What To Do If You’re Nervous About Your Corporate Headshot Shoot

First off, know that it’s completely normal to feel nervous before a headshot shoot. Many people worry about looking stiff, unnatural, or even older than they feel. I can relate, as I often find myself anxious before my own photo sessions. I worry about looking too rigid or having a forced smile, and like many women, I also fret about my hair looking frizzy or tousled, looking larger than my actual size, or looking older than my actual age. I’m with y’all on this!

I get regular headshots as a part of my marketing efforts and totally relate to pre-photoshoot jitters and want to share some tips on how to feel more confident walking into your photo session. First, I encourage you to get a good night’s sleep. You definitely don’t want to look tired or worn out in your photos! Try to wind down at a reasonable hour the night before just to make sure you’re in bed on time for maximum rest and relaxation.

In the morning, get yourself a balanced breakfast. Personally, I like to start my day with a green smoothie to accompany my breakfast just to give myself a boost of nutrition. A good breakfast will give you the energy you need to channel your best self during your session.

A HUGE point that many report is a concern about clothing options. Who amongst us hasn’t rifled through their large closet only to shout “I have nothing to wear!” Let me say right now: You have something to wear. The most important three factors about selecting your outfit are 1. Does it look professional? 2. Does it fit well?, and 3. Is it wrinkle free? If you can say yes, you have something to wear. If you still feel like you have nothing to wear, consider stopping by a Marshalls, TJ Maxx, or a thrift store and picking up a simple solid color sweater that fits well. Drop it off to get it pressed at a dry cleaners and BOOM. Done. There are many resources to guide you further about clothing options you can also check out including one I have written here.

Visual aids play a crucial role in calming nerves, too. There are many clothing style guides online that you can check out that offer further guidance about what clothing works and what doesn’t in front of the camera. I have written one here demonstrating how different fits can affect the final image. For instance, clothing with large shoulder pads can create an unflattering profile. And clothing that is too small with buttons stretched out creates an unprofessional image. Seeing examples can help you understand what to avoid.

If you’ve chosen the right photographer, know that you won’t be navigating the experience alone. A good photographer will guide you throughout the process and provide instant feedback during the shoot. This collaborative approach will help you to feel supported and less pressured. Experienced photographers know that we should be the ones directing and taking the lead…that work is on us. Experienced photographers know that the vast majority of people are not experienced models or actors and need help and guidance throughout the entire session.

Technical aspects, such as lighting and angles, also contribute to comfort during the shoot. A good photographer will tailoring lighting to each individual client. A good photographer will know exactly how to light and pose you in order to flatter to your individual features and body, ensuring you look your absolute best. The right angles and well-set lighting can enhance your confidence and ease nerves significantly as the shoot progresses.

Something to look for when selecting a photographer is ensuring you can review photos throughout the session. Knowing you can get that instant feedback always help folks feel more empowered beforehand. Nothing is more deflating than getting your photos afterwards and seeing that your tie was crooked the entire time. Reviewing your photos during the shoot ensures you can make any tweaks or changes during the session.

If your photographer a guaranteed reshoot if you are unhappy with the photos, this can also help alleviate any pressure or anxiety before the shoot.

In my experience, many clients start out feeling nervous but often become more relaxed as the session progresses. The instant feedback a good photographer provides helps them see their photos evolve, and they typically leave thrilled with the results. This transformation is a testament to the power of collaboration during the shoot.

For those looking for inspiration, I encourage them to explore various headshots online and check out my portfolio. Seeing different styles can spark ideas and boost confidence.

It’s essential to remember that feeling nervous before a headshot shoot is entirely normal. With proper preparation and a collaborative mindset, you can turn anxiety into confidence.