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Let’s be real — not everyone has the time or budget for a professional headshot. Maybe you’ve got a last-minute Zoom interview. Maybe you’re updating your LinkedIn while in-between gigs. Or maybe you just don’t love the idea of getting in front of a camera.

Whatever the reason, I’ve got your back.

As a headshot photographer in New Jersey with over 30 years of experience, I’ve worked with everyone from CEOs to brand-new real estate agents. And while nothing beats a professionally guided session, I also believe you should like the way you look in your photos — even if you’re doing it yourself.

So here’s how to take a solid, credible DIY headshot with just your phone, a window, and a little bit of strategy.

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What You’ll Need

You don’t need fancy gear to get started. Here’s what I recommend:

• A smartphone with a decent camera (iPhone or Android — both work great)
• A tripod or something stable to prop up your phone (a stack of books can work in a pinch)
• A clean, uncluttered background — a plain wall or curtain is perfect
• Natural light — more on that below
• (Optional) A Bluetooth shutter or use your phone’s self-timer

No ring light? No problem. You can get great results with a window and some planning.

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Lighting: Your Best Friend or Worst Enemy

Lighting makes or breaks a photo — and it’s the most common issue I see in DIY headshots.

Here’s how to make it work for you:

• Face a window. You want soft, indirect natural light, not direct sunlight.
• The best light comes from north-facing windows or when the sun is lower in the sky.
• If shooting outside, aim for golden hour — about 1 hour before sunset.
• Avoid overhead lighting (it creates unflattering shadows under your eyes and nose).
• Never stand with your back to a window — it’ll blow out the background and turn your face into a silhouette.

Pro tip: Hold your hand out and rotate slowly — when your palm looks the most even and glowy, that’s your light direction.

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Framing and Composition

You don’t need to be a photographer to frame a decent shot.

• Head and shoulders only. Leave a little space above your head, but don’t include your whole torso.
• Keep the camera at eye level (or just slightly above) — never below your chin.
• Use the rule of thirds or turn on grid lines on your phone for balance.
• Make sure your background is clean and free of clutter. A white or neutral wall works great.
• Take a step or two away from the wall so it blurs a little.

And don’t shoot too close — step back and crop later for better proportions.

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Posing and Expression

The biggest mistake I see? Stiff poses and forced smiles.

Here’s how to loosen up:

• Drop your shoulders and take a breath before the shot.
• Push your chin slightly forward to define your jawline (feels weird, looks great).
• Imagine you’re talking to someone you like — it helps you smile naturally.
• A subtle smile or confident closed-lip expression works great for professional profiles.
• Tilt your body slightly to one side — it’s more flattering than facing the camera straight on.

You don’t need to do a full pose session. Take 10–15 shots and pick the most natural one.

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Editing: Keep It Light

Don’t go crazy with filters. A little cleanup goes a long way.

Here’s what I’d recommend using apps like Snapseed or Lightroom Mobile:

• Adjust exposure (brightness) and contrast
• Fine-tune warmth so your skin tone looks natural
• Crop and straighten if needed
• Blur the background slightly if it’s too distracting

Skip the heavy skin smoothing — it makes photos look artificial. You want to look polished, not plastic.

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When to DIY vs. Hire a Pro

I’m going to be honest — a DIY headshot is better than no headshot at all. But it does have its limits.

DIY is fine if:

• You need something fast and temporary
• You’re building a placeholder for LinkedIn or Zoom
• You’re comfortable being self-directed

Hire a professional if:

• You’re job hunting in a competitive industry
• You’re rebranding yourself or launching a business
• You need consistent images across your website or team
• You want to actually like the way you look in photos

Professional sessions are guided, coached, and lit in a way that brings out your best — even if you usually hate how you look in pictures. That’s what I do every day.

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Final Thoughts

Taking your own headshot doesn’t have to be stressful. With a little know-how and the right light, you can create something that feels clean, confident, and true to you.

And when you’re ready for something more elevated — when you want a photo that makes you say, “Damn, that’s me?” — I’m here for that too.

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Want headshots that actually make you feel good about how you look?
I offer clean, modern portraits with expert posing and fast delivery.
✅ Studio or on-location
✅ Same-day proofs
✅ No awkward vibes

💬 Click here to schedule your headshot session or text 917-992-9097 — let’s make it happen.

Related Blog Posts:

• Paramus Corporate Headshot Photographer
• Hackensack Headshots for Executives
• How to Prepare for a Professional Headshot Session

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Linking

• https://alexkaplanphoto.com/njheadshots/ – Main NJ Headshot Portfolio
• https://alexkaplanphoto.com/corporate-events/ – Corporate Event Photography
• https://alexkaplanphoto.com/modeling/ – Modeling and Branding Portraits

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Related Services:

• View NJ Corporate Headshot Portfolio
• Corporate Event Photography in Newark
• Modeling & Acting Headshots

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Helpful Links:

• My Headshot Portfolio
• Corporate Event Photography Services
• Contact to Book Your Session

Looking for other areas? Check out:

• Newark Headshots
• Paramus Headshots

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