Why do so many people put off having a professional headshot? Plus a free headshot session to win!
Headshot photographer Reading | Headshot photographer Berkshire
Your headshot is often one of the first things people see when they visit your LinkedIn profile, website or email signature. It doesn’t need to feel overly corporate or formal, but it should
look like you and reflect your business professionally.
And yet, having a new headshot taken is something many people put off. I completely understand why - one of the most common things I hear before a headshot session is: “I hate having my photo taken.”
The good news is that, nine times out of ten, clients tell me afterwards that they actually enjoyed the session far more than they expected.
As a headshot photographer based near Reading, I work with business owners, professionals and teams who feel exactly the same way. My job is not just to take the photograph, but to make the whole experience feel calm, relaxed and much easier than people imagine.
So, here are a few of the most common reasons people put off having a new headshot, and how my approach can really help.
I’m not photogenic
This is probably one of the most common things people say to me.
The truth is, most people are not used to being photographed professionally. That doesn’t mean you’re not photogenic. It usually just means you haven’t been photographed in the right way. A good headshot is not about looking perfect. It is about looking like you on a good day - approachable, confident and professional.
My job is to select the right lighting and background, give you advice on posing and a little gentle direction - and before you know it, we have a beautiful headshot.
I won’t know what to do
Again, completely normal.
Most people don’t naturally know how to stand, where to look, what to do with their hands or how to smile on demand.
That is why a headshot session should never feel as though you are left to work it out for yourself. I talk people through everything as we go, keeping the direction simple and natural. Often, the best expressions happen in between the more posed moments, when you have relaxed a little, we've been chatting and before you know it, you've forgotten about the camera. Trust me, it happens!
I don’t want to look too corporate
This is another very common concern.
Professional headshots have changed a lot - they don’t have to mean standing stiffly against a plain background, although that can still work very well for some businesses. Nowadays, many clients often prefer a more natural style, perhaps photographed in their own working environment or somewhere that feels relevant to their brand. The setting, lighting and overall feel of the image can all be adapted to suit you and my aim is to create a headshot that feels professional, but still looks like you.
I’ll feel awkward
It's true, you probably will feel a little awkward at the start - almost everyone does and it’s very normal to feel a bit self-conscious. But, during my sessions, I maintain a calm, well-organised approach, and I find this makes all the difference. I give clear direction, a little time and, where needed, reassurance. This helps the whole process feel much less daunting, which is when the more natural expressions start to happen.
And finally.......the bit you've been waiting for: A free headshot session to win!
Because I know so many people put off having their headshot taken, I’m offering one person the chance to win a free professional headshot session with me this month, worth £135.
The session includes a one-hour headshot shoot at a location of your choice within a 15-mile radius of Reading, Berkshire. I often photograph people in their own working environments, but if you would prefer a simple studio-style background, that is possible too.
After the session, you’ll receive a private online gallery of images to choose from. Once you have selected your favourite, I’ll send you a high-resolution and web-optimised JPEG, ready to use across LinkedIn, your website, email signature or wherever else you need it.
To enter, head over to my Facebook page here and comment on the competition post, telling me why you’ve been putting off having a professional headshot taken. It might be nerves, lack of time, not knowing what to expect or simply always finding a reason to leave it for another day.
Entries close on 30th June, 2026 and the winner will be announced on 1st July, 2026.
Good luck!
Full T&Cs available at: www.penniewithersphotography.co.uk
