Nervous About Your Headshot? Here's What Actually Helps
Most people I photograph are nervous at the start. Here's what actually helps, from expression coaching to knowing what to expect on the day.
Some people apologise for being nervous before I've even set up the lights. A few have rescheduled before finally making their session.
That's all completely normal. And if you're reading this because you've got a session coming up (or you're thinking about booking one but keep putting it off), this is for you.
It's not about posing
Here's what I've noticed after hundreds of sessions: the anxiety almost never comes from vanity. It comes from not knowing what to do. Where do you look? What do you do with your hands? How do you smile without looking forced?
That uncertainty is what makes people tense up. And a tense face in a headshot looks exactly how you'd expect; stiff, awkward, not like you at all.
The good news is that none of that is your problem to solve. It's mine.
What expression coaching actually means
I don't just point a camera at you and hope for the best. Throughout the session, I give you small, specific directions. Chin down slightly. Eyes to me. Relax your jaw. Now a slight smile, just with your eyes.
You don't need to think about what looks good. You just need to follow simple instructions, and I'll watch the screen and tell you when we've got it.
Most clients are surprised by this. They expected to stand there feeling awkward while I clicked away. Instead, it's more like a conversation where I happen to be holding a camera. By the time we're ten minutes in, the nerves have usually gone.
A few things that genuinely help beforehand
I'm not going to give you a long list of tips. But the things I see make the biggest difference are simpler than you'd think.
Sleep is the main one. Tiredness shows in your face more than almost anything else. Your eyes look smaller, your skin looks duller, and you carry tension in your forehead. An early night before your session is worth more than any amount of preparation.
Hydration matters too. It sounds basic, but your skin photographs noticeably better when you've been drinking water. Start the day before if you can.
The one thing I'd avoid is practising in the mirror. I know it's tempting. But rehearsing expressions usually makes things worse, because you turn up with a face you've prepared rather than a natural one. Trust that I'll guide you on the day. That's what expression coaching is for.
What happens when you arrive
Knowing the process takes away most of the uncertainty, so here's what a typical session looks like.
I'll already have the lighting and backdrop set up when you arrive. We'll have a quick chat about what you need the images for and how you want to come across. Then we start shooting, and I'll direct you the whole way through.
After about 30 to 40 minutes, we'll stop and look through the images together on the spot. You pick your favourites, and I'll have them edited and in your inbox within two working days.
That's it. No all-day commitment. No changing rooms. No awkward waiting around while someone adjusts equipment. Most people are done and back to their day within the hour.
The nerves usually disappear fast
I photograph a lot of people who describe themselves as camera-shy. By the halfway point of nearly every session, they've relaxed. Some even enjoy it, though most won't admit that until they see the results.
The reason is simple: when someone is giving you clear direction and you can see that the images are looking good, the anxiety has nothing left to feed on. You stop worrying about how you look because you can see it's working.
If you're nervous, that's a good reason to book
It might sound backwards, but the people who are most nervous beforehand are often the ones who are happiest with their photos. They come in expecting to hate the experience. They leave surprised.
I work with camera-shy people every week. It's a normal part of the job, and I've got it covered.
If you've been putting off getting a headshot because you're dreading it, that's exactly what I'm here for. You can read more about how I help you look your best, or take a look at my preparation guide so you know what to expect on the day.