If you think professional photos are for models and actors, you need to think again. Let’s face it, if you are still looking at glossy photographs of other people with a sigh, you really should read this post and re-frame what modern professional photography is all about.

I get it. Social media forces us to live our personal and professional lives out in the open. More than ever, images of our lives are out there for all to see. We live in a visual age and it’s easy to turn inwards upon ourselves, hating what we see, how we feel and where our lives are going.

It’s time to stop beating ourselves up. And be kind to ourselves.

As a modern headshot photographer it’s natural I believe a great headshot should be attached to your signature in every email, after all it’s the first thing people will see (& use it to make a judgement on your professionality). And it goes without saying, with 4.48 billion people using social media worldwide, professional profile photographs are expected amongst LinkedIn users and business owners. The truth is, once we make contact with a new friend or contact, the first thing we do is google their online presence to find out what they look like.

It takes one-tenth of a second to make a judgement on a person based on their looks and expression (even if we’ve never met them), so why wouldn’t you want modern headshot photos that make you look kind, warm, and honest?

Yes, most people book me because they want to look physically attractive whilst making them appear interesting, warm, outgoing, and socially skilled, however, what people don’t realize is that they are getting much, much more.

Modern headshot photo sessions boost your confidence, gives you closure from traumatic times, raise your self-esteem, open new chapters in your lives and help redefine how others (and yourself see you).

Here are 5 stories of real clients that were able to move on with their lives after visiting my professional headshot studio (names are changed to protect the identity of my clients).

The mental health benefits of getting modern headshot pictures are both physical and mental. Not only will you get the best possible pictures of yourself ever, but you’ll also find your confidence growing as the session progresses.

Jane, an author, wanted to professional photographs with warm and confident smiles to engage fellow writers on her online writing workshops. Previously she’d used photographs taken by her husband by the garden bush and she really didn’t think they did her justice.

I always share pictures from the back of the camera to help people feel in control of the session. It’s hard to be open and confident if you don’t know what is happening or how it is going.

Time and time again people have confided they left the modern headshot photo session with a spring in their step and a broad smile on their face.

Confidence is a state of mind, and during my sessions, I’m able to draw out your self-belief in your skills, ability, life experience, and vision. During the session, I help you relax, have faith in yourself, and refocus on your capability, skills, and knowledge in your chosen field of expertise.

Related: Author photos session

When I came to you I was thinking I wanted to get it over quickly but by showing me the photos as we went along I realized I was going to be able to have a far better portrait than I’d ever had before. This meant then I wanted to take time. One of the most helpful things I took away, apart from a lovely author photo, was the tips you gave me on how to stand etc. I had to do another short video and I used the standing slightly at an angle and putting my head forward as you’d told me and it looked so much better.

Having a positive attitude shines through in everything you do, so when you are ready to close the door on trauma and history that no longer serves you. Professional photography is a way of grabbing the world, giving it a shake, and shouting from the rooftops – I am here!

After my own weight loss journey and needing to cope with the challenges of Lockdown, I started my own self-portrait journey to do just that.

You can see some of the photographs here.

June arranged her first portrait session with me after the breakdown of a relationship and returns once a year because it is such a wonderful healing process. Professional photography helps people (re)define their identity and develop an unconditional sense of self-worth, “this is me …. and I am worth it!”

Related: Portrait sessions for women

Working with Amanda has greatly helped me build self-confidence, while exploring my creativity and getting to know myself. Amanda’s approach to photography is great for women wanting to use photography as a tool for expression, outside of the traditional opportunities to get pictures of yourself: wedding, portraits, etc. I am very happy I have found Mandy and I look forward to more photoshoots together!

Self-esteem is how we feel about ourselves and I work hard to make sure everyone leaves my studio feeling a little lighter, happier, and more optimistic about their career goals, auditions, and CVs than when they left.

Enjoying a modern headshot photo session is no longer just a luxury for professionals or models. Working with a professional photographer is an enjoyable way to release accumulated stress from your daily life and helps you realize what talents and skillsets you genuinely have.

Seeing beautiful portraits of yourself changes the way you look at yourself in the mirror, the way you think about yourself as you fall asleep (no more whispering, ‘I hate you’), and makes you feel valued again.

Related: Do you dread having your photograph taken?

This was my second time working with Mandy and she didn’t let me down. Both times I have come out with photos I didn’t even know could be real. She made me feel so comfortable and at ease in front of the camera and was so lovely and welcoming. After never having finding the right person for professional headshots, I couldn’t recommend Mandy enough!

A lot of people contact me because they need a new professional headshot, and I always do a little dance as it is such a positive experience – a welcome opportunity to launch a new book, redesign a website, move onto new relationships, apply for a dream job and carve out new roles akin to a painter helping to reflect our ideal self.

This doesn’t mean losing yourself or pretending to be someone you’re not. The best way to create modern headshot portraits that glow is by being your authentic self. That way, when you take the first tentative step to open new doors you will feel more confident, build trust and earn the respect and integrity from the new people who cross your path in the future.

Some of the best feedback I receive are stories about:

• Meeting the love of their life on dating sites (and asking me to photograph their first baby)
• New careers with a dream job in London
• Launching modelling careers that span decades of success
• Honouring loves ones as they pass away
• Thanking mothers and fathers for their love and support

Related: How to look good in photos

Pleasure working with Mandy again. She’s so talented and a lovely soul to work with, Thank you for being part of my journey to motherhood and helping me capture stunning images, which I shall treasure forever.

During Eve’s two-hour photoshoot, with time away from family, work, and pressures of daily life, she had the time to talk about her career goals, identify what she really wanted from life and narrow down what was important to her. The questionnaire helps because it opens up conversations that are easy to overlook, knowing I was curious and interested in Eve’s goals and aspirations make her feel special. And getting Eve to confide in her dreams makes her think of the risks, excitements, and ambitions. All of these thoughts help Eve reaffirm her determination to become a leader for women who need to tap into their spiritual side.

You are exceptionally good at what you do, we were both so impressed. Strongly recommend! We absolutely love them. You have absolutely nailed the brief x

Remember, that above all else, when using a modern portrait photographer for your headshots you are giving yourself permission to feel deeply, remind yourself of your own truth and have the confidence to take a positive step forward towards what you believe in.

Whilst planning your modern headshot I encourage you to take inspiration in identifying the positive in yourself – what are you good at, what are your successes in life, what are you proud of? The best version of yourself is who you are right now, redefining yourself means stopping the negative self-talk and reminding yourself there is plenty to feel good about, right now.

During your professional photo session I strive hard to make you feel good about yourself; give yourself a break and allow yourself to shine!

From time to time, you’ll feel bad about yourself. You will want to buy new clothes or lose some weight before you contact me. But it’s time to take the first step, and let me show you how; rediscovering yourself is half the fun, isn’t it?

Wow, these are amazing! Thank you so, so much once again. I’m really glad I did this, and as always really appreciate the work you are doing-especially for women like me who need a helping hand to step in front of the camera. When I look at these photos, I don’t feel like I’m looking at one of my controlled selfies or an artifice, but my actual self!

I’ve photographed hundreds of people just like you. People that want honest, open, and confident photographs that shine with laughter and love. If you’re looking to book a headshot or purchase a gift voucher, I’m only a phone call away!

Please contact the Isle of Wight Studio on +44 (0)1983 617383 or Mandy on +44 (0)7719316609, email [email protected] or fill in the form below and let me know why you need new photos!