How To Do Remote Headshots and Nail Video Chat Lighting

How to do remote headshots, you ask? At first, I was hesitant to get in on this trend. I’m a recovering perfectionist, and the lack of control really scared me. But in the end, I had so much fun trying this out. Here are my tips for how to do remote headshots!

Are 2020 plans canceled?

When I planned out 2020, I felt confident in my direction. I was going to grow my portfolio and feel more confident with my photography. Of course, as we all know, 2020 did not go as planned. 

The shelter in place order came into effect, and things changed. I found myself canceling sessions and no longer able to take photos of people, which are my favorite! Needless to say, I was a little disappointed.  

Avoiding the trends

While I watched so many people do front porch photos, photos from 6 feet away and even get into remote portraits. I just wasn’t into it. I fully supported the shelter in place and wanted to do the most I could to protect others and myself. 

I’ve come around to some social distance portraits now, but the remote headshots I was afraid to not to be able to control everything. Yet, I kept seeing so many of my photographer peers trying this out. I watched this helpful tutorial video from Mango Street and then even read the detailed instructions here. 

Embracing imperfection

Finally, I got over it and decided to try it out. I reached out to a few of the women I follow on Instagram and asked if they would be interserted in experimenting with me. We had a blast, and I made some new friends in the process! It turns out perfect photos are not everything. Sometimes it’s just fun to have a laugh and try out something new. Check out the amazing women below, then snag my tips for lighting your own remote headshots and selfies!

Shot on FaceTime using live photo button with Lis Best – https://www.elisabethbest.com/

Shot on FaceTime using live photo button with Luisa Alberto – https://www.highfivesf.com/