How to take professional headshots without any studio lighting

When we talk about professional headshots, it often involves a studio and using at least one light. But if you’re on a budget or out of the studio, you can still get professional-looking headshots without using any artificial lighting. In this video from Adorama, David Bergman will show you how.

David suggests shooting headshots in a garage (but I guess a shed or something could work, too). What’s more, I know quite a lot of folks who have makeshift a photo studio in their garage. But this isn’t about creating a studio. In fact, your subject is supposed to stay right out front.

If you’re shooting in midday sun, open the garage door and have the subject stand in the shadow below it. This is called “open shadow” – there is no direct sunlight hitting their face, but there is enough light coming from different directions and bouncing off surfaces. It gives you a nice wrapping light and it’s very flattering to the face. If you wanna get fancy, you can also add a backdrop behind the subject, or just a white reflector.

So, if for any reason you’re shooting in midday sun and without any artificial lighting, remember this technique and use it to your advantage.

[Garage Portraits: Ask David Bergman | David Bergman]