How to command respect in your promotional headshots even if you are camera shy

Do you need to update your promotional headshots? Learn how to feel more confident in front of the camera with this free guide.

How to look more confident in seconds

I’m a promotional headshot photographer who wants to help you feel more confident in front of the camera.

Feeling comfortable during a promotional headshot session can be a challenge, but I want to help you overcome it.

As your photographer, I will work with you to find your best angles and help you feel more comfortable in front of the camera so your promotional headshots shine with confidence.

It is my goal to help you capture your best expressions and create promotional headshots that help you connect with your audience, capture the attention of casting directors, and reach your clients.

Say goodbye to your confidence issues

Include these 3 things in your promotional headshots

1. Smile! Confidence starts with your smile. It is hard to describe but you can spot it as soon as you see it. Look at the promotional headshot below to see what I mean.

A confident smile can be confused with being such as the misplaced confidence of a car salesman. Whilst the quiet smile of the Mona Lisa has intrigued viewers for centuries.  My promotional headshots are known for assured, confident gazes that have a twinkle in the eye.

How to get a confident smile

I use these strategies:

• Connecting genuinely with conversations creates honest expressions
• Expert direction and posing so you know how to stand and why it works in your photographs
• Movement into the pose to prevent the static ‘caught in the headlights’ look
• Practice so falling into a pose feels natural leaving you energy to engage with your photographer
• Empathy so I know when to push just a little further for a smile or when to take a break so you can review the photographs

2. Make eye contact The power of eye contact! The way you look into the lens conveys your confidence. A direct look is best. I prefer to coach your expression so you can move through different ‘looks’ or expressions. Without my professional support, there is a danger of receiving 200 photographs all with the same expression. What I do is use metaphors, stories, and analogies to help you visualize and understand what type of ‘feel’ we are creating in the photographs.
3. Stand up straight Standing up straight can help! Many people shy away from talking to their promotional headshot photographers about body language because they feel like it’s too personal. However, there are some simple things that you can do to improve your body language and increase your confidence in taking your promotional headshots.

I coach confident body language by posing you from the feet upwards.

First, always stay aware of your posture. Try to keep your spine straight and minimize any hunched over postures. I love employing the power of standing up straight. As soon as you stand tall you can’t help but feel confident.

Next, use neutral head angles when looking into the camera. This will help you appear confident and in control.

Last, make sure that everything is poised with a crinkle in the eyes and a slight smile delivered in a modest and assured manner.

Related: How to take business portraits that make you look happy and successful

Quick tips for promotional headshots

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the level of confidence you need to look confident in photos will vary depending on your personality and individual preferences. However, some tips to looking confident in photos include smiling genuinely, making eye contact with the camera, and standing up straight.

Here are some other tips that might surprise you!

• Pack the night before
• Leave yourself plenty of time
• Get a good night’s rest
• Drink lots of water
• Plan a treat afterward
• Use the power of positivity
• Ask the photographer for their support

Related: 3 easy ways to be more confident during your headshot session

Dress the part: How to dress for your promotional headshots

Preparing for a promotional headshot session can be a nerve-wracking experience. Follow these tips to dress confidently and look your best:

1. Have a clean, professional appearance. Make sure you are well-groomed and have clean clothes that reflect your best self.
2. Dress in clothes that fit well and flatter your figure. Bring up to three different outfits to change into if necessary. This could be weekend casual, smart Sunday best, and an outfit you’d wear for a job interview.
3. Avoid wearing too much makeup or jewellery. Pack a small hairbrush and mirror so you can change your lipstick or trim your beard if a variety of looks is important to your promotional headshots.

Your very own personal Style Guide eBook is waiting for you when you become a client! This amazing resource is packed with helpful advice and information, colour schemes, and lots of great tips and tricks to dress in flattering ways.

Related: Client Area What to Wear

What happens during promotional headshot sessions?

Your promotional headshot is one of the most important tools in your professional toolkit. A great headshot can open doors and help you land your dream job. But what happens during a promotional headshot session?

Here’s what you can expect:

First, you’ll meet with the photographer to discuss your goals for the shoot. They’ll want to know what kind of look you’re going for and how you want to be perceived by potential employers or clients.

Next, it’s time to get in front of the camera. The photographer will take a variety of shots, both posed and candid, to capture your personality. They may also ask you to try different expressions or poses to see what works best.

Finally, you’ll review the proofs and select your favourite shots. The photographer will then edit the photos and send you the final product.

Related: The Complete Guide to confident business headshots

Here’s what might surprise you!

You might doubt your decision to obtain promotional headshots done as yet another item was checked off your agenda. During your portrait session with me, you will be amazed at how uplifting the experience can be.

Some gain a new perspective on their life, others win jobs, gain auditions, and find the confidence to leave the Island.

Many clients say it’s actually quite momentous to study the pictures afterward because they’ve taken ownership of their power and confidence.

You are amazing and totally capable of looking great on film.