"I'm Not Photogenic": How to Relax and Love Your Headshot"
"I'm not photogenic" is the sentence we hear most at Headshots in Scottsdale, usually right before a client ends up loving their photos.
Being photogenic isn't something you're born with. It mostly comes down to feeling comfortable, getting good direction, and a few simple techniques. Here's how to get past the nerves.
Why You Think You're Not Photogenic
You're used to your mirror image. A photo shows your face unflipped, so it looks "off" to you. Everyone else sees you that way every day.
Most photos of you were bad snapshots. Harsh light, low phone angles, and mid-blink timing don't reflect how you actually look.
Nerves show on your face. A tight jaw, raised shoulders, and a forced smile are what the camera picks up. Fix the nerves and you fix the photo.
Before Your Session
Plan your outfit the night before. Choose well-fitted solid colors with no busy patterns, and bring 2–3 options.
Prep for the Arizona climate. Hydrate for a few days beforehand, use lip balm, and skip the pool or the hike the day before to avoid sunburn and sunglasses tan lines.
Don't try anything new. A new haircut or skincare product can wait until after your shoot.
Sleep well and eat something. Being tired or hungry makes nerves worse.
During the Shoot
Tell us you're nervous. Saying it out loud takes the pressure off, and we'll adjust the pace to suit you.
Treat the first 10 minutes as a warm-up. Nobody looks their best in the first few frames. That's normal and expected.
Exhale before each shot. A slow breath out drops your shoulders and softens your expression.
Squinch, don't stare. Slightly tightening your lower eyelids looks confident. Wide eyes look startled.
Bring your chin forward and slightly down. It feels odd but defines your jawline.
Think of someone you love. Real smiles come from real thoughts, not from "say cheese."
Shake it out. Rolling your shoulders and resetting between shots keeps stiffness from building up.
After the Shoot
Don't zoom in and hunt for flaws. Ask a friend to pick their favorite, since they see the real you. The goal is to look approachable and confident, like you on a good day
Trust Me - We Got This...
Headshots in Scottsdale
602 619-9366
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