If the idea of a professional headshot makes you want to sprint in the opposite direction, congratulations — you’re in excellent company. Most of my clients tell me they’d rather be at the dentist, stuck in traffic, or trapped in a meeting that should’ve been an email than stand in front of a camera.
But here’s the thing: hating the idea of being photographed doesn’t mean your photos will look awkward. It doesn’t mean you’re not photogenic. And it definitely doesn’t mean you should avoid booking a headshot that could genuinely elevate your professional presence.
Let’s walk through how to go from “please no” to “okay… this is actually fine”.
First: You’re Not Weird — Camera Nerves Are Completely Normal
Most people don’t wake up thinking, “I hope someone points a lens at my face today.” Feeling tense, awkward or convinced you’ll look strange is incredibly common.
People worry because:
- They don’t know how to pose
- They’ve had bad photos taken before
- They feel self‑conscious
- They’re not used to being the centre of attention
The good news? These nerves fade fast once the session starts. You’ll be guided through everything — posture, expression, angles — so you’re never left to fend for yourself.
Knowing What’s Going to Happen Helps (A Lot)
Uncertainty is the biggest fuel for pre‑session panic. So before your session, I’ll walk you through:
- What we’ll be shooting
- How long it will take
- The style of lighting and backgrounds
- What to wear
- The expressions we’ll aim for
When you know the plan, your brain stops imagining worst‑case scenarios and starts relaxing.
If you want a head start, my What to Wear Guides are a great place to begin.
Wear Something That Makes You Feel Like… You
Confidence starts with comfort. Choose outfits that:
- Fit well
- Feel good
- Reflect your professional identity
Try everything on beforehand and bring a few options. I’ll help you choose what works best on camera — no guessing required.
Tell Me What You’re Worried About (Seriously, I’ve Heard It All)
If you’re self‑conscious about a feature, prefer one side of your face, or have a history of photos you’ve hated, tell me. These details help me tailor the session to you.
A great headshot isn’t about perfection — it’s about authenticity, approachability and confidence.
You Don’t Need to Know How to Pose — That’s My Job
You don’t need to know your angles. You don’t need to know how to smile naturally. You don’t need to know what to do with your hands.
I’ll guide your posture, expression and positioning so you always know exactly what to do. Most clients say they’re surprised by how quickly they relax once we begin. Read my reviews here.
Quick Ways to Calm Your Body Before the Session
A few tiny adjustments can make a big difference:
- Slow, deep breaths
- Relaxing your jaw
- Dropping your shoulders
- Gentle neck stretches
- Arriving a few minutes early
These help your face look softer, calmer and more confident — even if you still feel like you’d rather be anywhere else.
Remember Why You’re Doing This
Think about the outcome:
- A stronger LinkedIn presence
- A more professional website
- A polished personal brand
- A photo you’re proud to share
Your headshot is an investment in your career. The nerves? They’re temporary.
You’ll See the Images as We Go
One of the biggest confidence boosters is seeing the photos during the session. You’ll be able to check your expression, adjust anything you want, and see how great you look in real time.
This feedback loop helps your confidence grow with every shot.
You Don’t Need to Feel Ready — You Just Need to Show Up
If you’re someone who’d rather be literally anywhere else, that’s okay. Confidence comes during the session, not before it. You just need to walk through the door — I’ll take care of the rest.
Ready to Get a Great Headshot Without the Awkwardness?
If you’ve made it this far, you’re already braver than you think. And if you’re someone who’d genuinely rather be anywhere else than in front of a camera, that’s exactly why I’d love to work with you — helping camera‑shy humans feel comfortable is what I do best.
Your session will be relaxed, guided, and far less intimidating than you’re imagining. You might even enjoy it (don’t worry, we won’t tell anyone).
Let’s create a headshot you’re proud of — even if you arrived wishing you were anywhere else.
Paula is a Photography Institute graduate & founded Paula Deegan Photography in 2014. Paula creates professional headshots and portraits for actors, creatives and professionals across Surrey and London.