How to Take Your Own Headshots at Home (No Studio Needed!)

Jul 14

You may know me as a portrait photographer, but at the moment, I'm taking a sabbatical from studio sessions.

Yes, there are plenty of other talented local photographers out there, and if you need a recommendation just reach out because I still believe that investing in professional portraits is a powerful move for your brand.

But I also know this: sometimes you just need a quick headshot refresh… and a professional shoot isn’t in the cards right now.

Whether you’re in between brand shoots, building your confidence, or simply don’t want to leave the house (been there!), I want to share some easy DIY tips to help you take your own headshots from home. All you need is your mobile phone and a bit of time and confidence.

Let’s freshen up those profile pics, shall we?

1. Use Natural Light

Good lighting is the number one thing that will make a great headshot. The best and most flattering light source? A window.

Face a window straight on so light hits your face evenly.
Avoid direct sunlight shining in on you, as well as harsh midday sun. Morning or late afternoon light is softer.
Turn off all your room lights to avoid strange shadows and color cast.

Pro Tip: If the window light is too bright, hang a sheer curtain or white sheet to soften it.

2. Keep the Background Simple

Your background shouldn’t compete with your face. A clean, uncluttered, neutral background helps you look polished and professional. If you are using your headshot for a profile photo, they are usually very small, so a very neutral, plain background is best.

A neutral colored wall is always my first choice, but a curtain, or tidy corner works great as well, and it should fill the frame behind you.
Take a quick look at what’s behind you to make sure there are no distractions in the frame. Look for things like pictures, book shelves, plants, etc.
Make sure there are no lights or windows behind you.

3. Use What You Have — Yes, the Selfie Camera Works

If you’re using your phone, the selfie camera is probably the most convenien, and yes, it absolutely works.

You can take your selfie with the phone in either horizontal or vertical position. I usually take mine in a vertical position. most profile photos are square, so make sure that you have enough room around yoursef in the frame to be able to crop it square, or even 4x5.

Make sure your lens is clean, and use the gridlines to center yourself in the frame.
Raise your phone slightly above eye level and tilt it forward just a touch for the most flattering angle.
Take a deep breath, relax your shoulders, and try a few expressions. You’ll warm up as you go.

If you want crisper quality and don’t mind a little setup, try using your phone’s back camera with a tripod and timer. But honestly? The best camera is the one you’ll actually use, so don’t overthink it.

Take as many selfies as you need until you get your favorite. Don’t be shy!

4. Choose a Flattering Angle

Stand or sit facing your camera straight on. Position yourself so that the top of your head is in the frame and there’s a bit of room above the top of your head. Also position yourself so that your shoulders and upper chest are in the frame.

Position your camera slightly above eye level.
Tilt your chin just slightly forward and down. This angle helps open your eyes and define your jawline. It's one of the most flattering for most people.
Relax your shoulders and soften your expression. You want to look approachable and confident. Make sure you take a few shots with a full, genuine, happy smile as well. People respond best to smiling profile photos.

5. Style Your Hair and Makeup

A little bit of grooming makes a big difference in how polished and confident you feel on camera., and in your results.

Makeup Tips:
Keep it natural but intentional. Even if you don’t wear much makeup day-to-day, a bit of definition helps on camera.

Try this:

Light foundation or powder to even skin tone
Blush to bring warmth to your face
Mascara and eyeliner to help your eyes pop
Lipstick or tinted balm to bring color and balance

Hair Tips:
I always recommend styling your hair the way you normally would. You want to be recognizable in your headshots. Now isn’t the time to make drastic changes.

You also want to style your hair in a way that makes you feel like your best self.

To help tame and smooth flyaways, a little bit of product can go a long way.

If you have bangs or layers, double-check that nothing is awkwardly covering your eyes or casting a shadow.

Have a mirror and styling tools nearby when taking your headshots in case you want to make adjustments.

6. Dress Like You’re Meeting a Dream Client

Choose an outfit that reflects your brand, your confidence, and your style.
Solid colors and simple patterns work best on camera. I usually recommend solid colors because busy prints or super might distract. Avoid neon colors.
If in doubt, soft neutrals, jewel tones, or your brand colors are always a good choice.

Accessories can elevate the look. Try a favorite necklace, a structured blazer, or statement earrings—just don’t overdo it.
if you normally wear glasses, wear them in your headshot. But take some with glasses and without so you have options.

8. Edit Lightly

There’s no need for heavy filters or major retouching. You just want to brighten, crop, and clean up the image if needed.

Apps like Lightroom Mobile, Snapseed, or VSCO are my favorite apps for editing on my phone.
Adjust brightness, contrast, and sharpness for a clean, natural finish.
With these apps you can also remove minor blemishes if needed.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need a studio, a fancy camera, or a full glam team to create a beautiful, professional headshot.

And here’s a secret….these are the exact steps I follow when I take my own headshots!

Whether you're showing up on Instagram, updating your website, or refreshing your LinkedIn profile, your photo is a part of your story, and you deserve to show up with confidence.

Don’t wait until you feel “ready.”
Take the photos. Use them proudly.

The world needs to see the woman behind the brand.

And if you subscribe to my email list I’ll update you with possible studio headshot openings.

Lorraine Mortensen