If you have an iPhone, you probably use it to take photos almost every day. Did you know that, with a few simple tools and some basic knowledge, you can actually use it to get some really awesome headshots too? Check out a few of my best tips for how to take great headshots with your iPhone.

Tip #1: decide who’s Taking Your Photo

Taking a good selfie is difficult to achieve unless you have the patience to make many, many attempts. If you have a friend or family member who can take your portrait, that’s the best option.

If you don't have someone who can take your picture for you, you can put your phone on timer mode and use a tripod and phone holder. If you don’t have that option, you can always stack books or find something else with height to prop your phone on. Then, activate the timer so you have time to strike the perfect pose. To do this, simply swipe up from the bottom menu in camera mode and select the 10 seconds timer. Remember to turn on the AF lock to ensure your image will be clear.

Tip #2: Setup and Lighting are Keys

Decide on your Background - Deciding where we’ll take their headshots is one of the most important decisions I make with a branding photography client. So it’s where you should start as well. Keep your background plain and simple so that the focus is on you and not the background, ideally a wall with nothing on it. Make sure to stand 2 feet away from the background so it’s blurred when your camera is in portrait mode.

Lighting - Find window lighting that is near a south or north-facing window. Make sure to look directly into the camera lenses at the top left corner of the back of your phone or at the small, green light at the top of your phone in selfie mode) and orientate the phone horizontally (sideways). Position yourself so that your face is in front of the window with no direct sunlight. You can use a light shade or curtain if the light is too bright to soften it.

Tip #3: look your best

Makeup - Consider your everyday makeup look and your desired look for your headshot. Would you describe your desired look as natural, naturally enhanced, or full coverage? Regardless, you’ll want to wear more makeup than you normally do. Make sure to accentuate your eyes and lips. Also, wear more powder to even out your skin tones and reduce shine.

Wardrobe - You’ll want to be sure that you’re wearing colors and a style that reflects your brand and make you look your best. I’ve got a free, downloadable Headshot Posing Guide that you can reference for recommendations on what colors, outfits, and poses photograph best.

Tip #4: Have Fun!

This is the most important tip! Do your best to view this as a fun game instead of a dreaded exercise. Expect to take many images before you find one that you are proud of. Try different facial expressions (big smile, regular smile, no teeth) and different facial/body angles. You may even want to practice in front of the mirror first!

The bottom line is that you are more photogenic than you think you are, and you can always keep taking photos until you end up with a headshot you are proud of!

Ready to Take Your iPhone Photography to the Next Level?

Want more specific tips about iPhone camera features, editing, and many other tricks to make using your iPhone for any photos easier and more rewarding? If so, my iPhone Workshop is for you!

Join me on Monday, July 31st, at 7:00 pm ET.

This is a two-hour, virtual, hands-on, LIVE workshop for people who don’t consider themselves “great” photographers. In fact, this workshop is for people who have never taken a professional photography course…or even feel that they are “good” at taking pictures!

In just two hours together, you’ll learn how to use the built-in tools on your iPhone to take incredible photographs of all your summer adventures! Click Here for all the details & to get signed up!