Having Your Headshot Taken Shouldn’t Feel Like a Trip to the Dentist

The Conversation That Started It

A few weeks ago, I was photographing headshots for a company who had hired space at Birmingham
University for their team meeting.

As I was setting up, I overheard one of the team say, “I hate having my photo taken, it is like a
trip to the dentist.”

Before I could reply, someone who had just finished their session jumped in: “No, honestly,
this guy is brilliant. Best photos I have ever had, and he made it fun too.”

That simple exchange made my day. It reminded me how often people expect a headshot session to be
uncomfortable, when in reality it can be a positive experience.

The Real Dentist Story

That same week, my mum had her actual dentist appointment cancelled again. She is in her eighties
and for decades has gone to the same practice in her town. Now they have gone private and she
has been left in the lurch. To get an appointment she has to travel out of town, and she does
not drive.

It is upsetting and unnecessary. Something that should feel simple and routine has become
stressful, impersonal and expensive.

It is Not the Camera, It is the Experience

When people say they dislike having their photo taken, it is rarely about the camera. It is about
how they have been photographed in the past: rushed, unprepared or made to feel awkward. If you
have ever left a photo session thinking, “That did not feel like me,” you will know what I mean.

Professional photography should not feel intimidating. It should be personal, reassuring and
enjoyable. When people feel comfortable, their true confidence shows, and that is what makes a
great headshot.

A Different Approach

This is why I have built my service differently. Instead of asking people to travel across town
or take half a day out of work, I bring the studio to you. Your office or meeting space becomes
a relaxed, professional setup where you can feel at ease in your own environment.

There is no stress, no waiting room and no sense of being on display. You get calm direction,
real time coaching and plenty of conversation. Most people finish by saying, “That was actually
fun,” and they mean it.

The Moment Confidence Clicks

Something special happens when people see themselves looking confident on screen for the first
time. That moment of recognition, “Oh, that is actually me,” changes everything. People forget
about the camera, the nerves fade and their genuine personality comes through.

That is the moment I love most. Photography stops being about equipment or technique and starts
being about people.

No Drills, No Nerves, Just You

No drills, no discomfort, no forced smiles. Just natural, confident portraits that feel authentic
to who you are.

A headshot session should never feel like a trip to the dentist. It should feel easy and
enjoyable, and it should leave you walking away a little taller.

If you'd like to see how a session works, here's what happens when I bring the studio to your office, or go straight to check availability.