“I’m not photogenic.”

As a professional headshot photographer, this is the phrase I hear most often when people inquire about headshots. Usually followed by some variation of:

“I always look awkward in photos.”
“I need to lose weight first.”
“I hate my smile.”
“Every headshot I’ve ever had was terrible.”
“I don’t want to look too old/young/thin/fat/tired/etc.”

And I get it. Most of us are incredibly critical of ourselves in photos, often comparing ourselves to a younger version of ourselves or unrealistic images we see online.

But after photographing hundreds of professionals, entrepreneurs, and executives, I can confidently say this: Most people are not unphotogenic. Most people have simply never been properly photographed.

Why So Many People Think They’re Not Photogenic

Many people are convinced they’re just bad at photos.

But more often than not, they’ve simply had a bad headshot experience in the past.

Maybe their company hired a budget photographer who set up assembly-line style in the conference room. Each person got 30 seconds in front of the camera, little to no posing guidance, and the final images looked stiff and uncomfortable.

After enough experiences like that, people start to believe the problem is them: that they’re awkward, unattractive, or somehow not photogenic.

But usually it’s just that they’ve never been photographed in a way that flatters them or helps them feel comfortable.

What Actually Makes Someone Look Good in Headshots

Being photogenic isn't something you’re born with. Great headshots are usually the result of:

flattering lighting
thoughtful posing
authentic expression
clothing that fits well
a photographer who knows how to coach people
and most importantly, feeling comfortable enough to relax

Most people don’t realize how visible self-consciousness is on camera. The moment you relax and stop trying so hard is when the magic happens and your personality shines through.

An authentic, inviting expression will always be more powerful than a perfect face.

People connect with warmth, confidence, approachability, and personality. Those are the qualities others see in your headshot, not your perceived flaws.

For more headshot best practices, check out my guide to LinkedIn headshots.

Stop Being Your Own Worst Critic

If you asked your closest friends to describe you, they’d talk about your personality before your appearance. They’d describe your humor, warmth, intelligence, confidence, kindness, or energy.

I promise you, they wouldn’t say anything about having a double chin, being 20 pounds overweight, or wrinkles.

Your friends aren’t obsessing over your looks, and neither are your clients and coworkers. Yet when people look at headshots of themselves, they often zoom in and analyze every tiny detail. This is not serving you.

✨ Pro tip: Your headshot is not a beauty contest. It’s simply a tool that helps people connect a face to a name, brand, or business. A great headshot helps people feel like they already know you before they ever meet you.

View the portfolio: see more examples of modern headshots & personal branding images.

My Approach for People Who Hate Being Photographed

A huge part of my job has nothing to do with cameras.

It’s helping people feel seen and comfortable.

Whether you arrive stressed from Houston traffic, overwhelmed with work, or simply nervous to be in front of the camera, my goal is for you to relax, trust the process, and maybe even have a little fun along the way.

Most people who begin their session by saying, “I hate having my picture taken,” end up admitting afterward that they actually enjoyed themselves.

Guidance

Before the photo shoot, I provide tips on what to wear. Once a client arrives at the studio, we take a few minutes to chat, review clothing options, confirm goals, and make a game plan for the session.

You don’t need to know how to pose. That’s my job. I’ll guide through how to stand, where to look, how much to smile, and what to do with your hands. Which leads me to…

Variety

We’ll capture a wide variety of poses and expressions. Some poses will feel natural, while others may feel a little strange. Some images will be total duds, while others will be magazine-worthy.

That’s normal. We won’t hit it out of the park 100% of the time, and that’s ok. It’s about moving through enough variety to discover the expressions, angles, and moments that feel most authentic to you. And sometimes the best images happen in between poses: when someone laughs, relaxes, or briefly forgets they're being photographed.

Encouragement

I firmly believe energy matters during a photo shoot.

A lot of people tense up because they feel like they’re being judged or evaluated in front of the camera. My approach is the opposite. I want clients to feel supported, encouraged, and confident throughout the entire experience.

And I’ve been told I’m a pretty great hype girl. 😉

One recent client shared this in a Google review:

“Working with Megan was honestly such a great experience. I usually feel a little awkward in front of a camera, but she made the whole session feel relaxed and easy from the very beginning… The final pictures came out even better than I expected: professional, clean, and genuinely authentic.”

Learn more about my Houston headshot sessions.

Authentic Expression Beats Perfection

When people say they want to “look good” in headshots, they often think that means looking flawless.

But the best headshots are not the most perfect ones. They’re the ones that feel confident, natural, trustworthy, and genuinely you.

The right expression depends on both your personality and your profession. Some people want a warm, approachable look, while others prefer something more polished or serious. Both work in the right circumstance.

Fake smiles are usually easy to spot because they don’t reach the eyes. And stiff posing or overthinking can make someone look uncomfortable, even in an otherwise technically solid image.

This is also why AI-generated headshots often feel a less authentic. While they can create polished lighting and flawless skin, they often miss the subtle nuances that make someone feel human and trustworthy.

At the end of the day, people want to work with real people.

Should You Lose Weight Before Headshots?

Let me reframe the question: should you wait to put yourself out there professionally until after you lose weight?

While waiting until you reach a goal weight is completely your choice, I also encourage you to consider how many opportunities you may be delaying while waiting to feel ready.

A polished, professional headshot can help you show up more confidently online, whether that’s for LinkedIn, your business, job searches, speaking opportunities, or networking.

The good news is that flattering lighting, clothing, posing, and expression make a much bigger difference than most people realize.

And you deserve to show up as you are right now.

Final Thoughts: You’re More Photogenic Than You Think

If you’re nervous about headshots, my biggest advice is actually pretty simple: don’t overcomplicate it.

Stick to your normal grooming and beauty routine leading up to the session. Gather a few outfits that fit well and make you feel confident. Get a good night’s sleep, drink plenty of water, and eat a healthy breakfast.

No need to practice poses or facial expressions in the mirror beforehand. That’s what your photographer is there for.

Most people don’t need to be more photogenic. They need better guidance, better lighting, better posing, a more relaxed environment, and a photographer who knows how to bring out authentic expression.

If you’ve spent years saying “I hate photos of myself,” maybe it’s time for a different experience.

Contact me to learn more and book your headshot session.

Not Photogenic? How to Look Good in Headshots