EPISODE SUMMARY
Landing high-quality, profitable headshot gigs isn’t about having a studio full of fancy gear — it’s about showing up ready, agile, and dialed into what clients actually value. If you want to make real money doing professional headshots with a kit you can fly with, this episode gives you every step. You’ll learn how to deliver striking, consistent results and pitch this service with confidence, even on the go.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE
- Build a portable, cost-effective headshot kit that fits in a carry-on and delivers premium results every time.
- Choose and set up backgrounds that flatter your subject and match client needs—even in cramped or unpredictable spaces.
- Control and modify lighting (including speedlights and hair lights) for flattering, professional headshots anywhere.
- Confidently direct, engage, and pose your subjects so they look relaxed, natural, and approachable—every single shoot.
- Batch your workflow for high-volume headshot sessions and streamline everything from setup to delivery.
- Sell the value of professional, consistent headshots to business clients and secure more recurring, higher-paying bookings.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Simple gear, used well, outperforms an expensive kit that’s hard to travel with.
- Lighting placement and power ratios make or break your headshot results in mixed or challenging environments.
- A medium gray backdrop is your versatile, never-fail choice for headshots—clients love it even when they don’t know why.
- How you interact with your subject matters more than technical perfection.
- The real value to clients isn’t “pictures,” it’s credibility, trust, and a unified brand image for their team.
TOPICS COVERED WITH TIMESTAMPS
[00:00] Why headshot setup matters for making money
[00:41] Choosing setups for travel and volume
[01:09] Essential kit and gear list for traveling photographers
[02:20] Building a simple and affordable headshot setup
[03:38] Managing ambient lighting and window challenges
[04:52] Picking and managing backdrops in tight spaces
[06:21] Step-by-step gear assembly and setup
[08:01] Lighting: key light and hair light explained
[10:07] Umbrellas, modifiers, and lighting control
[12:40] Favorite gear brands and why they hold up
[13:52] Why the hair light makes a difference
[15:43] Tips for separating subjects from the background
[17:04] Setting light power ratios for perfect shots
[19:09] Camera choices, lenses, and cross-brand compatibility
[20:11] Overcoming bad ballroom (and residential) lighting
[22:19] How to choose the right lens for headshots
[23:29] Batch editing, tripods, and marking subject placement
[24:42] Using gaff tape and other workflow tricks
[25:30] Live shooting and adjusting on the fly
[27:47] Selling the value of headshots to business clients
[29:03] Directing subjects and building their confidence
[32:40] Secret tips for instantly relaxing your subject
[34:20] Travel kit essentials recap—what to pack
[35:21] Super tip: put an AirTag in your bag
[36:00] Final words and where to go for more resources
INVENTORY
Medium Gray Backdrop
(2) Westcott Fj80
Westcott FJ-X3s
53" Westcott Umbrella
Grid or Softbox for Hair Light
Sony Alpha 7 IV with 24-105mm 4.0
Don't forget the mirror, lint roller, gum or mints
SETTINGS
Shutterspeed: 1/160
Aperture: F 4.0
ISO: 200
WB: 6500K
RESOURCES & LINKS MENTIONED
- Sheddingthewedding.com – community and learning hub
CONNECT WITH DON & EMILY
Transition to B2B Photography:
https://sheddingthewedding.com
Follow Don & Emily on Instagram: http://instagram.com/themamones
Official Website: http://themamones.com
