(And Finally Love Your Headshots)

If the words “professional headshots” make you feel a little uncomfortable, you’re not alone. Many people put off booking headshots because they worry about feeling awkward, not knowing how to pose, or not liking how they look on camera.

The good news? A great headshot session doesn’t have to be stressful especially when it’s fully guided and designed around your comfort.

In this post, I’ll walk you through exactly how to prepare for a stress-free headshot session, so you can arrive feeling confident and leave with headshots you actually love.

Why Most People Dread Headshots (and Why You Don’t Have To)

The most common things clients tell me before their session are:

“I’m not photogenic.”
“I feel awkward in photos.”
“I don’t know how to pose.”
“I just need this done quickly and professionally.”

These feelings are completely normal. Most people are not professional models — and you don’t need to be.

A stress-free headshot experience comes down to preparation, guidance, and a calm studio environment.

Choose a Photographer Who Guides You (This Matters Most)

The biggest factor in a successful headshot session is guidance.

A fully guided headshot session means:

You’re told exactly where to stand
How to angle your body and face
What to do with your hands
When to relax, breathe, and reset

You never have to guess what to do next.

This is especially important for professionals, business owners, and creatives who want to look confident and approachable without feeling stiff or over-posed.

What to Wear for Professional Headshots

Wardrobe is one of the biggest stress points for clients, but it doesn’t need to be complicated.

Here are a few simple guidelines:

Stick to Clean, Neutral Colours

Black, grey, navy, beige, and soft neutrals photograph beautifully
Avoid bright neon colours or busy patterns
Logos should be minimal or avoided unless they’re intentional

Choose Comfortable, Well-Fitting Clothing

If you’re tugging at your outfit, it will show
Clothes that fit well help you relax and move naturally
Layers (like blazers or light jackets) add structure and polish

Keep Accessories Simple

Minimal jewelry works best
Avoid anything noisy, distracting, or overly trendy

If you’re unsure, a good studio headshot photographer will help you narrow this down before your session so you don’t overthink it.

What to Expect During a Stress-Free Headshot Session

A calm, professional headshot session should feel structured but relaxed.

Here’s what most clients experience in my North Vancouver studio:

A quiet, private studio environment
Clear direction throughout the session
Time to settle in — no rushing
Small adjustments to posture and expression
Breaks when needed

You don’t need to “perform” or force expressions. The goal is to capture natural, confident versions of you.

How to Prepare the Day Before Your Headshot Session

A little preparation goes a long way.

The Day Before:

Choose your outfit(s) and set them aside
Steam or iron clothing if needed
Get a good night’s sleep
Drink water and keep things simple

The Day Of:

Wear comfortable clothes to the studio
Trust the process you’ll be guided every step of the way

Who Professional Headshots Are For

Professional headshots are ideal for:

Business owners and entrepreneurs
Corporate professionals
Realtors and consultants
Creatives and personal brands
Anyone updating LinkedIn or a website profile

If you need images that feel polished, modern, and approachable, a guided studio headshot session is one of the best investments you can make.

Final Thoughts: Headshots Don’t Have to Be Awkward

If you’ve been avoiding headshots because you hate being photographed, know this:
You don’t have to love the camera, you just need the right guidance.

A calm, fully guided studio session can completely change how you feel about having your photo taken — and help you finally love your headshots.

Book a Professional Headshot Session in North Vancouver

I offer fully guided, stress-free headshot sessions in my North Vancouver studio, designed for professionals who want confident, natural results without the awkwardness.

If you’re ready to update your headshots or have been putting it off, I’d love to help.

👉 [Book your headshot session here]

North Vancouver, British Columbia