Master the Art of DIY Headshots: Capture Your Best Self at Home
- Brittany Miller
- Jan 14
- 8 min read
As an entrepreneur, you already juggle a hundred things, client work, marketing, sales, and the never-ending need for fresh content. Hiring a professional photographer for new brand photos every few months? That’s just not realistic for most business owners in terms of time or budget.
That’s where DIY headshots at home come in. They’re cost-effective, surprisingly easy once you know the basics, and they give you the freedom to update your online presence whenever you need a refresh.
To make this guide even more valuable, I roped in my partner Grayson, Brittany Miller Social's photographer and founder of Olympia Photography & Design. Grayson specializes in branding sessions and has helped countless entrepreneurs capture images that truly reflect their personality and brand. With his practical tips and insider know-how, you’ll feel confident creating headshots that look polished and professional, right from home.
In this post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know: how to work with natural light, set up simple backgrounds, choose the right outfits, pose comfortably, and edit your photos like a pro. By the end, you’ll be ready to take professional-quality headshots that not only look great but also help your brand stand out online.
If we haven't met yet, I’m Brittany, an online marketing strategist for female entrepreneurs. I teach women how to make their entrepreneurial dreams a reality through smart, actionable marketing strategies that get them seen, loved, and paid. Whether you’re eager to DIY your way to success or hire professionals to help you along the way–my goal is to make sure you walk away with the clarity you need to see the results you desire and build a life you love.
Table of Contents
Why DIY Headshots at Home Matter for Entrepreneurs
When it comes to building a brand, visuals aren’t just nice to have. They're essential. A strong headshot communicates professionalism, confidence, and approachability long before someone clicks “follow” or “book now.”
But while professional photography is a worthy investment, hiring a photographer every time you need fresh content isn’t always practical. Social media alone demands new visuals regularly, and that can get expensive fast.
That’s where DIY headshots come in. By learning how to take high-quality photos yourself, you can:
Boost your website credibility → People trust businesses that look polished and put together. A professional-looking photo on your “About” page goes a long way in creating that trust.
Elevate your social media presence → Eye-catching headshots and branded photos make your posts stand out, capture attention, and keep your feed looking cohesive.
Tell your brand story → Your headshots aren’t just pictures; they’re a way to communicate your values, your style, and your personality. DIY gives you the flexibility to capture images that align with your message—on your terms.
DIY headshots give you the freedom to refresh your brand visuals anytime, without breaking the bank while still looking polished and professional.
Lighting Basics: Natural Light vs. Ring Lights
If there’s one thing that can make or break your DIY headshots, it’s lighting and you don’t need a studio setup, just the right approach to light.
Why natural light is your best friend:
Natural light is soft, flattering, and free. It minimizes harsh shadows, brings out true colours, and creates that natural glow professional headshots are known for. You get natural light outside or through windows in your home.
How to find the best light in your home:
Look for a large window where daylight streams in.
North- or south-facing windows often give the most consistent, even light.
Mid-morning or late afternoon light works best—harsh midday sun can be too strong, especially if you're taking photos outside.
When to use ring lights:
Sometimes natural light isn’t available (late-night work sessions or cloudy days). A ring light is a great backup:
Provides consistent, even lighting.
Lets you shoot at any time of day.
Easy to move around and set up quickly.
Quick Do’s & Don’ts for DY Headshots at home:
✅ Stand 2–3 feet from your window or ring light for soft, even light.
✅ Face the light directly (not from the side or behind).
❌ Avoid standing in direct sunlight—it creates unflattering, harsh shadows.
❌ Don’t place the light above your head; it’ll cast shadows under your eyes, like you can see in this example →
With the right lighting, even the simplest phone camera can capture photos that look polished and professional.
Backgrounds That Work (and What to Avoid)
Your background sets the stage for your DIY headshots and it can either elevate your brand or distract from it.
Best location choices for at home brand photography:
Flat, neutral-coloured walls (white, grey, beige).
Minimal, clean spaces that don’t pull attention away from you.
Simple backdrops that can be used across your website, social media, and marketing materials.
Why cluttered or off-brand spaces hurt your visuals:
Busy backgrounds (like messy rooms, toys, or patterned walls) can make your photos look unprofessional. Worse, they confuse your audience about your brand identity. For example, a bold pink bedroom wall doesn’t make sense for a lawyer with navy blue and gold brand colours, but it might work well for a kids’ party planner.
Match your background to your business vibe:
Home office: Great for service-based entrepreneurs.
Kitchen: Perfect for food bloggers or nutritionists.
Creative studio/workshop: Ideal for makers, artists, and creatives.
While this isn't a bad photo that I've taken on our couch, it doens't match the vibe of my business. I'm wearing dark colours and sitting on a dark colour couch.
