You’ve come to the right blog if you are nervous about getting your headshots taken. I don’t think a day goes by without a prospective client telling me they hate being photographed.
Read on for ways to turn your headshots into an amazing experience (with great results) even if you are nervous!
Explore WHY you feel this way
I don’t dwell on this topic, but it’s important. Many of us hate being photographed because of a bad photo experience in the past. I get it, I’ve had bad pictures taken of me and it affected how I looked at myself. After that I was timid to be photographed again, and I’m a photographer! I’m here to tell you that when I do the photo session, you will not only feel better about being photographed, you will LOOK at yourself in a much more positive light.
Distraction
Wait for it… best way to distract yourself during the photo session is to focus on something completely arbitrary. Ever see the move “Bull Durham” where Tim Robbins’ character distracts himself from pitching with the garter on his leg? Well I’m hear to tell you distraction WORKS! When you feel a bit nervous, your self talk matters. Instead of telling yourself, “Gosh I feel nervous”, distract yourself with “Wow, my HAIR looks GREAT today”. Seriously, it works. Also, remember fear and excitement release the same chemical in the body. So, tell yourself, “guess I’m just EXCITED!”
Trust
To get great pictures, you will need to TRUST me. I’ve got you. I’ve been taking headshots for 18 years. I know trust is earned. One of the ways I build trust is to find common connection between us. As I photograph you, I will show you a few of the images. After you see that we’ve got some GREAT shots, you will relax and the trust will grow. Promise!
Photograph QUICKLY
One big reason to use a PRO photographer, is that we’ve had YEARS of experience posing and directing sessions. With LOTS of practice, less time is needed to produce success. I can produce amazing headshots in as little as TEN minutes. I can promise our sessions are fast and painless. And you can do anything for 10 minutes, right?
Catch the moment “in between”
As the session progresses, it gets easier. I’m not beyond asking for faces like THESE. It’s often the smile that follows that is the most relaxed. And overall, RELATABILITY wins!!
DON’T look at the camera
Yep, NOT looking at the camera can we WAY better for those who hate being photographed. I can often get much more natural expressions by looking AWAY.
NO smile is often better
I won’t tell you to smile (with teeth) unless you want to. Sometimes, a pensive, laser focus is better. It shows connection and expression.
If you don’t love being photographed, and need a GREAT, quick and painless headshot, give Kelly Weaver Photography a try. GET STARTED here or call 720-201-0402
