but what if i hate having my picture taken?
My response to this is always the same - who doesn’t?! I know, I know, there are a few people in the world that enjoy being in front of a camera. I am not one of them. So I can COMPLETELY RELATE to clients who dread having to step in front of a lens. Sometimes though, we are obligated. Maybe we’re at a family reunion, or on vacation, or at a wedding, or attending a charity event, or…need a headshot? Headshots are definitely one type of photography that qualify as a need. A professional headshot can make you and your brand look polished, legitimate, and help establish trust with your clients or potential employers. That does not mean getting a professional headshot taken is something people can’t wait to do. But it is the nature of being in business or trying to get hired.
Meet Lindsay. She is a local Bend, Oregon realtor who wanted to refresh her headshots for the new real estate group she was about to move into . She wanted portraits that were true to how she saw herself and how she wanted to build her brand. We decided that shooting in natural light around a Bend neighborhood might be the best place to start for this personal branding session, so we met downtown and got started.
Well, let me back up. Actually, after emailing back and forth a bit, Lindsay let me know that she was very nervous about the prospect of having her photo taken - she was dreading it actually. She wasn’t feeling the most confident in herself at this moment in time, did not know what she would wear, if she should get her makeup done and if she did get it done, who to go to…to say I could relate to her is an understatement. I gave her a call and we ended up chatting for about 30 minutes, brainstorming wardrobe ideas as well as hair and makeup. Luckily, I have a list of some amazing professional makeup artists and hair stylists to pass along to clients, so that was easy. And after talking, we chose some outfits for her to try on. She took some photos and sent them to me for feedback and then we were ready!
When we met downtown, we hugged like old friends and spent a few minutes just talking. Lindsay was still extremely nervous and uncomfortable - she said it felt like she was going to crawl out of her skin! Again, as someone who has no idea what to do when in front of a camera, I understood completely. I reassured her that it would be fine, and that is why at least an hour for a personal branding session is best. It gives the client time to get used to the camera, shake off some nerves, get comfortable with the photographer and being directed, and just feeling grounded and like their authentic selves. Just showing up and standing in front of a lens isn’t going to get you the result you want, especially if you don’t like having your photo taken.
During any personal branding or headshot photo session, my number one priority is to help my clients get comfortable and feel confident in front of my camera. I truly love getting to know each client and developing authentic relationships with them, and I know this is why clients are happy with the portraits they get after the session is over and they see their gallery for the first time. Taking time to learn about each person I work with, and then taking time during the session to get comfortable makes all the difference in the world. Personal branding and headshot work is intimate work. Asking someone to get vulnerable in front of you is asking a lot. My hope is that each of my clients can see themselves in the same way I see them. Lindsay wasn’t convinced that she was going to be able to use any of the portraits we made during her session, doubtful that she could look “good” enough for her own standards. My hope during the session was that I could make her feel beautiful and confident.
Hopefully, you can see what I see in Lindsay. Her bright spirit shines through in each portrait and her gorgeous smile lights up each image. She looks beautiful and confident - like she never had a doubt in the world that these headshots weren’t going to be the best ever! I was so proud of her after the session, and so happy that she loved her images. A photographer’s greatest gift is knowing I client loves their images - mission accomplished!
In every personal branding and headshot session, I work hard to make my clients comfortable and the shoot easy and a lot of fun. I will pose you to ensure we get your best angles and lighting, and can help with wardrobe advice and hair and makeup recommendations too! Reach out if you’re curious about personal branding or headshots in Bend, Oregon. I’d love to connect and see how we can work together to make something you can use for years to come!
