Why you don’t like having your photo taken and what should you do about it?
Now, you’ve been asked to speak at that seminar you’ve been itching to be a part of. These are your people and if you could just get in front of them and make a great impression you know your business will fly. But.., they’ve asked for a head-shot to help promote you on all their channels. They want to make posters and flyers. So now you are frantically searching through all your files. You’re wondering if you can just crop out wee Jimmy’s head or aunt Maud’s hand on your shoulder, would that be OK? So what that you’re wearing a flowery fascinator, maybe they’ll think you are quirky! But deep down you know that’s not what you want them to think. You’re a professional for goodness sake!!!
Getting head-shots – its been on your to-do list forever, so why haven’t you done it???
I get it. For most people their “getting pictures taken” experience is not good.
The hell of school photos,standing in a line waiting to be shot!
Or wedding day photos, endless hours of smiling and posing with everybody you’ve ever met in your life.
Or holiday snaps, where you’ve got panda eyes and a big nose because you’ve been shot on a wide angle camera phone in the mid day sun.
Or maybe it’s the idea of going to a studio that scares you. All that equipment. You have no idea what it does. It’s as bad as going to the dentist!
The language doesn’t help either – I mean photo-SHOOT!
Our job is to make you look like you but just a wee bit more amazing
Is it the thought of being in the spotlight – the idea of performing in front of somebody? I get that. I’m an introvert too.
Let me assure you – it’s really not like that. Most head-shot photographers are relying on their reputation to create a great experience and great images for you. Our job is to make you look like you but more amazing. Any good photographer will offer or suggest a consultation before you start. This allows you to get your ideas for your images out and for your photographer to suggest way to realise your vision.
Whether this is at the studio or at your place of work or even in your local area. You know the image you want to portray.
If the equipment worries you, let your photographer know. We’ll talk you through what all the bits do and why. Trust me, its all there to make you look fabulous and it wont hurt a bit!
Strike a pose
What might hurt a wee bit is holding the best poses for you. Yes, you will have to pose but only so you can look natural. I will ask you to push your chin out and down to prevent double chins (even the thinnest people can get a double chin on camera because of the way we naturally hold our heads). I’ll ask you to stand up straight, suck your tummy in and roll your shoulder – you may feel a wee bit silly but I tell you, its those wee details that elevates a selfie snap to a decent head-shot Its probably those selfie snaps that have convinced you that you look awful in photographs – honestly you don’t – but the wide angle lens, the awkward poses and very often the bad indoor yellow lighting will make you think that.
Mirror Image
There’s another reason you think you look bad in pictures and its got nothing to do with the camera or the lighting. it’s because you are used to seeing yourself in the mirror. In a photo you’re the right way round which is unusual for you but it’s the way the rest of the world sees you. It’s the way your customers see you, and after all that’s who you are doing this for.
The importance of being ordinary
I know the other reason you’re putting it off. Yes, its a disappointment. You always imagined you looked like a supermodel but the reality is a bit more ordinary. Well, unless your business is modelling then looking ordinary wont harm your business. In fact, I would guess that 100% of your potential clients love that you look ‘ordinary’. Just like them!
If its the whole performance thing that’s putting you off then why not try that old stage actors trick of imagining the audience in their underwear. Although the audience is only me and you may never recover from the shock!
My job is to help you feel comfortable so that the camera becomes irrelevant. Lets have coffee – cake too- and a wee chat. Tell me about your business and what you’re hoping to achieve. By the time we get to the picture taking we’ll be old pals and you will just be having fun with me and my camera.