How to Get Headshots That Actually Feel Like You| Central Illinois Brand Photographer
Can we talk about boring headshots for a second?
You know the ones. Dark background, stiff posture, forced smile, looks like it was taken in 1994 for a company directory that no one reads. Those headshots aren't doing anyone any favors, and if that's what's been holding you back from booking a session, I completely understand.
But here's the thing: headshots don't have to look like that. Not even close.
This session with Heather, a social media content creator based in the Central Illinois area, is a perfect example of what's possible when you approach headshots with intention, authenticity, and just a little bit of fun.
Meet Heather
Heather came to me needing headshots specifically for her media kit, the package she sends to brands interested in partnering with her. First impressions matter in that world, and a polished, on-brand set of images can be the difference between landing a collaboration and getting passed over.
Her overall vibe going into the session was clean and simple. Jeans, white top, white background, barefoot. Minimal, modern, fresh. Exactly the kind of aesthetic that photographs beautifully and feels timeless.
And then she walked in wearing the cutest sunglasses and carrying a great purse, and I immediately grabbed a few shots before we even officially started. Those "influencer vibes" frames? Some of my favorites from the whole session.
That's what I love about this work. You plan one thing and the best moments show up on their own.
How to Create Headshots That Actually Feel Like You
Heather's session is a great jumping-off point for something I want every person reading this to hear before they book their headshots anywhere:
Your headshots should look like you on your best day. Not a stranger in your clothes.
Here's how we make that happen.
Wear something you genuinely feel confident in
Being in front of a camera is already a little intimidating for most people. The last thing you want is to add the discomfort of wearing an outfit that doesn't feel like you, or that you're tugging at every five minutes. When you feel good in what you're wearing, it shows up in every single frame.
If you've ever had a color analysis done, wear your colors. I'm serious about this one. You can genuinely see the difference on camera between someone wearing colors within their palette versus colors that are working against their complexion. Not everyone has done a color analysis and that's totally fine, but if you have, use that knowledge going into your session.
Find a photographer who's going to look out for the details
This is something I take really seriously. When I'm working with a client, I'm not just clicking the shutter. I'm watching your hand placement, checking your necklace, fixing your hair. I call myself a chronic hair fixer, and I say that with zero apology because those little details are what you're going to notice first when you get your photos back.
A slightly off-center necklace or a piece of hair across your face might not feel like a big deal in the moment, but in a close-up headshot, it's the first thing your eye goes to. My job is to make sure none of that distracts from you.
Let go of the perfection standard
This is a big one, and I feel strongly about it.
We are living in an era where AI-generated images have created a completely false standard of what people are supposed to look like in photos. Perfect skin, perfect hair, zero imperfection, zero humanity. And it is not real.
I am fully anti-AI headshots. I think they are inauthentic, I think they misrepresent what you actually look like in real life, and I genuinely believe they are doing more harm to businesses than good. I ran a poll on my Instagram recently asking people what they think when they see a business using AI photos, and the responses were telling. A lot of people said they don't trust that brand. That they unfollow. That it immediately raises a red flag.
If you're tempted to go the AI route because it feels easier or cheaper, I want you to hear this: it is not worth it. You are better served by getting in front of a real camera, working with a real photographer, and creating images that are actually you.
The good news? It doesn't have to be scary. In my sessions, I throw on my client's favorite music, we talk, we laugh, and after about ten minutes in front of the camera, something shifts. You stop feeling stiff and you start just existing in the space. That's when the best photos happen.
Think about your background and brand alignment
For Heather, white was the obvious choice. Clean, bright, airy, completely in line with her personal brand as a content creator.
I'm naturally a brighter, more natural-toned photographer. You won't find me pushing dark, dramatic backgrounds that look like a school yearbook portrait. That's just not my style and honestly, for most modern personal brands and businesses, it's not what's going to serve you either. The background is part of the image, and it should feel intentional.
What Heather's Session Looked Like
We created a full variety of images throughout her session. Some classic, clean headshot poses for the professional sections of her media kit. Some more playful, trendy poses for the sections where her personality needed to come through. And yes, those sunglasses and purse shots made the final cut.
Her gallery leans more trendy than corporate, which is exactly right for who she is and what she does. There is no one-size-fits-all headshot, and her session is proof of that.
I also want to be clear about something: I never give a client one headshot and call it done. You get options. A variety of poses, expressions, and frames to choose from, because I know that what I think is the strongest shot and what you connect with most might be two completely different images. You should be excited about your headshots, not just tolerating them.
Two Ways to Work With Me for Headshots
Heather's session is a great example of studio headshots for a personal brand, but that's not the only way we can make this work.
Personal brand studio sessions are perfect if you're a content creator, entrepreneur, real estate agent, coach, or anyone who needs images that represent you and your business across your website, social media, and marketing materials.
On-site corporate headshots are for companies and teams who need everyone done in a single day without anyone leaving the office. I bring my full setup to you. We work through your team efficiently, everyone gets professional images, and nobody loses half a day of productivity driving across Peoria. This is a great option for businesses in Morton, Washington, East Peoria, Tremont, Bloomington, and the surrounding Central Illinois area.
Ready for Headshots You're Actually Excited to Use?
Whether you're a solo personal brand or a company with a full team, I would love to help you create headshots that feel like you, look incredible, and actually get used.
Are you a photog in desperate need of inspiration???
Check out my posing guides! These began as a resource for myself. It dawned on me that it would be so helpful for anyone else not totally confident in posing or getting tired of the same old poses. Add to cart!!
No need to stress during your next session with posing, I got you! In this posing guide, you will find 50 of my go-to poses/prompts that make my clients feel like a BOSS in front of the camera. Download this PDF to your phone and never worry about posing during your session again.
What’s Included:
Downloadable PDF
Not a physical product
Printable
50 poses/prompts created by Always Flourishing Photography
Photo references for each pose
***because these are digital products, there are no refunds or returns after purchase. reproduction and/or redistribution of this product in any way, shape, or form is strictly prohibited.
No need to stress during your next session with posing, I got you! In this posing guide, you will find 50 of my go-to poses/prompts that make my clients feel like a BOSS in front of the camera. Download this PDF to your phone and never worry about posing during your session again.
What’s Included:
Downloadable PDF
Not a physical product
Printable
50 poses/prompts created by Always Flourishing Photography
Photo references for each pose
***because these are digital products, there are no refunds or returns after purchase. reproduction and/or redistribution of this product in any way, shape, or form is strictly prohibited.
No need to stress during your next session with posing, I got you! In this posing guide, you will find 50 of my go-to poses/prompts that make my clients feel like a BOSS in front of the camera. Download this PDF to your phone and never worry about posing during your session again.
What’s Included:
Downloadable PDF
Not a physical product
Printable
50 poses/prompts created by Always Flourishing Photography
Photo references for each pose
***because these are digital products, there are no refunds or returns after purchase. reproduction and/or redistribution of this product in any way, shape, or form is strictly prohibited.
