Casual headshot tips

Do you ever wonder to yourself, "How casual is too casual for a professional headshot?" In this article, we'll explore the world of casual headshots and help you decide what level of casualness is appropriate for your industry...

What is a casual headshot?

Casual headshots can basically be described as a headshot in a more casual setting. These shots are usually captured to focus on the subject and their personality.

At its most basic level, these types of photos are simple snapshots that might be taken for social media pages, character reference sheets, or other purposes.

Casual headshot vs. business headshot

Since there are no real rules for casual headshots, often, the only thing that separates a casual headshot from a business headshot is the attire and posing.

If you see a person posing in front of a with business attire on with a professional pose, odds are very good that those headshots are for business purposes.

If you see a person in front of a camera wearing regular every-day clothes with a relaxed pose, odds are are very that those headshots are for casual purposes.

What is the point of casual headshots?

Casual headshots can be captured as simple concepts for characters from fanfiction, comics, YouTube videos, short films, stories, social media, dating profiles, etc.

What not to do: A few don'ts

The biggest mistake you can make when taking casual shots is to assume they will be taken as seriously as business headshots.

Casual photos may be used for completely different purposes than a traditional headshot, and many times, they will be used in a smaller size where detail is lost.

If that's the case, then why bother taking them? The answer is that casual headshots can also help you in settings outside of business, such as for social media profiles, dating profiles, etc.

Also, these types of images are not necessarily any less challenging than a "serious" headshot. Great photos are great photos no matter what the subject is, so why not give yourself the opportunity to have some fun?

What to do: A few do's

On the other hand, you should also consider that because these are casual headshots, they can also be useful as you can set up your camera and shoot them without assistance or direction from others.

This means that you can shoot at home instead of having to go out to a studio and pay for time there.

Where can casual headshots be used?

Many times, these types of photos are used on social media, such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.

Where can you find a casual headshot photographer?

There are plenty of talented photographers who specialize in both types of photos.

Just remember that hiring someone to help you get the best images possible is not just about their portfolio or experience but also how they work with you and your ideas. A quick search for a headshot photographer in your area will suffice.

We hope you enjoyed this guide on casual headshots. This guide is also a part of our Headshot Photography Tips Hub, so be sure to check that out for further headshot tips and insights.