How to Feel Confident and Natural During Your Headshot Session

Let’s be honest—getting in front of the camera can feel intimidating for many people. Whether you’re preparing for a professional headshot for your business website, LinkedIn profile, or personal brand, it’s natural to feel a bit uneasy. The good news? With the right approach, you can look and feel confident during your headshot session, and your final images will reflect that self-assurance.

At Kat Squibb Portraits, we specialize in making clients feel at ease in front of the camera. Here are our top tips to help you feel confident and look natural during your headshot session.

1. Choose the Right Photographer

Feeling comfortable starts with choosing a photographer who understands your needs and can help guide you through the process. A skilled photographer knows how to create a relaxed environment and offer clear direction, helping you feel more confident and at ease throughout the session.

At Kat Squibb Portraits, we prioritize client comfort. Our sessions are designed to make you feel relaxed, and we provide professional guidance on everything from posing to expressions so that your confidence shines through in the final images.

2. Prepare Your Wardrobe in Advance

What you wear plays a significant role in how you feel during your headshot session. Wearing an outfit that makes you feel confident, comfortable, and professional is key. Stick to simple, solid colors that flatter your skin tone and align with your personal or professional brand. Avoid overly busy patterns or anything that distracts from your face.

If you’re not sure what to wear, Kat Squibb Portraits can offer styling advice based on the look you’re going for, ensuring you feel confident in your outfit when you step in front of the camera.

3. Practice Posing and Expressions Beforehand

A little preparation can go a long way when it comes to feeling confident during your headshot session. Try practicing different poses and facial expressions in front of a mirror before your session. Pay attention to how certain angles, smiles, or gestures make you feel, and find what feels natural to you.

Your photographer will help guide you through posing during the session, but practicing beforehand can help you feel more at ease when it’s time for the real thing.

At Kat Squibb Portraits, we encourage our clients to practice a variety of expressions—from soft smiles to more serious looks—so that we can capture the perfect range of emotions during the session.

4. Focus on Your Posture

Posture is an important element of a great headshot. Standing or sitting up straight with your shoulders back can instantly make you look more confident and engaged. Avoid slouching or stiffening your body, as this can make you appear tense. Instead, relax your shoulders and adopt a natural, confident posture.

At Kat Squibb Portraits, we guide you through comfortable, natural poses that highlight your best angles and help you maintain a confident posture throughout the session.

5. Relax and Breathe

It’s normal to feel a bit nervous when the camera starts clicking, but remember to relax and breathe. Take a few deep breaths before and during the session to calm your nerves. If you feel anxious, your tension can show in your expressions or body language, so focusing on your breath will help you stay grounded and present.

We understand that not everyone is used to being in front of the camera, which is why at Kat Squibb Portraits, we take the time to create a stress-free, enjoyable atmosphere. Our goal is to make you feel relaxed so that your natural personality comes through in the photos.

6. Trust Your Photographer’s Guidance

A big part of feeling confident during your headshot session is trusting your photographer. Professional photographers know how to capture your best angles, offer helpful suggestions, and create flattering lighting setups. By trusting their expertise, you can let go of the pressure to be “perfect” and allow them to guide you to your most authentic look.

At Kat Squibb Portraits, we provide continuous feedback throughout the session, offering guidance on poses and expressions that work best for you. You don’t need to worry about the technical side—we’ve got you covered.

7. Think About What Makes You Happy

Smiles that come from genuine happiness always look the most natural in photos. Before your session, take a moment to think about something that makes you happy—a memory, a loved one, or a personal accomplishment. This helps you to bring a genuine, warm smile to your face, which will shine through in your headshot.

If you feel stiff or self-conscious, Kat Squibb Portraits helps lighten the mood with conversation and encouragement, allowing you to feel comfortable enough to smile naturally.

8. Don’t Overthink It

One of the biggest challenges for many people is overthinking how they look or what they’re doing during the session. Try not to be too critical of yourself—remember that the goal is to capture you at your best, not to create a “perfect” image. Authenticity is key to a great headshot, and when you stop overthinking, you’re more likely to appear relaxed and confident in your photos.

At Kat Squibb Portraits, we work with you to take the pressure off and focus on capturing natural, flattering images that reflect who you truly are.

9. Enjoy the Experience

Headshot sessions should be fun! While it’s easy to get caught up in the pressure to look your best, remember that this is your time to shine. Enjoy the process and embrace the opportunity to capture professional images that will serve you in your career or personal brand for years to come.

At Kat Squibb Portraits, we aim to make the headshot session an enjoyable experience. We want you to leave the session feeling confident and excited about the final results.

Conclusion: Confidence Is Key to a Great Headshot

Feeling confident and natural during your headshot session is essential for capturing the best version of yourself. By choosing the right photographer, preparing in advance, and trusting the process, you’ll walk away with a headshot that reflects your true self—professional, approachable, and confident.

At Kat Squibb Portraits, we’re here to help you look and feel your best in front of the camera. Ready to schedule your headshot session? Contact us today to start the journey to your most confident, professional headshot yet.