Headshots.

Gordi

Gordi

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Jordan
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Just after a few tips on taking photos of peoples heads for CV's etc, been asked to do this and would like to know of any standard things i should be looking at doing and what sort of shutter/aperture i should be using etc, and flash?. I will be using a Nikon d40 with 18-55mm lens. Will be in an office during the day but would like to make them look quite professional. :)

thanks alots
 
Not sure on correct settings for your camera. But just a tip I learnt from my first go.

If the images are being used next to each other, use a tripod and a fixed focal length so all the images look the same, if that makes sense.

Hopefully someone else can help with the rest
 
will set tripod up like you say as im going to get them to sit in a chair against a wall so they all come out the same.

i would be best using aperture priority then wouldnt i so that my aperture is always the same? and the shutter will change depending on the light conditions.:) Do i need to use the flash on my camera or will natural light be adequte? just i seen someone come in to take photos previously and they had a large flash unit attatched to their camera. not sure if it was used though!
 
It depends on your lens and the available light. If you are getting people to sit in one location and have the tripod there taking shots with a flash then I would start by bouncing the flash off the ceiling and do a test shot to see what kind of shadows you get.

You may find that having a second tripod with the flash on that might be even better but again experiment. You could set an external flash to slave then you can fire it from the internal (or another flash) and take shots with two flashes reducing shadows further or attach your external flash using a cord at arms length.
 
Personally, if the light is constant (i.e. indoors), then take an exposure reading in A mode then switch the manual so you are guaranteed to get exact exposure every time.

Also as cowasaki said, bounce the flash.
 
If they're headshots, use the 55mm end of the lens (but stopped down to f/8 to get acceptable image quality) and get as far back as you can. 5m is ideal, but I don't think you'll be able to get there.

Beg, borrow or steal a flash or two for this as well. Lighting is key. Worst case, sit them near a big window.
 
Good tips :) cheers. wont have any external flash units just the d40 on board one. although im going to when i can buy one for the top. a better one. Where i am taking them is next to a twin storey curtain wall so dont think light will be much of a problem. just diddnt know if the falsh on the camera would be used to add that little bit more.
 
Gordi said:
Good tips :) cheers. wont have any external flash units just the d40 on board one. although im going to when i can buy one for the top. a better one. Where i am taking them is next to a twin storey curtain wall so dont think light will be much of a problem. just diddnt know if the falsh on the camera would be used to add that little bit more.
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Seeing as you'll be leaving the camera set, try and wedge something (I'm sure people on here can suggest a variety of things) in-front of the flash to diffuse it, otherwise you may find it far too harsh.
 
Just something I remember from someone who took my ID photo once was to do Head and Shoulders with the shoulders at 45 degrees to the camera and the subject looking directly at the camera. I've seen a lot of personal resume/CV shots since with the same pose. Just a small thing but makes for a professional looking photo.
 
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