How to Feel Confident in Front of the Camera (Even If You’re Camera-Shy!)
Does the thought of stepping in front of the camera make you nervous? You’re not alone! Many professionals feel uncomfortable getting their headshot taken, but the good news is—confidence can be coached. As a headshot photographer, I’ve worked with countless clients who started out feeling camera-shy, only to walk away with photos they love.
I remember taking headshots for Pepperdine’s Women’s Law Association. Some soon-to-be lawyers felt completely at ease in front of the camera, while others weren’t quite as prepared. That’s where I come in—not just as a photographer, but as someone who helps every client look and feel their best.
If you’ve ever worried about looking awkward in photos, here are a few simple tips to help you feel confident and relaxed during your session:
1. Prepare Ahead of Time
The more prepared you are, the more confident you’ll feel. Choose an outfit that makes you feel great. Bring a few outfit choices and we can chose the best one together. Try and get a good night’s sleep, and stay hydrated. Feeling fresh makes a huge difference!
2. Practice Your Expression
Stand in front of a mirror and experiment with natural smiles, subtle smirks, and relaxed expressions. A forced smile can feel awkward, but a natural one shines through.
3. Breathe & Relax
Before the camera clicks, take a deep breath and exhale slowly. Loosening up your shoulders and jaw helps release tension. I always take my time with clients, ensuring you look and feel relaxed.
4. Trust Your Photographer
A good headshot photographer will guide you through poses and angles that flatter you. You don’t need to know what to do—just show up, and I’ll take care of the rest.
5. Shift Your Mindset
Instead of focusing on how you look, think about what you want your headshot to convey: confidence, approachability, and professionalism. The right mindset makes all the difference.
6. Focus on Your Strengths
Everyone has features they love about themselves—whether it’s your smile, eyes, or cheekbones. Let those shine through in your photos. Sometimes clients have one side that they feel looks better than the other, so I’ll help pose you to ensure we get the best most flattering shot.
7. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Feedback
Not sure how you look? Ask your photographer! I help clients find their best angles and make small adjustments that make a big impact.
The best headshots happen when you feel comfortable and at ease. If you’ve been putting off updating yours, let’s change that. I’ll help you feel confident in front of the camera—no awkwardness required!
Ready to book your stress-free headshot session for you and your team? Let’s chat! Give me a call at 323-493-2552. And remember I have offices in Santa Monica, Venice and Culver City and will travel across Los Angeles for my clients.
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Why Real Estate Agents Need a High-Quality Headshot
In the fast-paced world of real estate, first impressions matter more than ever. Whether you’re a seasoned agent or just starting out, your headshot plays a crucial role in how potential clients perceive you. Before a buyer or seller even picks up the phone to contact you, they’re likely checking out your website, social media, and business cards—and the first thing they’ll see? Your headshot.
Your Headshot is Your Brand
Real estate is a relationship-driven industry, and trust is key. A high-quality headshot does more than just make you look professional; it helps you establish credibility before you ever say a word.
A great headshot can communicate:
· Trustworthiness – Clients want to work with someone they feel they can rely on.
· Confidence – A confident expression can instill confidence in potential buyers and sellers.
· Approachability – Looking friendly and inviting makes it easier for clients to reach out.
· Competence – A polished, professional image signals that you take your career seriously.
On the flip side, an outdated or unprofessional headshot can send the wrong message—even if you’re the best agent in town!
Signs It’s Time to Update Your Headshot
If you’re wondering whether your current headshot is helping or hurting your business, ask yourself:
- Is my headshot more than 2-3 years old?
- Does it still look like me? (A client should recognize you when they meet you in person!)
- Was it taken with a smartphone or cropped from a group photo?
- Is the lighting, background, or resolution poor?
If you answered yes to any of these, it might be time for an upgrade!
What Makes a Great Real Estate Headshot?
When investing in a new headshot, consider the following:
· Professional Lighting & Background – A clean, neutral background or a subtle real estate setting can work well. Natural light is great, but studio lighting can work well too.
· Wardrobe Matters – Choose professional attire that aligns with your brand. Solid colors often work best, avoiding distracting patterns.
· A Confident, Approachable Expression – You want to look polished yet inviting. A genuine smile can go a long way!
· Brand Consistency – If you use your headshot across marketing materials, ensure it aligns with your brand colors and style. If you are on a real estate team, consider hiring me to take portraits of your whole company.
Make Your First Impression Count
Your headshot is more than just a picture—it’s a powerful marketing tool that can help you stand out in a competitive market. Investing in a professional headshot isn’t just about looking good; it’s about winning trust and attracting more clients.
Get a Headshot That Sells Your Brand
At Steven Hankins Photography, I specialize in professional headshots for real estate agents and business professionals in Los Angeles. I know how to create images that help you connect with clients, project confidence, and stand out in your market.
· Convenient Locations in Santa Monica, Venice Beach, and Culver City
· On-Location Sessions Available—I’ll Come to Your Office
· Fast Turnaround & Retouching for a Polished Look
Let’s make sure your first impression is working for you. Book your professional real estate headshot session today!
Call: 323-493-2552
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Ever wonder what goes into prepping for a professional headshot session? It’s more than just showing up with a camera! For me, preparation is key to ensuring a smooth and successful shoot. Here’s a peek into how I need to prepare for my shoots:
1. Power Up: Fully charging camera and flash batteries is non-negotiable. I don’t want the batteries to go dead in the middle of a shoot.
2. Fresh Start: Wiping memory cards ensures ample space for all those perfect shots. I’ve had too many clients where I haven’t wiped the memory cards. This causes the client to have to wait longer while all of the photos load on my computer before importing them.
3. Safe & Sound: Backing up my hard drive is crucial. I don’t do this as often as a should and thankfully I haven’t lost many photos, so I need to do this more often.
4. Crystal Clear: A clean camera lens is essential for sharp, crisp images. Dust and smudges are the enemy of professional photography.
5. System Check: Turning the camera on and off, along with a quick test run, confirms everything is functioning correctly. I want to catch any potential issues before the client arrives. Thankfully I have two cameras in case one fails.
6. Flash Test: Syncing and testing my flash and trigger ensures proper lighting and avoids any unexpected surprises during the shoot. Consistent, flattering light is key.
In the end its about creating a relaxed and professional atmosphere.
Also, are you looking to update your headshots? Give me a call at 323-493-2552 to set up a photo session. I will travel throughout Los Angeles for photography clients. Plus, I have offices in Santa Monica, Venice and Culver City.
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