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    Edinburgh

    Getting the perfect headshot at home

    6th April 2021 - 2 min read

    Lockdown has provided a new challenge for our clients wanting to update their staff photography on their website, the reality of getting everyone together for a professional photo shoot in a studio seems like a far-fetched idea. 

    The good news is that modern phones have almost everything you need to capture a decent photo. Here's our guide to getting a good quality professional photo or selfie that you'll be happy to have on your company website.

    1. If you are on iPhone, use Portrait mode on the camera. You can also try using the 'Lensa' app to remove unflattering shadows - download here for iOS or Android.
    2. Stand against a wall with a window in front of you for natural light, but not directly in sunlight.
    3. Send us the largest file size you have.
    4. Make sure the picture looks like you.
    5. Your face should take up 60% of the frame.
    6. Don't crop your shoulders off, make sure there is a bit of breathing space around you - we can crop you closer but it's much harder to add your shoulders back into a photo.
    7. Wear what you wear to work in the office.
    8. Be the only person in the picture.
    9. Look directly into the camera, looking off-camera makes you look a bit shifty.
    10. Avoid distracting backgrounds/keep the background simple, please avoid wallpaper/patterns/furniture.
    11. Smile! A study of 800 profile pictures found that people view you as more likeable, competent, and influential if you smile in your picture.
    12. Provide three versions that you like, from a simple 'trust me' smile to a broad cheesy grin.

    If you are in need of something more professional and consistent for your photographs though, we work with a wonderful photographer who can take your professional head-shots outdoors and provide a range of high quality retouched digital files for your use. Just get in touch if you would like to know more.

    6th April 2021 Share This:
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    Author
    Mhairi Bell
    Co-founder
    Co-founder at Gecko. A real-life Edinburgher with years of creative digital work under her belt. An unapologetic clubbercise addict who lives for long walks, cheese, wine and classic disco - but maybe not in that order!
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