My job as a photographer is to coach everyday people on how to take natural-looking photos. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard clients say “I don’t take good photos.” Have you ever said that?

Well, when you do that’s an open declaration of your discomfort.

Once in front of the camera, this discomfort often shows itself in your hands, feet and face. So what should you do?

When booking a headshot session opt for an actor’s headshot. This is a surefire way of having a more confident headshot; by doing this you don’t have to worry about what to do with your hands and your feet. It’s all about what’s happening on your face.

Now that you know where the camera will be focused you can apply the 3-6-9 technique. This gives you control over their eyes and mouth, the two things on your face that can communicate confidence and warmth.

If the 3-6-9 technique doesn’t work for you think about something that makes you happy and stay there for a bit. I call this, your happy place. In going to your happy place and thinking happy thoughts your eyebrows become less knitted and your smile is prone to look more natural. Translating to a more confident headshot. It has the same effect as smiling when you’re on the phone, it makes you more pleasant.

Give it a try and let me know if you still feel like you don’t take good photos.