The Biggest Headshot Mistake I See

Last week, I photographed more than 60 people during a headshot event. And as people stepped in front of the camera, I heard some version of the same thing over and over:

"I hate having my photo taken."

"I never know what to do."

"I'm not photogenic."

The funny thing is that almost nobody actually had a photography problem. They had a perception problem.

Most people think a successful headshot is about looking perfect. It isn't. A successful headshot is about helping someone feel like they already know you. Think about the last time you visited a company website, looked someone up on LinkedIn, or reviewed a speaker's bio. You probably weren't analyzing every detail of their appearance. You were making a quick decision:

"Do they seem approachable?"

"Do they seem confident?"

"Would I want to work with them?"

The best professional portraits answer those questions before a single word is exchanged.

That's why so much of my job has nothing to do with cameras. It's helping people relax. Giving them something to do with their hands. Adjusting posture by an inch. Getting a genuine expression instead of a forced smile. Creating an image that feels like them on a really good day. And when that happens, people often tell me the same thing after seeing their photos:

"You made me feel so comfortable, and now those photos actually look like me."

That's always my goal.

Whether you need a better LinkedIn photo since it hasn't been updated in a while, or updated website imagery, or if your current headshot no longer feels like you, I'd love to help.

Let's connect

See you next month,
​Autumn