Pro Tip: Stand at least 3 feet away from the wall. This keeps shadows off the backdrop and creates a polished, professional look.
With the right background, your headshots won’t just look clean, they’ll also feel aligned with your brand story.
Outfit Selection for DIY Headshots
What you wear in your headshots speaks just as loudly as your background. Your outfit should instantly communicate your brand identity and help your audience connect with you.
Tips for choosing the right look:
Reflect your brand identity: If your brand is bold and vibrant, lean into bright colours. If it’s sleek and professional, go for classic, polished pieces.
Stick to your brand colours or neutrals: This keeps your images cohesive across your website, social media, and marketing materials.
Avoid busy patterns (unless they’re on-brand): Loud prints can clash with backgrounds and date your photos quickly.
Keep accessories simple: Minimal jewelry and accessories help your headshots look timeless and versatile.
Aim for 2–3 outfit options during your DIY shoot. This gives you variety for content without needing to another photoshoot so soon. This applies for at home brand shoots and ones done with professional photographers.
Posing Tips (With Examples)
For many entrepreneurs, the thought of posing for photos feels awkward — but it doesn’t have to. A few simple adjustments can make your DIY headshots look natural, approachable, and professional.
Simple headshot poses that always work
The Classic: Sit or stand tall, shoulders back, chin slightly forward. A gentle smile works wonders.
The Angle: Turn your body slightly (instead of straight-on) for a more relaxed, flattering shot.
The Lean: Rest one elbow on a table, desk, or chair back for a casual yet confident vibe.
See example below:
The Classic The Angle The Lean
*Excuse the bad crop on the second photo, Wix wasn't cooperating.
Tips for natural body language + expression
Think of someone you enjoy talking to — this helps your smile look genuine.
Drop your shoulders and take a deep breath before the photo to ease stiffness.
Practice micro-expressions in the mirror (a soft smile, a thoughtful look, a friendly laugh).
Incorporating props to reflect your brand:
Props not only help you feel less “posed” but also show your audience what you do. Try:
A coffee mug for a cozy, approachable vibe.
A laptop if your work is digital.
A notebook or planner to convey strategy and organization.
Take more photos than you think you need. The “in-between” shots (like when you laugh or look away) often end up being the most authentic but wouldn't happen if you only take a few photos.
DIY Photo Editing Made Simple
Once you’ve captured your DIY headshots, the magic really comes together in the edit. The good news? You don’t need expensive software or years of training to make your photos look polished and professional.
Tools to keep it photo editing simple:
Canva: Perfect for quick background removal and touch-ups. Great if you want a clean, distraction-free look or need your headshot on a branded background.
Lightroom (mobile or desktop): Ideal for adjusting brightness, colour balance, and sharpness. Think of it as fine-tuning your photo rather than changing it.
A quick, easy editing workflow:
Upload your photo into Canva or Lightroom.
Remove or clean up the background if needed (Canva’s one-click tool works wonders).
Adjust brightness and contrast to make your photo pop.
Warm up or cool down the tones to match your brand aesthetic.
Crop to center your face and maintain consistent framing.
Avoiding the over-editing trap:
Keep your skin texture visible (blurred, overly airbrushed photos can feel inauthentic).
Stick to minor tweaks — small changes in lighting and colour can completely transform a photo.
Remember: you want your audience to recognize you, not a heavily filtered version.
Save one “brand edit” preset in Lightroom (or note your favourite settings) so all your future headshots have a consistent, professional look.
Reminder: your whole house doesn't need to be picture perfect, a simple crop in the editing phase can do wonder, like it did in this example below.
How to Use Your New Headshots Across Your Brand
Now that you’ve created professional-quality DIY headshots, don’t just let them sit on your camera roll, put them to work! High-quality images build trust and recognition, and when used consistently across platforms, they strengthen your personal brand.
Where to use your headshots:
Website: Add them to your About page, blog author bio, and even your homepage for a personal touch.
Social Media: Use your headshot as your profile picture, add it to post graphics, or even feature it on reel covers for brand consistency.
Marketing Materials: Incorporate your photo into lead magnets, your email signature, and business cards — it helps potential clients connect with you immediately.
Collaborations: Share your headshot for guest blog posts, podcast features, or media opportunities. Having a professional image ready makes you look polished and credible.
Keep a small “headshot library” with 4–5 different poses/outfits so you can rotate them across platforms and keep your brand fresh without scheduling another shoot. This resource was created by Victoria Mae Photography, it's fabulous and I highly recommend you download it for ideas on where to use your new headshots.
Your best headshot is just a window (and a few smart tips) away.
And if you’d love a more polished, professional look, Grayson is here to help. If you're in Southwestern Ontario reach out to inquire about new photos for your business. His branding sessions capture the personality behind your business and give you a library of images you’ll be proud to use everywhere online.
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