I see this happen time and time again in the studio: Up until they reach the door, someone is open, friendly, and completely at ease. As soon as I raise the camera, that changes. Their shoulders tense up. Their expression becomes stiff. For a moment, a relaxed person turns into a mask.
Does this sound familiar? You think, “I’m just not photogenic. Where should I put my hands?” That feels weird. What do I actually look like right now?
Good news: This is normal—and it can be changed. It’s not about being “photogenic.” It’s about staying true to yourself while I hold the camera. All you need is a little guidance, a few simple techniques, and your inner focus. Presence instead of posing. Calmness instead of control.
Why We Get Nervous
A camera draws attention—and judgment. Our nervous system reacts almost as if we were about to speak in front of an audience. Very few people are comfortable with that.
The result: shoulders hunched, facial expressions frozen, hands wandering aimlessly. Tension.
And it’s exactly that moment that ends up in the photo. We appear more uncertain, more distant, and more unnatural than we actually are. The result: We don’t like the photos—and we avoid having more taken.
But here’s the thing: You can turn this around. I’ll help you do it. It’s not about becoming “photogenic.” The goal is to come across as calm, clear, and present.
Before the camera even starts rolling
What many people don’t know: A good photo shoot doesn’t start with the first click.
I’ll have a quick chat with you beforehand—nothing high-pressure, no interrogation. What’s the photo for? The law firm’s website, your LinkedIn profile, a speaker profile? Who will see it later, and what do you want them to remember?
Those few minutes are more important for a relaxed outcome than any instructions afterward. You know what’s going to happen. I know who I’m dealing with.
And: Feel free to tell me if you’re nervous. I hear that a lot—and it doesn’t change the photos. It just changes the way I work with you.
Position & attitude
How you stand directly influences how you are perceived – both physically and internally. In practical terms, this means:
- Feet firmly on the ground
- Weight shifted slightly onto one leg
- Sternum gently raised
- Think of the back of your head gently lifting upward
- Shoulders back and consciously relaxed
Your thought on this: something you’re truly proud of. This creates calm and body awareness.
Especially when it comes to business portraits, this is what makes the difference between coming across as confident and coming across as unsure. For a law firm’s website or a speaker’s profile, every detail of your posture matters—even before anyone consciously notices your face.
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Face & Expression
Many people freeze up as soon as the camera turns to them—or start to act unnaturally. The result: a stiff expression, rigidity, and distance. The trick is to keep moving—even on the inside.
- Turn your head slightly
- Keep Your Perspective Alive
- Jaw relaxed, lips soft
- Micro-smiles Instead of Mask Smiles
Your thought: a situation in which you felt strong and comfortable.
Practical Tip: Take a deep breath—then look into the camera. This will bring a genuine sense of calm to your gaze.
Hands & arms
If you don’t know what to do with your hands, it reveals tension. Hands say a lot about control and composure. If you use them consciously, you’ll come across as natural.
Some good options are:
- let it hang loosely and relaxed
- one hand casually in his pants pocket
- Hands on the belt loop
- hold an object (e.g., glasses, notebook)
- roll up one’s sleeves
- rest on the table
- let it rest lightly against your body
Simply loosen up
There are simple ways to relieve tension:
- Shake it off —just give your body a good shake
- Breathing: Inhale for four seconds, exhale for six seconds, and repeat three times. The longer exhalation is the real trick—it calms you down more effectively than deep inhalation alone.
- Relax your jaw: yawn, close your lips, and touch your tongue to your upper front teeth
- Reset your shoulders: pull them up, hold briefly, then let them drop back
- Your thought: “I’m exactly where I need to be right now.”
These small movements release tension and immediately change energy and expression.
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What Happens During the Photo Shoot
We’ll start with a few test shots. These don’t count—they’re just there so you can see what it looks like when you’re just standing there.
Every now and then, we’ll look at the monitor together. Not to pick apart every image, but so you can see: This is what you look like. And it looks good. That takes more pressure off than any further instructions.
Your mini-exercise before the shoot
Just before the photo shoot, you can actively “get yourself and your body ready”:
- Relax your lips and cheeks
- to yawn or smile on purpose
- Feel your feet, relax your shoulders
- Close your eyes, breathe calmly
- warm up gradually
Helps to find peace and presence.
A good portrait is not created by chance
I’ll give you clear guidance, honest feedback, and enough space to find yourself. I won’t leave you on your own. I’ll ask you questions like:
- How do you want to come across?
- What are you trying to achieve with this picture?
- What impression, what feeling should the viewer be left with?
Then we’ll create your portrait together—step by step. You don’t have to act. You can just be yourself—and I’ll make sure the portrait captures exactly that.
Conclusion
Confidence in front of the camera has little to do with being “photogenic.” It comes about when your body, posture, and inner focus come together—and when there’s someone there who not only observes you but also guides you through the process.
The result isn’t photos that show you as you’re supposed to be. Instead, they’re photos that show how people experience you when you’re being yourself—authentic, clear, and present.
If you’re planning to update your LinkedIn profile picture, your law firm photo, or your next business portrait—let’s have a quick chat before you book. That way, you’ll know what to expect beforehand.