Tips for Looking Confident in Headshot Photos
Hey there! So, you’ve got a headshot session coming up, and you want to look your absolute best – confident and approachable. You also don’t want to waste your time and money by ending up with images you aren’t happy with. From my experience, most people don’t like having their photos taken, because they are usually unhappy with how they look in pictures. So I’m sharing some fantastic tips to help you look confident in your headshot photos.
1. Dress for Success
First things first – how you feel in what you wear makes a huge difference. Ask any woman how she feels when she puts on a fantastic pair of heels vs an old pair of sneakers. She will describe two very different states. I remember photographing a female executive once. She complained her heels were uncomfortable, so I told her she could remove them as I wouldn’t be photographing her feet. She shared that she preferred to keep them on because she felt more confident in them.
I recommend choosing an outfit that makes you feel powerful and comfortable. Something that fits you and isn’t too tight or too loose. Select mostly solid colors and mix in a small amount of subtle patterns if you like. Avoid busy patterns; they can be distracting. We want the focus to be on your face and expression. Remember, when you look good, you feel good!
2. Posture: Perfect
Good posture exudes confidence. Stand or sit up straight with your shoulders back and down. Imagine a string pulling the top of your head towards the ceiling. This not only makes you look taller but also more poised and self-assured. It also changes how you feel. But don’t take my word for it. As you read this, slump your shoulders and curve your back. How do you feel? Now straighten your spine and pull your shoulders slightly back. Do you feel more confident? I’m going to guess the answer is yes.
A good photographer (like me, wink, wink) will notice when you need a little guidance or a gentle reminder about your posture.
3. Relax Your Face
Tension in your face can come across in photos. And the thing is that you won’t even realize you are tensing your face muscles. I notice many clients hold tension in their jaw. So I often ask clients to take a few deep breaths and relax their jaw, so they can loosen up those facial muscles and look more natural. Smiling with your eyes (known as “smizing”) can add warmth and authenticity to your expression. One of the traits that makes me a great photographer is my ability to notice tension in your face and help you let it go.
4. Find Your Best Angle
Most people have a “good side,” and finding yours can make a big difference. Don’t worry if you aren’t sure which is your best side. I typically move my light from left to right and ask you to turn your head as well as tilt your head slightly so I can photograph both angles to see which is best.
Did you know having a perfectly symmetrical face is extremely rare. Research and studies on facial symmetry suggest that less than 1% of the world’s population has a perfectly symmetrical face.
Most people have some degree of asymmetry, and this is completely normal and it’s why we look for a better side. Small differences in the size, shape, and position of facial features are common and they add character and uniqueness to an individual’s appearance. Curious to learn more about face symmetry? Read more HERE
5. Focus on Your Eyes
Subtle changes in your eyes can convey a variety of emotions. I’ll ask you to look directly into the lens. So when your photo is viewed, it looks like you are making direct eye contact with the viewer. This conveys confidence and sincerity. If look slightly above or below the lens, it’s awkward, and the viewer is left wondering what you are looking at.
6. Think Happy Thoughts
Bring positive energy to your session by trusting in your photographer. They want you to love your photos! If you are feeling anxious, it could help to think of a funny memory, a loved one, or a favorite place, happy thoughts can naturally bring out a confident and genuine smile.
7. Practice Makes Perfect
If you’re nervous about your session, try to practice. Stand in front of a mirror and experiment with different poses and expressions until you find what feels most natural and confident to you.
8. Trust Your Photographer
A professional photographer knows all the tricks to make you look your best. Trust their guidance and relax into the process. They’ll help you with posing, lighting, and capturing your best angles. Just be yourself and let them do their magic.
9. Use Props Strategically
Sometimes, having a prop can make you feel more at ease. Whether it’s a notebook, a coffee cup, or even your glasses, props can give your hands something to do and make the shot feel more natural.
10. Relax
You and your photographer want the same thing. We both want you to love your photos! I help my clients select the best images. We’ll discuss retouching to ensure the final images are polished and professional.
Conclusion
Looking confident in headshot photos is all about preparation, relaxation, and a positive mindset. By following these tips, you’ll not only look confident but also feel fantastic during your session. So go ahead, book that headshot session and show the world the confident, amazing you!
Ready to rock your headshots? Let’s capture your confidence together! 📸✨
Want to work together?
Sessions are available by appointment only.
Please call (647) 561-0118 or e-mail ellahrika@gmail.com to book your session.
Carla Morgado
With a charming studio located in Milton On and serving Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Oakville, Burlington, Georgetown and Halton Hills
