DIY Headshots for Small Biz Owners
Yes, You Can Take a Decent Photo Without Crying.
Believe it or not, I took this with my phone!
I spent 15 years as a professional portrait photographer, and if there’s one universal truth I learned, it’s this:
People turn into awkward turtles the second a camera appears.
Therapists, lawyers, dentists, accountants; it didn’t matter. Everyone suddenly forgot what to do with their hands.
So first off: if you feel awkward about taking your own headshot, congratulations. You’re normal. And while I’d love nothing more than to photograph you myself (and make the awkwardness fun in the process), I know that’s not always realistic. Sometimes you don’t have the time, sometimes you live across the country, and yes, sometimes it comes down to the dreaded “cost.”
That’s where DIY headshots come in. With just your phone, some natural light, and a few tricks, you can take a headshot that looks professional enough to live on your website, Psychology Today, or LinkedIn without screaming “Zoom screenshot.”
Find the Good Light (aka: not your ceiling fan)
Bad lighting makes even Beyoncé look tired. Step in front of a large window with soft daylight hitting your face. Turn off your overhead lights (they’ll give you raccoon eyes). Stand far enough from the wall behind you so you’re not casting creepy shadows, and if you can, snap a few during golden hour, the warm, soft light makes everyone look 20% more approachable.
Keep the Scene Simple (yes, that pile of laundry shows)
Your background should not compete with your face. A blank wall, a tidy bookshelf, even a neutral curtain will work. As for clothes, solid, mid-tone colors win every time. Jewel tones are flattering, dark neutrals keep the focus on your face, and busy patterns? Just don’t. Think “I’m about to meet a new client” not “I’m auditioning for a reality show.”
Stabilize That Phone!
Please don’t hold your phone in your hand at arm’s length. That’s how we end up with giant-forehead selfies. Prop it on a stack of books, a tissue box, or even a kitchen chair. Eye level is key. Use the back camera (it’s sharper), set the timer, and step into frame. If you’re lucky enough to have a roommate, partner, or teenager around, bribe them to snap a few for you.
Pose Without Feeling Like a Robot
Here’s my secret: nobody knows how to pose until they practice. Sit or stand tall, shoulders back, chin slightly forward (not up). Turn your body at a slight angle, straight-on shots can look like driver’s license photos. Try a relaxed smile, a half-smile, even a serious look. Take 20 or even 100 shots. One of them will look like “you,” I promise.
Edit, But Don’t Catfish*
Ever scrolled someone’s profile photo for months, finally meet them, and think: ‘Whoa… Facetune strikes again’? Not exactly the vibe you want for your first client meeting. Editing is absolutely your friend — but subtle is the secret. Crop, brighten, tweak the color. Apps like Snapseed (free), Lightroom Mobile, or even Canva make it easy. Zap the zit that showed up just for photo day, but resist the urge to blur yourself into a wax figurine. Aim for polished, not unrecognizably filtered.
*I have a whole blog post about this HERE
Oooh, More Tips!
Subtle edits = polished. Heavy edits = awkward coffee date when a client doesn’t recognize you. Here’s my guide to avoiding the over-editing trap: HOW NOT TO EDIT YOUR PHOTOS
Stuck on posing ideas? I’ve got you. I pulled together some of my favorite go-to poses from 15 years of photographing people. Check them out here: MY FAVE HEADSHOT POSES
Taking your own headshot might feel like a weird form of therapy exposure exercise (hello, vulnerability!), but it’s worth it. A clean, confident photo helps people connect with you before they ever walk in your office or log onto Zoom.
Let’s be real: DIY only gets you so far before you want to throw your phone out the window. If that’s where you’re at, I’ve got you. I can step in with design, editing, or full branding sessions, minus the stress and awkward hand poses.