5 Tips to Prep for a Headshot When You're Camera-Shy

Become Familiar with the Process

Anything can seem intimidating if you don't fully understand it. You may find that you are much more at ease during the shoot if you understand how photography works. Read up on the lights and photographer movement you will likely see, as well as ideal posture and poses for the type of headshot you need. 

One of the most helpful parts of the process to keep in mind is that many pictures will be taken, but they will not all be used. You really only need one or two good pictures to use for your audition or professional profile. You don't need to get every picture right, and you certainly don't need to worry if you think you accidentally pulled a funny face or closed your eyes.

Choose a Photographer Who Inspires Confidence

You will need to spend some time browsing the work of photography professionals and getting recommendations from friends and coworkers to find the right photographer for you. A good headshot photographer will put you at ease and inspire confidence. When you are relaxed with the person you are with, it will show in your expression and posture in your pictures. If you are satisfied and comfortable with the photographer you choose, you will be able to come back to them for any future headshot needs.  

Learn Relaxation Techniques

In addition to finding a comfortable environment, you may need to put in some extra practice to identify the relaxation techniques that work for you. For some people, nervousness around a camera is similar to the way some people feel about getting an injection or preparing to speak in front of a crowd. Methods that often work in these situations include thinking of something or somewhere else, stretching, and focusing on deep breathing.   

Practice Your Look

The look you will have in your headshot should not be thrown together the day of your session. Your clothes, makeup, and hair all contribute to your final product and require careful thought. Experiment in advance to find a look that you love. Practice your makeup and hairstyle. If you feel like you look good, you are more likely to exude confidence in your photo. This is important for just about any kind of headshot. And the more you do to prepare ahead of time, the more relaxed you will be when the shoot rolls around. 

One of the hardest parts of having your picture taken is figuring out what expression to make. Try out different faces in the mirror. Once you've found a few that you like, practice them and pay attention to the way they feel. You will be able to pull these different expressions out during the shoot instead of trying something on the spot. 

Voice Your Discomfort

As in any kind of frightening or uncomfortable situation, you may find that it helps to tell someone how you feel. In this case, the best person to talk to is the photographer. A camera-shy subject shouldn't be a new experience for any Washington DC headshot photographer; he or she has the experience and training to capture the best of any subject. The photographer you work with will help put you at ease and give you direction if you don't feel confident in your poses. You can trust your photographer to tell you when something you try looks good and when it doesn't. 

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