I don’t like rules.
I am asked quite a lot by x, y and z to shoot their headshot. It might be for their website, instagram, presentation etc – it doesn’t really make a difference to me – as I never seem to approach this task in the same way as a ‘real’ photographer.
Because I don’t like rules.
![](https://www.lifeofyablon.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/7DD1.jpg)
Kayleigh Attwood of 7Dollardress
Focus on the eyes, be careful of the angle, use diffused light, guide expression….
I ignore all of the above.
![](https://www.lifeofyablon.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/P4070331.jpg)
Gavin Williamson of GTC Studio
So what do I do? Well, the first thing is appreciate just how much I’d hate the lens to be pointed at me. In short, I feel daunted and self-conscious whenever (and I make sure that this happens rarely) I’m in shot. I then talk (has always been my fall-back plan in any situation) to my victim about something they obviously feel confident and excited about. I also focus on something other than the job in hand. It might be a jacket someone close to us is wearing or a new lip gloss I have stowed away in my camera bag.
![](https://www.lifeofyablon.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/P3130228.jpg)
Emily Evans of Emily Evans Media
Natural light and fresh air are a must. There no doubt that everyone feels more natural and absolutely happier outdoors.
But I also cheat. Because all of those asking for a headshot know me, I know them right back. And, more than this, I – for the most part – actually LIKE them. Plus I might even know things about them that no one else knows. So there’s quite a bit of trust there already.
![](https://www.lifeofyablon.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/PB300012.jpg)
Natalie Lee of Style Me Sunday
Often I appreciate (and want to be a part of) their business focus. Why they are putting themselves out there, what makes them feel motivated and where they are heading next….
![](https://www.lifeofyablon.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/PA050005.jpg)
Frederic Kalinke of Amigo
All this needs to be discussed and then encapsulated in the image.
![](https://www.lifeofyablon.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/PA190309.jpg)
Poppy Loves – as part of a campaign with TX Maxx.
I can imagine many a headshot photographer reading this post and looking at my images with a slight roll of the eye and raise of the brow. But that’s ok. I don’t like rules.
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