Let’s start with this:
Almost nobody shows up to a headshot session feeling completely confident. In fact, one of the most common things people say to me when they walk into my studio is:
“I’m awkward in photos.”
Or:
“I hate having my picture taken.”
Or my personal favorite:
“I just need one decent one.”
Honestly? I get it.
Most people are not professional models. You’re business owners, Realtors, teachers, nurses, coaches, moms returning to work, entrepreneurs trying to update LinkedIn after five years, or someone realizing your current headshot was cropped out of a wedding photo from 2017. The pressure people put on themselves during headshots is intense. Somehow, one little photo starts feeling tied to confidence, professionalism, aging, social media, and self-worth all at once.
So if you’re someone who dreads getting in front of the camera, this post is for you.
1. Stop Trying to Look “Perfect”
This is the biggest mindset shift I can give you.
Your headshot does not need to make you look like a completely different person.
It should look like you on a really good day.
That’s it.
People connect with warmth, confidence, and authenticity far more than perfection. Some of the best headshots I’ve ever taken happened in the moments where someone finally relaxed and stopped trying so hard.
You do not need to become a different person for a good photo to happen.
2. Wear Something That Feels Like You
If you feel uncomfortable in your outfit, it will absolutely show in your photos.
The best headshot outfits are usually:
• solid colors
• simple layers
• well-fitted clothing
• textures over busy patterns
• something you already feel confident wearing
I always tell clients to avoid buying something wildly outside their comfort zone just for photos. You want to look elevated, not like you’re wearing a costume.
And yes, you should absolutely try your outfit on before your session…and have it steamed or ironed!
3. Sleep, Water, and Lip Balm Matter More Than You Think
Not glamorous advice, but incredibly real.
Hydrated skin photographs better. Rested eyes photograph better. Dry lips become surprisingly noticeable in close-up images.
This is less about beauty standards and more about helping you feel physically comfortable and confident as you walk into your session.
4. Your Expression Matters More Than Your Outfit
People spend so much time obsessing over clothes that they forget the most important part of a headshot is connection.
Your expression is what makes people trust you.
Not the blazer.
Not the background.
Not the trendy color palette.
A good photographer will help guide this naturally instead of leaving you standing there wondering what to do with your hands while silently panicking.
(Which is why I spend a large portion of my sessions talking nonsense until people accidentally laugh.)
5. Movement Helps
One of the biggest misconceptions about headshots is that you need to stand perfectly still.
You don’t.
Some of the most natural images happen in the tiny in-between moments. Adjusting your jacket, shifting your weight, laughing, turning slightly, fixing your hair, walking toward the camera.
Movement creates natural energy.
And natural energy photographs beautifully.
6. Professional Photos Are Not Vanity
I think a lot of people, especially women, feel guilty investing in professional photos for themselves.
But your photo is often the first thing people see before they meet you.
It appears on:
• your website
• LinkedIn
• social media
• speaking events
• marketing materials
• email signatures
• business cards
A professional headshot helps people connect with the person behind the business.
And honestly? You deserve to exist in your own professional story too.
7. You Don’t Need to Wait Until You “Feel Better About Yourself”
This one matters.
I hear people say all the time:
“I’ll book photos after I lose weight.”
“I just need to get through this stressful season first.”
“I don’t feel like myself right now.”
But life keeps moving.
Businesses grow. Careers shift. Opportunities happen.
You are already worthy of being visible exactly as you are right now.
The Truth About Headshots
A great headshot is not about becoming the most photogenic person on earth. It’s about creating an image that feels approachable, confident, professional, and human. And most of the time, the people who say they’re terrible in photos end up being the ones who leave saying:
“Wait… that was actually fun.”
Which honestly feels like the highest compliment. If you’ve been putting off updating your headshot because the whole process feels intimidating, awkward, or overwhelming, I promise you’re not alone. That’s exactly why I created Portraits & Pizza Tuesdays at my studio in Bucks County. I wanted to create something relaxed, approachable, low-pressure, and genuinely enjoyable.
You show up, we hang out, you eat pizza, and I help you finally get photos that actually feel like you.
And yes… I will absolutely tell you where to put your hands.
—
Tiff
Appletini Photography
Bucks County Headshot and Branding Photographer
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