Why Photographers Ask You To Do Stuff…

When you walk into a room to get a new headshot, my first goal is to create a relaxed atmosphere – it’s often a bit scary for people who rarely face a camera, so I always spend a bit of time helping you through this… but it’s not always obvious it’s happening. Here are a few secrets!

(note – using mainly AI-generated images rather than actual clients to illustrate the blog – featured image is the amazing Gareth Everson who we photographed at Leeds Dock)

Friendly Faces Make All The Difference

Firstly, having a few colleagues around helps ease the tension, making the experience feel less like a formal photo shoot and more like a casual interaction. Friendly faces to talk to – to share the experience with – may seem a bit unusual, but I’ve found that it massively helps relax people.

Everything’s Set Up And Ready To Rock

Next, once the atmosphere is set, I invite the first individual to step onto the pre-arranged spot (gaffer tape on the floor usually!). All the lighting and equipment are ready to go, so there’s no awkward waiting around. We chat about their role,  their time with the firm, and even share a joke or two. This helps them focus on the conversation rather than the camera, easing any nerves.

While chatting, I snap a few candid shots of them standing naturally – often people have no idea what to do with their hands, some have poses they naturally do – so this moment lets them do what they normally to.

Small Ideas And Cues

Then, I suggest simple adjustments, like asking people wearing jeans or trousers with pockets to put their hands in their pockets for a more relaxed stance. For anyone with long hair, I might suggest adjusting their hair slightly to keep it tidy and flattering – but it also gets a shot of them off guard, which often triggers a natural smile.

During these adjustments, like changing their hair or putting their hands in their pockets, I keep the conversation going – often involving their colleagues. It’s all about maintaining that relaxed vibe. These small changes make a big difference in the final images, creating a natural and confident look.

Next, I might ask them to fold their arms, similar to what you see on business shows like The Apprentice or Dragon’s Den. This simple change enhances their shoulders and overall posture, often transforming their demeanour and facial expression. They tend to look and feel more confident and powerful.

How Far Can We Take It?

Towards the end of the shoot, if they’ve been open to my suggestions so far, I like to introduce a bit of fun. I might ask them to mimic ‘The Thinker’ by scratching their chin, which usually gets a laugh from everyone. From there, we can explore various playful poses, depending on how comfortable they are. Whether it’s pretending to blow smoke off a gun, doing jazz hands, or pointing at me like Alan Sugar saying “You’re Fired”, these moments capture genuine smiles and laughter. These shots not only make great marketing material but also show the personality behind the professional.

And then we’re done – if they’ve bought into the suggestions and gone with it, we’ll have a lovely mix of images for them to choose from. We usually shoot to the laptop too – so you and the team can have a look at the photos and check you’ve got a few you like – and if now, adjust what we’re doing and shoot more till we capture the real you.

The moral of the story is simple: Trust your photographer.

When people resist these cues, it often shows in the final photos. They may appear stiff, uncomfortable, and not truly representative of their professional persona. By following these tried-and-tested suggestions, clients can ensure they look relaxed, confident, and approachable in their headshots.

Remember, there’s a reason behind every little adjustment – it’s all about making you look your best.

• We don’t actually want a photo of you with your hands in your pockets, we want the headshot that results from that relaxed feeling you get from putting your hands in your pockets.
• Crossing your arms changes how your shoulders look on a headshot – we’re not really after a Dragon’s Den shot – but variety for you.
• If I ask you to point a pretend gun at me, we don’t want the gunshot, but the natural smile 3 seconds after.
• If I ask how high you can jump… well, that’s just a bit of fun, and usually gets some epic hair.

The Instagram Effect

Also, it’s important to leave behind the poses you might use for Instagram selfies. Professional headshots require a different approach – you can’t just use the same angles and expect the same results. Trusting the photographer’s direction is key to getting a headshot representing you in the best light.