Nearly everyone who sits down for a headshot tells me they hate having their photo taken. It’s so common I’d be surprised if someone didn’t say it. So if that’s you, you’re in good company, and it’s my job to make it painless.
Why it feels awkward
Most people’s experience of being photographed is a phone held at arm’s length or a group photo where someone says “cheese”. Neither is flattering. A proper headshot uses better light, a better lens and someone who’s watching for the small things, like your chin pushing forward or your shoulders creeping up when you’re tense.
You don’t need to know how to pose. That’s what I’m there for.
What to wear
Keep it simple:
- Plain colours over busy patterns. Fine stripes and small checks can shimmer on camera.
- Something you’d wear to work, or slightly smarter. It should feel like you.
- Make sure it fits, especially around the shoulders and collar.
- Bring a spare if you’re not sure. A jacket on and off gives you two looks.
If it’s a team shoot, it’s worth agreeing a rough dress code so the photos sit together on the website. They don’t have to match, just look like they came from the same company.
What actually happens
A session usually takes ten or fifteen minutes per person. We’ll start with a few frames while we chat. These are almost never the ones you’ll use, and that’s fine. They’re for getting the light right and letting you settle in.
I’ll give you small directions as we go: turn your shoulders a little, weight on your back foot, chin slightly down. Then a bit of conversation, because a natural expression comes from talking, not from being told to smile.
Most people relax after a couple of minutes, once they realise it isn’t like the photo booth at the Post Office.
Glasses, make-up and hair
Wear your glasses if you normally do. I’ll angle the lights to keep reflections off the lenses. If you wear make-up, wear what you’d wear on a normal working day, perhaps with a bit of powder to cut shine. Get your hair cut a week before, not the day before.
Office or studio?
Both work. In the studio I have full control of the light and background, which is great for a consistent set across a whole team. On location, I can use your office, brand colours or a bit of the building, which gives a more relaxed look that’s good for websites and LinkedIn.
Picking the one
You’ll see the shots before anything is retouched, so you get a say in which ones make the cut. I’ll tidy up stray hairs, skin blemishes and anything temporary, but I won’t change what you look like. The aim is you on a good day, not someone else.
If you’re putting off updating your headshot, or need a set for the whole team, drop me a message.
