Do headshot photographs have to be taken by a professional photographer?

Question

i need headshots and a lot of the pro's are very expensive.

Answer 1

Yes they can be expensive ... but if you really need them you have a choice ... find someone willing to take the shots you need and hope they have the skills necessary to provide you with professional shots and know how to light you to provide you shots of your best look or pay a pro

Answer 2

Not necessarily. You want to have a decent headshots to present yourself. If you are computer savvy with photoshops you can do it. You would need the proper lighting. Look for a lighting book at your library or in the internet so, you'll know how to set up your lighting.

You would need a green background or white - depend on your software. You want to have a good make up - one that make you look natural not glamourous. Shoot in RAW if it's possible. You would still have to spend on stuffs you don't have, if you don't have it like - lights, tripod, background... but it can be done cheaper than a professional. Go online and look at headshots so you'll have an idea what looks good and proper.

Answer 3

you dont have to get them done at a pro studio, but if its for a specific kinda job, you may need to. A pro studio usually knows what the agencies or clients are looking for in model photos, so it may be worth your while to  go that route for starters. If you have a friend who is great a taking people photos, ask them to do some shots for you. It will be good for their own portfolio as well.

It use to be quite expensive for photo studio work, but I think with technology and digital options, prices are much better. I know pro photographers who charge as little $50-75 for a starter portfolio. When the client gets more work its repeat business for the photographer, so you can suggest this to a photographer as well.

Answer 4

If you're aiming to get into modelling, wait until you're signed by an agency  before getting any proffesional photos done, as most agencies are very specific about what they want a model's portfolio to contain. Just send modelling agencies a couple of snapshots of yourself, or go visit them personally.

In the mean time, see you if you can arrange a TFCD/TFP shoot locally. It basically means time for CD, or time for prints. You exchange your time for photos.