Photo shoot: the experiment

The dilemma

You need new headshots for all executive-level employees. You have a budget that would cover the costs, but how do you actually wind up not using all or not even using half of it? By doing headshots yourself. If you've even taken a picture with a camera and used PhotoShop, you're steps ahead.

How you do it

Step 1: Invest in a digital camera: If you don't have a digital camera, a camera phone with great resolution will suffice. I recommend Samsung's u740. The phone takes great pictures in the light, and with the right lighting, takes even better pictures in the dark.

Step 2: Gather your backgrounds and props: if props are needed, such as a hammer or a butterfly, have those handy. The goal here is to be prepared for the unexpected.

Step 3: Determine your best lighting area: if you have lamps nearby, those will work fine. Be sure your subject is facing the lighting and, like the old adage goes, "get their best side."

Step 4: Begin your photo session. Have fun with it, and your customers will have fun as well. My suggestion would be to have them pose in front of the mirror to make a mental note of their prize-winning smile. This way, when they take the picture, they have already practiced their smile, and don't have to waste time.

Step 5: Review the photos after taking them. Let them see them. If they want to try something different, let them!It's better for them to be comfortable with the end result.

Once you've taken the pictures. It's time to let real fun begin. Invest in some stock photography from istockphoto.com. The stock is really cheap, and once you buy the backgrounds, you can use them again and again. Edit your photos in Adobe PhotoShop and affix the pictures to the background. Make sure you have really cleaned up the image.

Once you have created your photographs for distribution, share them with people and see what they think. Chances are, if they are fooled and think the photos are "professionally-done," who's to say you can't fool others?

The results

If you follow these instructions, you should create great, professional looking images. Done in the most inexpensive way and with cash to spare. Take a look--you be the judge.