Can You Take Your Own Headshot?
The short answer? Yes, you can. The real question is whether you should—and whether the result will actually represent you the way you want.
As a professional photographer with 15 years of experience, I can tell you firsthand that even with top-tier gear, taking a self-portrait that looks professional is a challenge. There’s a reason why headshot photography is its own skill—it's not just about capturing your face, but about shaping how people perceive you.
If you’re thinking about DIY-ing your headshot, let’s break down what it takes, the challenges you’ll face, and whether it’s really worth it.
What You Need to Take Your Own Headshot
If you’re committed to doing it yourself, you’ll need a few essentials:
✅ A Camera – A DSLR, mirrorless camera, or even a high-end smartphone.
✅ A Tripod – Essential for keeping your camera stable.
✅ A Remote Shutter or Timer – Unless you want to sprint back and forth to hit the shutter button.
✅ Good Lighting – Natural light works, but studio lighting or a softbox is better.
✅ A Simple Background – A clean, uncluttered backdrop keeps the focus on you.
Why Taking Your Own Headshot is Harder Than You Think
Even with the right setup, here are the biggest challenges:
1. Posing & Framing Yourself is Tricky
When you’re behind the camera, you can direct your subject. When you’re the subject, it’s much harder to see what’s working and what’s not. You’ll have to take test shots, adjust your position, and repeat—a lot.
2. Lighting Can Make or Break the Shot
Lighting is everything in a headshot. Without the right setup, shadows on your face, harsh highlights, or a dull background can make your image look unflattering and unprofessional.
3. Expression is Tough to Get Right
A great headshot captures confidence and approachability. But when you’re taking your own, it’s easy to end up looking stiff, forced, or awkward. A professional helps guide you into natural, flattering expressions.
4. Focus & Sharpness Issues
Autofocus isn’t always reliable for self-portraits. Many DIY headshots end up slightly out of focus, poorly cropped, or exposed incorrectly.
5. Editing Matters More Than You Think
Even if you get a solid shot, post-processing is key. Adjusting exposure, color, and retouching distractions takes a trained eye—and is the difference between an okay headshot and one that actually works.
The Bigger Picture: How Do You Want to Be Perceived?
Think about the last time you saw a stranger’s profile photo online. Did their picture affect how seriously you took their message? Probably.
A well-lit, professional headshot naturally makes people perceive you as more competent, trustworthy, and polished. A blurry selfie? Not so much.
Your headshot isn’t just a picture—it’s a first impression. Whether it’s on LinkedIn, a company website, or an acting portfolio, people will form opinions about your credibility, professionalism, and personality based on that one image.
A great headshot says:
💼 “I take my career seriously.”
🎭 “I’m confident and approachable.”
📢 “I am someone worth listening to.”
A bad headshot? It can send the wrong message entirely.
Photo taken at Timeline Visuals Headshot Studio In Rockaway, NJ
When a DIY Headshot Might Be Okay
If you just need a quick update for social media or a placeholder for your website, a DIY shot can work if you take the time to set it up properly. But if your headshot is going to be seen by potential clients, employers, casting agents, or business partners, investing in a professional is worth it.
Why a Professional Headshot is a Smart Investment
📸 A professional photographer will adjust the lighting, guide your posing, help with expression, and ensure perfect framing.
🎨 They’ll retouch the image so you look polished but natural.
⏳ They’ll do in minutes what might take you hours to figure out.
💡 Most importantly, they’ll make sure you’re seen the way you want to be perceived.
Your headshot is a direct reflection of you. What do you want it to say?
Want a Headshot That Stands Out?
Instead of struggling with DIY setups, let’s make this easy. We offer professional headshots with expert lighting, posing, and editing—so you can look your absolute best.