Should I Smile in professional headshot photos?

Here's a question I get often, usually right when someone is stepping in front of the camera.

"Should I smile?"

Short answer is yes, for some of the shots, but don't try to! We're looking to communicate a lot of different things with your headshot, but two of the top emotions are confidence and approachability. No one knows what their face or body is doing and what looks natural and authentic.

That's my actual job- to guide you through it ALL!

So, SHOULD I smile?

The best answer is OF COURSE, in SOME of them. Variety is key in expression but so is authenticity. That is where I come in. I work with you to capture YOU in as many different ways as we can. No fake smiles allowed! I will be as ridiculous as it takes to get a real smile out of you.

That way, you have options for different contexts—LinkedIn might get a big smile, while your company's bio page gets the confident shot.

Approachable. Confident. Genuine.

Should I Practice Posing?

No. We can't see ourselves as others see us- a mirror is a reversed version of us. And we can't really tell what something looks like.

So don't worry about that at all. Just come as you are, and I'll help with the rest.

I Guide You!

I'm directing you the entire time.

I don't say "stand there and smile" and just start clicking. I coach you throughout the whole session.

Where to look
How to position your body
What to do with your hands
Your expression

Direction is almost constant. We talk a lot. I'm adjusting little things as we go, and before you know it, you're feeling more comfortable in front of the camera and the photos are happening naturally. You're having FUN!

The Confidence Factor

This can't be underestimated. Once we get rolling and I show you how amazing your photos are on my laptop, you start to feel a part of it and that yes, you can do this!

Everyone walks in a bit nervous, worried about how they'll look, convinced they're "not photogenic."

And then we start shooting. I'm guiding you, adjusting little things, making you laugh or think about something that light you up. You forget to be self-conscious.

Clients are often shocked at how good they look at their photo viewing session.

Work with a photographer that knows how to direct and then trust them to make you look amazing-still like YOU but on your best day in great light and flattering poses.

Show up with your clothes and music playlist and I'll do the rest!!

Let's get some great photos of YOU!

I am located in Nashville TN and if you are too, I would love to take your headshots, branding photos or your whole teams' headshots.

If fresh photos are anywhere on your radar for 2026, it might be worth just getting it done now.

Fill out the contact me form, call or email! I would be honored to be your photographer.

Contact Me

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Should I Smile in professional photos??