The Headshot Session for People Who’d Rather Not Have a Headshot Session
- Emily Graham
- Jul 17
- 3 min read
"I'm really awkward."
"I never like photos of myself."
"I have no idea what to do."
"Please don't make me do anything cringey."
Just a few of the things I regularly hear from people when they enquire about headshots or personal branding photography. The funny thing is, most people feel like this.
They're not models. They're not spending their weekends posing for the camera. They're business owners, healthcare professionals, creatives, consultants, coaches and freelancers who suddenly realise their LinkedIn photo is ten years old, their website doesn't have a decent photo of them, or they're launching something new and need images that actually represent who they are.
They know they need professional photos.
They just don't particularly want to be photographed.
Why do we hate photos of ourselves?
I think part of it is that we're so used to seeing ourselves in the mirror that photographs can feel strange.
We notice things nobody else would ever notice.
We focus on one expression, one angle, one tiny detail and completely miss the bigger picture.
We're often far more critical of ourselves than we would ever be of another person.
When you're looking at someone else's headshot, you're probably thinking they look friendly, professional, approachable or confident.
When you're looking at your own, you're analysing your smile and wondering what your hair was doing.
The problem with waiting
A lot of people put off booking headshots because they're waiting to feel more confident.
Maybe after they've lost weight.
Maybe when work is less busy.
Maybe when they've updated their wardrobe.
Maybe when they feel more comfortable in themselves.
The problem is that there will always be another reason to wait.
Meanwhile, your website still doesn't really show who you are.
Your LinkedIn profile still has a photo from years ago.
Or you're putting yourself forward for opportunities without images that feel current and professional.
You don't need to feel completely confident before booking a session.
Most people don't.
What it's actually like to work with me
The biggest surprise for most clients is that it doesn't feel how they imagined.
There's no pressure to know how to pose.
No expectation that you'll suddenly become a different person the moment a camera appears.
Before the session, we'll talk about you, your work and what you need the images for.
Do you want to come across as approachable? Professional? Creative? Warm? Confident? A bit of all of the above?
Then during the shoot, I'll guide you through everything.
We'll chat, move around, try different options and keep things relaxed.
I'll give direction when you need it and make small adjustments as we go.
Most people settle into it much faster than they expect because they're focused on the conversation rather than worrying about the camera.
I've photographed hundreds of people over the years, and I can honestly say I've never met anyone who was impossible to photograph.
Even the people who were absolutely convinced they would be.
Why professional photos matter
Not because you need to look perfect.
Not because everyone loves having professional photographs taken.
Because people connect with people.
Whether you're running a business, updating your LinkedIn profile, speaking at events, applying for a new role or launching a new service, your photo is often the first impression someone gets of you.
It just needs to look like you on a really good day.
Approachable.
Professional.
Friendly.
Trustworthy.
The person your clients, colleagues and friends already know.
A few things that help if you're nervous
Don't spend weeks worrying about how to pose. That's my job.
Wear something that feels like you rather than something you think you're supposed to wear.
Remember why you're doing it. The goal isn't to enjoy every second of being photographed. The goal is to have images that work hard for you afterwards.
And perhaps most importantly, stop assuming you're the most awkward person I've ever photographed.
I promise you're not.
A final thought
You don't need to love having your photo taken.
You don't need to be naturally confident in front of a camera.
You don't need to know how to pose.
You don't need to wait until you've changed something about yourself.
You just need a photographer who understands that most people feel exactly the same way.
And if you're reading this thinking, "This sounds like me," then you're probably exactly the kind of person I love working with!
Thank you for taking the time to read this blog, I really hope you found it helpful. Please get in touch if you want to know more about any of the photography services I offer, including:
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