“I hate having my photo taken” – a guide for nervous business owners on the Wirral

If the thought of a headshot session makes you want to run a mile, you’re not on your own.

Most of the people I photograph on the Wirral are not natural in front of a camera. They’re accountants, coaches, trades, creatives, shop owners, charity leaders – not models.

But they still need good images for LinkedIn, their website, and Google profile.

This guide is for you if:

• You hate having your photo taken

• You “never like any photos” of yourself

• You know you should update your headshot, but keep putting it off

I’m a headshot and personal branding photographer based in West Kirby, working with businesses across the Wirral and Liverpool City Region – and my whole approach is built around keeping things relaxed, simple and human.

No forced smiles. No awkward posing. No ring light inches from your nose.

Why so many people hate having their photo taken

Let’s start by taking the pressure off: if you feel weird in front of a camera, there’s usually a good reason.

A few of the common ones I hear:

• Bad past experiences Maybe you had a rushed “step in, smile, next” headshot at a conference. No direction, harsh lighting, and you got one stiff, unflattering image you’ve been stuck with for years.

• We’re used to seeing ourselves differently Most of us only see our faces in mirrors or slightly distorted front-camera phone selfies. A professional camera shows you from a different angle and at a much higher quality – which can feel strange at first.

• We over-analyse everything We zoom in on every tiny detail: lines, hair, eyes, chin, posture. Other people just see you. Friendly, professional, approachable. Not the one wonky eyelash.

• You’re worried you’ll “look awkward” This is the big one. You’re not worried about the camera; you’re worried you won’t know what to do with your face or hands.

None of this means you “don’t photograph well”. It just means you need a session that’s set up for real people, not professional models.

What actually happens in a relaxed headshot session

A lot of the nerves disappear once people know what to expect. Here’s how a typical headshot or personal branding session with me works on the Wirral.

1. A quick chat before we start

Before I pick up the camera, we’ll have a short chat about:

• Where the images will be used (LinkedIn, website, email footer, press, etc.)

• The overall feel: friendly and relaxed, more formal, creative, or a mix

• Any features you’re self-conscious about, so I can avoid unflattering angles and lighting

We can do this on the day or beforehand via email/phone if you prefer.

2. Simple, flattering lighting and backgrounds

You don’t need a huge studio. I’m a mobile photographer, so I can come to:

• Your office or workspace

• A co-working space like StartYard or a meeting room

• Or an outdoor location around the Wirral (West Kirby, Hoylake, New Brighton, etc.)

We’ll keep backgrounds clean and simple – nothing that distracts from your face.

3. Gentle direction (nothing dramatic)

You won’t be asked to:

• “Work the camera”

• Do dramatic poses

• Pretend you’re on a catwalk in Milan

Instead, I’ll guide you through small, easy adjustments:

• Turn slightly this way

• Drop your shoulders

• Look just past the camera

• Relax your jaw, small smile

The aim is to get you talking and moving just enough that you stop thinking about “doing a pose” and just look like yourself.

4. We review as we go

You’ll be able to see some of the images as we work. This does two things:

• You can tell me what you like / don’t like

• You’ll quickly realise you don’t look as bad as you feared

Most people visibly relax once they see a couple of shots they’re happy with.

How to prepare if you’re nervous about your headshot

A few practical tips that make a big difference:

1. Choose clothes you feel comfortable in

• Wear something you’d happily meet a client in

• Avoid anything that needs constant adjusting

• Solid colours tend to work better than very busy patterns

If in doubt, bring options – we can decide together.

2. Think about how you’ll use the images

• If your clients are mostly corporate, you might want something slightly more formal.

• If you’re a creative, maker or independent business owner, we might lean more relaxed or lifestyle-based – you at your desk, in your workspace or on location.

3. Give yourself a bit of time

If possible, avoid booking your shoot in the middle of a hectic day.

A bit of breathing space before your session means:

• You’re not arriving flustered

• Make-up, hair and clothes aren’t rushed

• We can ease into things without you watching the clock

4. Tell me what worries you

If there’s something specific you’re nervous about – glasses, profile, smile, etc. – tell me.

My job is to:

• Use angles and lighting that flatter you

• Avoid anything that makes you feel uncomfortable

• Focus on your expressions and body language so you look like you on a good day

What happens after the shoot?

Once the session’s done, I’ll go through the images and select the strongest ones.

Typically:

1. You’ll receive a proof gallery

   A private online gallery where you can choose your favourites.

2. I’ll retouch them subtly

   This usually means:

   • Adjusting brightness and colour

   • Softening small distractions (temporary blemishes, stray hairs)

   • Keeping skin texture so you still look real – not like a plastic mannequin

3. You’ll get high-res and web-ready files

   Perfect for:

   • LinkedIn profiles

   • Your website “About” page

   • Email signatures

   • Google Business Profile

   • Press or speaking engagements

No heavy filters. No face-altering edits. Just a polished, professional version of you.

Why a good headshot is worth pushing through the nerves

If you’re still hesitating, here’s the honest truth: a strong, up-to-date headshot makes a real difference.

• People feel like they already know you When someone lands on your website or LinkedIn, your photo is often the first thing they connect with.

• You look credible and current A modern, professional image sends a simple message: you take your business seriously.

• It works everywhere One good headshot can be used across:

  • LinkedIn

  • Your website

  • Proposal documents

  • Networking directories (like Wirral Chamber, Network groups, etc.)

• You stop hiding When you’re happy with your photo, you’re more likely to show up online, post, comment, and be seen.

For a lot of small businesses on the Wirral, that visibility is what leads to referrals, collaborations and new clients.

FAQs – for people who really hate having their photo taken

“I’m not photogenic. Is there any point?”“ Not photogenic” usually means “I’ve never been photographed in a relaxed way with good light and gentle direction.” My job is to handle all of that so you don’t have to.

“Can I see the photos as we go?” Yes. We can check the back of the camera during the session so you know we’re heading in the right direction.

“What if I don’t like any of them?” That’s very rare – especially once we start tweaking based on your feedback. But if something isn’t working, we’ll know during the session and we can adjust the approach there and then.

“Do you only work on the Wirral?” I’m based in West Kirby and mainly work across the Wirral and Liverpool City Region, but I can travel further for certain projects – just ask.

Ready to talk about your own headshot (even if you’re dreading it)?

If you’ve read this far and still hate the idea of being in front of a camera, that’s fine. You don’t have to suddenly love it.

You just need:

• A photographer who understands that you’re nervous

• A simple plan

• A session that feels more like a conversation than a photoshoot

If you’re a business owner on the Wirral and you know your current headshot isn’t really doing you any favours, get in touch.

Tell me:

• What you do

• Where you’d use the images

• And what worries you most about having your photo taken

  
  

I’ll talk you through how a relaxed headshot or personal branding session could work for you – no pressure, no hard sell.