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08 September 2023
If you’re a fashion photographer looking to build your portfolio, one thing you’ll be judged on is the quality of your beauty shots. A Clean Headshot is one of the most fundamental images you need to be able to take for your portfolio because it aims to capture the model in a more authentic form without any elaborate flair, it’ll show off the extent of your technical skills.
As such, you’ll want to use the right equipment to take the best possible photos. A great first step to take is to check if you’re using the ideal camera. To get you started, here are the best cameras to use for taking model headshots.
Fujifilm X-T30
Inspiration can strike at anytime, so you might want to avoid confining yourself to a studio. You will want a Digital Camera that fits in your pocket but takes more powerful photos than your phone. This is why you should consider the Fujifilm X-T30. This camera is mirrorless, meaning that it strikes the perfect balance of stellar DSLR functionality and point-and-shoot size—perfect for stunning headshots, whether outdoors and spontaneous or indoors and well-prepped. Its 26.1MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor and X-Processor 4 Quad-Core CPU can stand on their own in providing you with high-quality images of models’ faces. It also has phase-detection autofocus that can handle almost 100% frame coverage, so you’ll be guaranteed portraiture sharpness. Just make sure to use a simple backdrop, like a white wall, and you’ll be ready to take the perfect shot.
Sony a7R IV
If you’re willing to splurge, you’ll find your money’s worth in this Mirrorless Camera. Its full-frame 61-megapixel sensor means the headshots you take will only need minimal cropping and retouching. It also doesn’t skimp on Sony’s signature dynamic range, presenting you with vivid, well-exposed images. All the while, you’re guaranteed to keep that soulful model look via the device’s caliber autofocusing system. This system is especially exceptional in portraiture and can grant you a super shallow depth of field that puts the focus all on the subject—meaning it’ll be easier to compose shots that work best for your needs. Pick this camera if you want a device jam-packed with features useful for taking headshots.
Perhaps you’re still a bit new to the world of fashion photography. In that case, you’ll want a camera that’s simple to use but hypercompetent in the features it offers. Enter the Nikon D780—a user-friendly camera with excellent performance. Need portraits immediately for a casting call? Use its HDR shooting format to take colorful, dynamic portraits. Want to experiment with photo software? Shoot with the camera’s 10-bit N-Log optimized for post-process color grading. Regardless of how well you hold the camera, its 273-point PDAF system will assure you of razor-sharp portraits with great eye focus. You can also use its touchscreen LCD to control and navigate its menus. Pair that with a Camera Tripod for stable, hands-free photography, and you’ll be able to take solid headshots no matter your skill level.
You can’t go wrong with a classic. The Canon 5D Mark IV is precisely that—a flagship device released in 2016 that can still stand with the best of them when taking headshots. Its 30.4-megapixel full-frame sensor can render magnificently-detailed portraits that are easy to edit, yet in a small file size that won’t slow down your computer. Meanwhile, its DIGIC+ 6 image processor will grant your beauty shots a natural, organic look that can make them stand out from flashy pictures. You can even use the Mark IV’s 5-photo burst feature to help you better capture a model’s subtle micro-expressions. Pick this camera for reliability and its ability to capture beauty without gimmicks.
Headshots are an essential part of any fashion photographer’s portfolio. Consider using one of these cameras to grant yourself the best tool to take them.
