The Anatomy of a Headshot Session
If you’ve never had a professional headshot taken, or you’ve had one and didn’t love the result, the unknowns of the process can make it feel intimidating. A lot of people walk into the studio worried they won’t look natural, or remembering a previous awkward headshot session.
I’m here to give you a dramatically different (and better) experience.
You don’t need to know what to do. You just need a photographer who knows how to guide you through it.
Here’s what happens during a headshot session at Halide Photography.
You settle in
Most people walk in already carrying a little tension, so we start with something easy.
You hang your clothes on the rack, we put on music you like, and I offer coffee, water, or snacks. We talk for a bit; not about posing or photography, just about who you are and what brought you in. It’s a chance to breathe and get comfortable in the space.
We talk about your goals
Before we start shooting, we talk through the purpose of your headshots:
• Who will see them
• Where they’ll be used
• Any specific tones or styles to match
• What you want your presence to communicate
Once we have an idea of our direction, I’ll help you choose an outfit if you’ve brought multiple options. I’ll take a couple of quick test photos, adjust lighting, and then we’ll start making some amazing headshots.
Getting started behind the camera
I start with small posture and head-position guidance, like how to stand, what to do with your arms, and what expression to start with. As we talk and work through different expressions, I get a feel for how you naturally move and express yourself.
Once we have a few good headshots in the bag, we’ll review a few images together on the computer.
My clients are usually surprised - they expect poor lighting and bland expressions, and instead see something genuine, a moment where their guard dropped without them realizing it. That early confidence shift makes the rest of the session easier.
Coaching stays simple, human, and in the moment
When I introduce something new, I’ll often stand beside you so you can see what I mean, and so I can give live adjustments. Behind the camera, my coaching becomes more directional:
• “Chin up just a bit.”
• “Stand nice and tall, like there’s a string pulling your spine up to the ceiling.”
• “Drop your left shoulder.”
And when I need a natural expression, I don’t ask for one — I use humor or a question that creates it. That’s how we get images that feel like you, not a version of you trying to perform for the camera.
Image selection is collaborative and low-pressure
After we’ve captured a variety of looks, we sit together on the studio couch, refill drinks or snacks, and review the best images. We mark potential keepers and talk through what’s working in each of them; the posture, expression, tone, and subtle differences that make an image feel more aligned with your goals.
My job is to guide you toward the photos that represent you at your best and meet your goals - I’ll never sell you on photos that don’t help you achieve what you’re looking for.
The result is a headshot you feel proud to share
Clients often walk in with hesitation and walk out feeling pleasantly refreshed and with a bit more self-confidence than they walked in with.
A great headshot isn’t about perfection. It’s about trust, guidance, and capturing an authentic expression you didn’t have to force.
If you’re ready for a rewarding, collaborative experience that brings out your best expression, I’d love to work with you.