If the thought of updating your LinkedIn profile picture makes your stomach turn, you are not alone. In fact, 90% of the clients who walk into my studio say the exact same thing: “I am just not photogenic.”

They tell me about the bad corporate headshots they’ve had in the past, the stiff smiles, the deer-in-headlights eyes, and the feeling that the person in the photo doesn’t look like them.

Here is the truth: You are not unphotogenic. You have just been poorly photographed.

There is actually a psychological and technical reason why you hate your photos. Once you understand the “why,” you can stop fearing the camera and finally get a personal branding image that feels like you.

1. The Psychology: The “Mere Exposure” Effect

When you look in the mirror every morning to brush your teeth, you see a flipped image of yourself. This is the version of your face you are most familiar with.

However, a camera captures you the way the rest of the world sees you—unflipped. Because human faces aren’t perfectly symmetrical, seeing this “reversed” version of your face creates a cognitive dissonance in your brain. It looks “wrong” to you, even though it looks perfectly normal to everyone else.

How We Fix It: During our magazine-style sessions, we use tethered shooting. This means your images pop up on a screen immediately. We review them together in real-time. This helps your brain adjust to the image quickly, and we can make micro-adjustments to your hair or angles until your brain says, “Yes, that’s me.”

2. The Lighting: Office Fluorescents vs. Studio Light

Most bad headshots happen in conference rooms or hallways. Overhead fluorescent lighting casts shadows under your eyes (creating dark circles) and under your nose. It is the most unflattering light possible.

Cameras are not as smart as the human eye. If the lighting is flat or harsh, the camera will accentuate textures you don’t want emphasized.

How We Fix It: In the studio, we “paint” with light. I use professional studio strobes to create “beauty lighting.” This is a specific lighting setup used in high-end fashion magazines to smooth skin, put a sparkle in the eye (catchlights), and sculpt the face to highlight your cheekbones and jawline. We don’t just take a picture; we sculpt your features with light.

3. The Posing: The “What Do I Do With My Hands?” Panic

The moment a lens is pointed at someone, they freeze. They stiffen their shoulders, press their arms against their body (which makes arms look wider), and paste on a fake smile.

If a photographer tells you to “just act natural,” they have failed you. It is not your job to know how to pose; it is the photographer’s job to direct you.

How We Fix It: I specialize in directed posing. I will never leave you hanging. I will guide you through every movement—from the tilt of your chin to the placement of your fingers.

• We use “turtleing” to define the jawline.
• We create “windows” with your arms to slim the waist.
• We shift your weight to create curves and confident posture.

You don’t need to know how to model. You just need to listen to my voice, and I will guide you into the most flattering angles for your specific body type.

4. The Styling: Elevating the Everyday

A great photo is rarely accidental; it is styled. Wearing a shirt that is too big, a pattern that is too busy, or makeup that doesn’t translate well to camera can ruin a technically good shot.

How We Fix It: This is why I offer a consultation before our shoot. We discuss wardrobe choices that align with your personal brand. Whether we are going for “approachable CEO” or “creative entrepreneur,” we ensure your clothing fits perfectly. Furthermore, our professional hair and makeup artists know exactly how to prep your skin so it looks radiant—not shiny—under studio lights.

Summary: It’s Not You, It’s the Process

If you hate your old headshots, it’s likely because you were put in front of a lens without preparation, lighting, or direction.

My goal is to change the way you see yourself. A personal branding session isn’t just about a file to upload to LinkedIn; it’s about the confidence that comes from seeing the best version of yourself staring back at you.