https://ucarecdn.com/fece5649-3200-4854-a8fd-87e49bb5df7c/-/crop/384x383/0,172/-/preview/ cover

Recommended Gear for Headshot Photography

4 stacks
Building a reliable headshot setup starts with the right tools. This guide outlines the core gear needed to achieve clean, consistent results using the Headshot Crew method. From lighting and tethering to grip and lens selection, these essentials will get you started and on your way to capturing strong, engaging expressions.

A strong tethering setup is essential for real-time image review and consistent results. The recommended workflow pairs Capture One Pro with Tether Tools gear to ensure fast, stable, and professional-grade connectivity between camera and computer.

Main Content Image
captureone.com
Capture One Pro | Professional Photo Editing Software

Edit like a pro with Capture One Pro. Experience powerful color control, precision tools, and a seamless workflow. Download now and elevate your photography.

Main Content Image
tethertools.com
Cables and Adapters for Tethering

TetherPro cables and adapters are essential tools for photographers and videographers, ensuring fast and reliable data transfers. Tether Tools is dedicated to optimizing your tethered workflow with high-quality products that meet industry standards.

Main Content Image
tethertools.com
Tether Table Aero System

The Tether Table Aero System allows you to build a portable, stable workstation that fits your unique needs. Start with any tripod or C stand, add a stable, lightweight, and portable Tether Table laptop platform and accessorize the set up as you see fit.

Main Content Image
evoto.ai
Evoto AI Photo Editor & Portrait Retouching

Use Evoto AI Photo Editor - Pro image editing software & photography workflow to retouch skin, adjust color, remove background, de-wrinkle clothes and more.

Main Content Image
spotmyphotos.com
SpotMyPhotos

Easily share event photos in real-time, privately to guests’ phones. Software used worldwide by photographers, photo booths and event professionals.

Main Content Image
calibrite.com
Display Devices - Calibrite - United States

Explore Calibrite's range of display devices designed for accurate color calibration and enhanced visual performance. Our products cater to professionals in photography, videography, and design, ensuring your displays meet the highest standards.

When it comes to headshot photography, nearly any modern camera—DSLR or mirrorless—can deliver excellent results. What matters most is how confidently and comfortably you can operate it. While full-frame sensors are preferred for their shallow depth of field and clean image quality, crop-sensor cameras can still produce professional-grade results when paired with the right lens.

Main Content Image
bhphotovideo.com
Canon EOS R5 Mirrorless Camera

Explore the Canon EOS R5, a high-performance mirrorless camera designed for professional photographers and videographers. With its advanced features, including 45MP resolution and 8K video capabilities, the R5 is perfect for capturing stunning images and videos.

Main Content Image
bhphotovideo.com
Canon EOS R5 Mark II

The Canon EOS R5 Mark II is a high-performance mirrorless camera designed for professional photographers and videographers. With advanced features like 8K video recording and superior autofocus, it offers exceptional image quality and versatility for various shooting scenarios.

Main Content Image
bhphotovideo.com
Canon EOS R6 Mark II

Explore the features and specifications of the Canon EOS R6 Mark II, a versatile mirrorless camera designed for both photography and videography. Discover its advanced capabilities, including improved autofocus, enhanced image quality, and 4K video recording.

Main Content Image
bhphotovideo.com
Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS Lens

Explore the features of the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS lens, designed for full-frame mirrorless cameras. This versatile lens offers exceptional image quality, advanced stabilization, and a wide zoom range suitable for various photography styles.

Main Content Image
bhphotovideo.com
Canon RF 85mm F2 STM Lens

Discover the Canon RF 85mm F2 STM lens, designed for portrait photography with exceptional image quality and performance. This lens features a fast aperture and advanced optical design, making it ideal for capturing stunning images in various lighting conditions.

Main Content Image
bhphotovideo.com
Canon RF 70-200mm f/4 Lens

Explore the Canon RF 70-200mm f/4 lens, designed for high-quality photography with versatility and performance. Ideal for both professionals and enthusiasts, this lens offers exceptional image quality and a compact design.

The Headshot Crew teaches a signature three-light setup that forms the foundation of our lighting approach. This arrangement enhances facial structure, opens up the jawline, and creates natural separation between the subject and the background for a clean, professional look.

