshot should be able to represent you in the best light possible.  I like my headshots to showcase your facial features and bone structure correctly through proper accent lighting. The way the photographer lights the face will or will not showcase your bone structure correctly.  There is a saying in our industry… "Flat light is FAT light!" 
This statement is so true when you look at an image of yourself taken with a little camera with the flash in the front blasting your face and flattening your features.  The easiest way to get around the fat look is by changing the angle of the camera to the face.  If you take a selfie with the camera higher looking down to your face your bone structure is better portrayed then if you were to take selfie straight on.  In the studio I have all the control in the world with 4 to 5 lights shaping all the features I wish to accent. 

 The above image of Matt is a compilation of images so he can showcase multiple personalities for his acting skills. The same lighting techniques or applied to every outfit giving his muscles the opportunity to look round and defined.  Understanding how to use shadows and access lighting will give you the control you need in order to create any type of portrait you wish. I learned many years ago that in order to make something look more round, you must know how to use shadow detail. Many beginner photogs wants to learn about how to light something up, but you rarely see someone learning how to sculpt with shadows. 

Whether you are photographing an apple or a pregnant woman that shape will always be more defined through proper use of the shadows. Think about it, if there are no shadows then it's just one dimensional, hence "Flat light is Fat light."  So select the outfits you wish to be photographed in and give me a call. Together we can create the best version of you possible! -GK

 This book was created by my friend and mentor Tony Corbell. Tony and I go way back and his influence is evident all over my photography. If you want to get better you must learn from better!  Tony's accolades are a long list of photographing the best of the best.  From photographing the United Nations group image one year, official photographer for Hasselblad, and he even photographed Cindy Crawford.  I am so lucky to have learned under master photographers such as Tony. When ever I teach other professional photographers it is my duty to pass along our long history of lighting knowledge so they can carry on the tradition of capturing light correctly. Remember you're only as good as your last image so make it the best!

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