From capturing marketing shots to producing training videos to shooting photos for websites and social media, there are endless reasons to hone your creative skills. This ebook looks at practical ways to get better results with your photographic work, whether you use a smartphone camera, a DSLR, or a drone to capture and fine-tune your images.

From the ebook:

As a photographer, it’s your job to make sure your clients look amazing in their photographs. You can shoot candid photos of the client in the work environment. You can even record video snippets of the client in action. But nothing compares to the power of the classic headshot. Headshots are simple, but they can amplify a client’s presence in marketing channels. Here are some of the items on my checklist for shooting powerful headshots. I won’t get too technical this time, but I do understand that some technical chops can aid in the process.

Lighting, lighting, lighting
Well, maybe I’ll be a little technical. I can’t stress enough the importance of proper lighting for your headshots. If you can get your hands on a hot shoe flash or speedlite with a diffuser, get it. If you can have a softbox on hand, do so. Sunlight coming through a window is beautiful, as it’s diffused before it reaches your subject. If you can’t utilize natural like through a window, mimic this lighting with a softbox or a diffused hot shoe flash. Position the light so it flatters your client. If the lighting is too close, the effect may seem too harsh and shadows could even be cast on their face. If the lighting is too far away, it may not fill the scene properly.

Understand your client’s message
Headshots are seen on LinkedIn profiles, Twitter profiles, and business cards. All three of these platforms have varying degrees of importance and professionalism. Feel free to ask your client or model where the headshots will be displayed, as well as what message the client wants to convey to those viewing the image. If you’re dealing with a CIO candidate, they may want the shot to be more of a “white collar” feel: suit, tie, strong jawline. Something that says, “I’m not just a technology professional, I’m also a strong leader.” Understand this and pose your model in a way that supports this message. Take note of posture as well as the eyes.