You know that feeling when someone asks for your headshot and you immediately think, "Ugh... which one should I send?"
I hear this all the time.
Recently, a woman contacted me because she needed a new headshot. She is an author with a book that is about to be released, and she needs an image for the back of the book as well as upcoming speaking engagements, including one at the Easthampton Library.
People had been asking her for a photo to use for promotions, author bios, and publicity, and she realized she didn't really have one she felt good about.
Her last photo had been taken more than ten years ago by her husband. More recently, her mom had tried to take some pictures of her, but she felt uncomfortable and stiff in them. She wasn't able to relax and be herself.
Of course, I completely understand. It's hard to show our most confident and professional side to the people who know us best.
And this is exactly why I don't think a professional headshot is just about having someone with a good camera take your picture.
What makes a professional headshot different?
A good headshot isn't simply a technically good photograph. It should communicate something about the person in the photograph.
Before I take a single picture, I want to know:
Who is this image for?
Where will it be used?
How do you want people to perceive you?
What do you want people to feel when they see your photograph?
For an author, that might mean creating an image that feels confident, thoughtful, approachable, creative, or warm. It will also depend on the type of book they've written and how they want to show up as an author.
For a business owner, the image might feel polished and professional while still being personable.
Those words matter because they affect how I photograph you.
Someone who wants to come across as strong and confident may need different body language, clothing, expression, and direction than someone who wants the images to feel warm and approachable.
The goal isn't to turn you into someone you're not. It's to create an image that feels like you, while also reflecting the way you want to show up in the world.
Why I don't rush a headshot session
When someone is nervous in front of a camera, the answer isn't to tell them to "just relax" or make them feel like they're doing something wrong.
It is my job to create an atmosphere that feels relaxing and safe. When people feel comfortable, they're able to be more vulnerable, let their guard down, and actually be themselves.
Most of us don't suddenly become comfortable because someone points a camera at us. In fact, usually the opposite happens. The camera can be very intimidating.
We tense our shoulders. We clench our hands. Our jaw gets tight. We overthink our expression. We start wondering what our face is doing.
I'm watching for all of that.
I also draw on my years of teaching and practicing yoga to help people recognize where they're holding tension and learn how to soften.
Sometimes we'll literally shake it out. Move the shoulders. Loosen the hands. Move the jaw. Take a breath. Reset.
I spend time demonstrating poses, and I shake things out right along with my clients, so they don't feel silly doing it on their own.
Then we try again.
That little bit of movement can make a huge difference in how someone looks and, more importantly, how they feel in the photograph.
Your headshot is often your first introduction
Your photograph may appear on your website, LinkedIn profile, book publicity, a speaker bio, social media, an event announcement, or somewhere you haven't even thought of yet.
You want to be able to send it without that little moment of hesitation.
Not:
"Is this the best one I have?"
But:
"Yes. This feels like me."
That's one of my favorite things about creating headshots for people.
It's not just about creating a beautiful picture.
It's about helping someone feel confident putting themselves out there.
And when you have an image that feels authentic, current, and genuinely representative of you, sending that photograph off becomes easy.
Questions I hear all the time
Why should I get a professional headshot instead of asking a friend to take one?
A professional photographer is looking at much more than whether the camera is in focus. I'm watching your posture, expression, hands, tension, lighting, background, clothing, and the overall feeling you're communicating.
I'm also thinking about who will see the image and what you want that image to say about you.
What if I'm uncomfortable in front of the camera?
That's completely normal. My sessions are guided and unhurried, and I give you direction throughout the process. You don't need to know how to pose or know what to do with your hands. That's part of my job.
How often should I update my professional headshot?
Your headshot should reflect how you currently look and how you're currently presenting yourself professionally.
If your existing photo is many years old, or you've made changes to your appearance such as changing your hair color or getting glasses, it may be time for an update.
You don't want there to be a disconnect between the person someone sees online, in your book, or in an event announcement and the person they're about to meet in real life.
Need a headshot that actually feels like you? Learn more about my Headshot Photography sessions in Easthampton, MA.