How to alleviate your headshot anxiety

[Los Angeles Headshots by Vanie]

Have you ever seen a friend’s headshot, fallen in love with the picture, asked who the photographer was and then promptly made an appointment only to have a bad experience with mediocre results?

Yeah, I hear ya. You’re not the only one.

You were probably suffering from a case of headshot blindness. It’s when an actor blindly makes an appointment with a headshot photographer based on one person’s results and not based on research.

Okay I just made that up but…

Researching and doing your homework is important.

FOR ME, IT’S ABOUT SETTING EXPECTATIONS, communicating what the shoot will entail, and preparing myself for any unexpected requests to prevent surprises on session day that I may not be prepared to accommodate. 

For you, it’s about doing your research so that you have confidence in your final choice for a photographer— the key to setting those nerves at ease. 😌

Falling in love with your friend’s headshot and moving forward with that photographer doesn’t guarantee you’ll get the same results! 

ANYONE can stumble on a great image now and again (especially with the right subject, like that annoying friend who just loves being in front of the camera.)

BUT have you carefully looked through the photographer’s portfolio to see if there’s consistency on their site? 🧐

Better yet, have you looked at their daily posts on social media or on their blog as an indication of what their work looks like DAY IN AND DAY OUT?

On my website, I showcase only my favorite and strongest work making sure to be inclusive with all skin tones and age groups of course.💅

My day to day work?  It’s on Instagram.

HAVE YOU HAD A CONSULTATION with your photographer with ample time to ask questions and get a sense of what the day will be like?

Has the photographer has outlined their policies and clearly explained their process, as well as what their packages include? Have you read their testimonials or their reviews on Yelp?

Do you feel rushed talking to the photographer? Hint, that’s usually a good indicator as to what your session will be like.

You also need to ask yourself the following👇: 

• Is the photographer ACCESSIBLE to you?
• Do they answer all your emails in a timely manner?
• Do you have their cell phone number so that you’re able to reach them in the event of a last minute emergency?

If you answered no to any of those questions, then it’s a big red flag 🚩 that the photographer is NOT going to be accessible to you after your shoot either! 

If you don’t know the answers to any of the above questions, then you haven’t done your research— and you’ll be nervous leading up to your session.

If you take the time to do your due diligence, this makes for a better experience for BOTH parties, which gives you the peace of mind to relax leading up to your session!  🥰

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I love helping you by putting out this free information (often written on weekends and evenings) so please help me spread the word by commenting and or sharing this post on your social feed! 🙏