Is It Easier to Shoot Guys as a Headshot Photographer? Simpler yes, but possibly harder!
As a headshot photographer, one of the most common questions I encounter is whether it’s easier to photograph men or women. While the answer is not always straightforward, there are some general trends and differences to consider.
Yes it’s simpler, but that isn’t always better. I don’t mean what im about to say sound chauvinistic or blokey.. but there’s some truth in it. I as a middle aged man, when I wake up and look in the mirror at 7am on a Friday February morning, I may see myself and think damn, im a 4 at best today, stick with me, I wash, do my hair, maybe moisturise , have a coffee and think ok, Im back at a 6 we can do this.
Now women, or anyone who presents as someone with hair and makeup in their daily routine. You can look in the mirror as the same 4 at 7am, and Id bet you can get yourself to a 7 or 8 with the right processes you may have spent time researching and experimenting with for many years. You have more options to improve on the base line.
This is all said with love and humour, I don’t think we should rate ourselves in the morning but im using it to make a point. Whilst yes, women, you may complain about how much harder yo have it and how much more work and effort goes into your shoot - and it does - but the plus side is you have potential to work with, If I don’t like the way I look in the mirror today, my option is basically try to look in the mirror less today.
From a technical standpoint, photographing men can be simpler at times—fewer variables like hair and wardrobe come into play. However, this simplicity doesn’t always mean the shot is easier to perfect. Let’s explore why it might be easier in some situations to photograph men, but also why women’s headshots may offer a greater range of creative possibilities.
Yes, Sometimes It’s Simpler to Shoot Guys
When photographing men, there tends to be less variation in terms of hairstyle, makeup, and wardrobe. In many cases, men have shorter hairstyles that are easier to manage in front of the camera. There are fewer concerns about flyaways, texture, or volume adjustments, which can sometimes become a point of focus when working with women. Additionally, many men tend to have simpler, more consistent clothing choices—think solid colors, simple cuts, and fewer accessories—making wardrobe coordination less complex.
These factors create a streamlined shooting experience. With fewer elements to adjust, you can focus more on the fundamentals of lighting, composition, and posing. There’s a certain predictability that can make shooting men feel easier, especially when you're working with clients who stick to a classic look: a well-fitted shirt or suit, a clean shave or a well-groomed beard, and minimal distractions.
But Simpler Isn’t Always Better
However, the ease of shooting men shouldn’t be confused with the idea that it’s always better. While fewer variables can reduce complexity, they also reduce creative freedom. With a more limited palette to work from, the opportunity to push boundaries or make dramatic, standout shots becomes more difficult.
Headshots for men can sometimes risk feeling too generic or uniform if not approached carefully. The challenge lies in ensuring that the shot still feels unique, even with the simplicity of the subject. Men’s portraits often rely heavily on subtleties in facial expression, lighting, and posture. If the right emotional or professional tone isn't captured, the shot can feel flat or unremarkable.
Women’s Headshots: More Opportunities for Creative Expression
On the other hand, shooting women often comes with more opportunities for artistic direction and exploration. With a wider variety of clothing options, more diverse hairstyles, and a broader range of makeup choices, there’s much more room to tweak and refine the shot. You can experiment with different necklines, color schemes, and textures in clothing. Softening the makeup, changing the lipstick shade, or switching the hairstyle mid-session can alter the mood of the shot significantly.
The Role of Wardrobe and Makeup
Wardrobe and makeup can be powerful tools for women’s headshots because they allow for quick, noticeable changes. Different clothing styles can convey different personas or professional roles, and makeup can be used to highlight features, correct imperfections, or enhance a subject’s natural look. When photographing women, the potential to enhance or refine these elements is greater, which can make the final shot feel more polished and tailored to the individual.
The ability to change the entire mood with a few adjustments to the hair, makeup, or outfit gives headshot photographers more options to work with. This can result in a wider variety of images and allow for a more diverse portfolio of work.
Challenges with Women’s Headshots
However, there’s a downside to this increased range of options. Women may have more hairstyle and wardrobe choices, but this also means there’s more to consider in terms of making the right decisions for the shot. Hair may need to be styled just right to avoid flat or overdone looks, makeup may need more attention to avoid a distracting effect, and clothing choices can sometimes be overwhelming when trying to select what works best for the character or mood of the photo.
Also, while the abundance of options can feel like a positive, it can become overwhelming if a photographer is unsure of the best direction to take. Sometimes, having too many possibilities makes it harder to settle on a direction, while working with fewer options may offer a bit more clarity.
Conclusion: There’s No One-Size-Fits-All Answer
In conclusion, whether it's easier to shoot men or women for headshots ultimately depends on the context and the specific goals of the shoot. While men’s headshots are often simpler due to fewer variables in hair, makeup, and wardrobe, this simplicity can sometimes limit the creative possibilities for making the image stand out. Women’s headshots, on the other hand, offer a greater range of options for customization, allowing for more creative expression, but this added complexity can also make it harder to navigate the best choices.
Ultimately, whether shooting men or women, the most important element of any headshot is capturing the essence of the subject in a way that aligns with their professional goals. Both men’s and women’s headshots come with their own unique challenges and opportunities, and it’s up to the photographer to navigate these elements to create an impactful, authentic image.