Main Content Image
fjwestcott.com
Flex Cine Peter Hurley Bi-Color Studio Kit

The Flex Cine Peter Hurley Bi-Color Studio Kit is designed by renowned portrait photographer Peter Hurley, ideal for creating professional headshots. This complete 3-light kit includes dimmers, power adapters, mounting hardware, and a wheeled storage case, featuring high output flexible LED mats adjustable from 2800K to 6000K with a high CRI of 97.

Main Content Image
fjwestcott.com
Flex Cine Peter Hurley Bi-Color Travel Kit

The Flex Cine Peter Hurley Bi-Color Travel Kit is designed for portrait photographers seeking to create professional headshots. This complete 3-light kit includes dimmers, power adapters, mounting hardware, and a wheeled storage case, featuring high output flexible LED mats with impressive color accuracy.

Main Content Image
fjwestcott.com
L60-B Bi-Color COB LED (60W)

The L60-B Bi-Color COB LED is a portable lighting solution that is 20% smaller than similar COBs, making it ideal for video and photo content creators. It features adjustable bi-color light output ranging from 2700K to 6500K, ensuring consistent high color accuracy with a CRI of up to 97, perfect for reducing post-production corrections.

Main Content Image
fjwestcott.com
L120-B Bi-Color COB LED (120W)

This ultra-compact 120W bi-color light expands the L Series line of high-quality, color-accurate LEDs for filmmakers, with an SSI of 92 and CRI/TLCI of 98+. It offers exceptional value with durable metal housing and output up to 23,900 lux at 1m with its ultra reflector.

Main Content Image
fjwestcott.com
FJ200 Strobe

The FJ200 Strobe is a compact and portable 200Ws lighting solution designed for photographers. It features integrated wireless communication with HSS, TTL, and more, along with an intelligent round head design for superior light output and an impressive recycle time.

Main Content Image
fjwestcott.com
FJ400 II Touchscreen Strobe with FJ Pro AC/DC Battery

The FJ400 II Touchscreen Strobe offers portable 400Ws flash power in a compact design, ideal for both on-location and studio photography. With the fastest recycle times from 0.01 to 0.9 seconds and a reliable FJ Pro AC/DC battery delivering over 550 full-power flashes, this strobe ensures you never miss a shot.

Using a tripod is a fundamental part of the Headshot Crew shooting method. Locking in the correct camera height ensures consistent framing across sessions and allows you to fully concentrate on directing your subject. A stable tripod also helps reduce fatigue during longer shoots, making your workflow more efficient.

Main Content Image
feisol.net
FEISOL Elite Tripod CT-3472LV Mark 2 Rapid

The FEISOL Elite Tripod CT-3472LV Mark 2 features a leveling center column for quick adjustments, making it ideal for photographers seeking stability and versatility. This tripod is designed for both amateur and professional use, ensuring reliable performance in various shooting conditions.

Main Content Image
feisol.net
FEISOL Tournament Tripod CT-3442 Rapid

The FEISOL Tournament Tripod CT-3442 Rapid is designed for professional photographers seeking a lightweight yet sturdy support for their cameras. It features rapid leg locking mechanisms and a compact design, making it ideal for travel and outdoor photography.

Main Content Image
arca-swiss-usa.com
monoball® p0 – ARCA-SWISS USA

The ARCA-SWISS monoball® p0 is the ultimate tripod head for photographers seeking ease of use, speed, and control. Its patented aspherical ball and three locking elements ensure smooth camera movement in any axis.

Main Content Image
arca-swiss-usa.com
monoball® p1+ – ARCA-SWISS USA

With its black finish and sleek, minimal design, the ARCA-SWISS monoball® p1+ tripod head is as stylish as it is functional. It is the ultimate choice for professional photographers who require stability, speed, and flexibility.

Main Content Image
msegrip.com
Kit - Light/Medium with Brake - Black

Discover the compact and lightweight Kit - Light/Medium with Brake - Black, ideal for custom lighting kits. Features a brake shoe system & increased stability.

Main Content Image
msegrip.com
MERF Stand - Perfect for Photographers on the Move

Discover MERF Stand - the ultimate small, robust kit stand with T-Handles and reverse folding legs. Fits in your backpack, extends to 7'5".