My Approach to Shooting Headshots (and why I love doing them)

Why I love shooting headshots

Let’s be honest, there is something almost personal about shooting headshots. It’s a one-on-one experience with a person, typically someone I’m meeting for the first time, who is nervous about being there and maybe a little afraid when they first walk in. The sentence I hear more often than any other when a client arrives is, “I hate having my picture taken.” It’s kind of sad that we all have such a low opinion of ourselves, but I get it. I live there, too. And it is precisely why I love headshot sessions.

My first priority is to help put my clients at ease. To settle their nerves and encourage him or her to just be themselves. If they can let their guard down just a little everything will be fine. No, not fine, better than fine. Things will be great. You are beautiful just the way you are and your inherent beauty is what I want to capture.

I want every person who walks into my studio full of self-doubt and apprehension to walk out of my studio with a sense of empowerment. With the knowledge that they are a beautiful person and that they did a great job in front of the camera. Of course, I also want my clients to be in love with the photos we take. I hope that when they receive their new headshots they can’t wait to share them with the world.

When a client uses one of the headshots we create together as their profile picture it makes my day.

My Approach

I am committed to capturing the authentic YOU. Not a posed version of you. The only way I have found to do this is to get you to relax and let your guard down. So I rely on a couple of techniques that help you and I connect and allow you to forget about the camera to have some fun.

First, I am unapologetically me. I won’t ask you to put your guard down while I keep mine up. Not a chance. I decided long ago that the only version of me is the real one. The easiest version of ourselves is the one where we aren’t trying to be something or someone, we’re not. Just be you. It’s easy.

Second, I direct you. I don’t pose you. I might direct you to lean into the camera , or jam your forehead at me, or turn 30 degrees toward the moon. You never know what will come out of my mouth, but what I won’t do is pose you in a position that isn’t really you.

Third, I never use the S-word. No, not that one, I’m talking about the s-word Smile. I feel icky even typing it. No. That word is forbidden. Your headshot should not look like a 3rd-grade picture day photo. You know exactly what I’m talking about. I am after the most natural expression I can get out of you and I have my ways to get you there.
Lastly, I legitimately love what I do and it shows while I work. I literally can’t hide my joy. During my sessions, we laugh, we talk, and we get to know each other a little. Yes, I am passionate about my work, and the only way I know to express that passion is to have fun while I do it. I have never had a boring headshot session and I doubt I ever will.

Check out a couple of the silly outtakes next to the finished results below.

I am excited to work with you!

If you’re ready to update your headshot and have a good time while you do, it's super easy to get on my calendar; just choose your preferred day and time below!

As my daughter would say, “Easy peasy, mac and cheezy.”