When Headshots Don’t Have to Feel Awkward

Professional headshot of a woman taken in a Richmond studio, showing a confident yet approachable expression with simple styling and natural tones.

Professional headshot of a woman taken in a Richmond studio, showing a confident yet approachable expression with simple styling and natural tones.

Not everyone feels comfortable in front of a camera, and that’s more common than most people admit.

Last November, M came into a Richmond studio for a professional headshot session. She shared right away that she often feels nervous during photos and has had a hard time getting headshots that truly feel like her.

So instead of jumping straight into posing, we focused on creating a calm, relaxed experience.

We played music, talked throughout the session, and took our time. There was no pressure to “perform” for the camera, just gentle guidance and space to feel comfortable.

As the session went on, everything shifted. Her posture softened, her expressions became more natural, and her personality started to come through in the images.

A Thoughtful, Relaxed Headshot Experience

In just 30 minutes, we photographed three different outfits and created a full gallery of professional, natural headshots with a variety of expressions and moods.

For most professionals, five headshots or fewer is usually all they need , one for LinkedIn, one for a website, and a few versatile options for different platforms.
M. loved her images so much that she decided to purchase the entire gallery of 50 photos, giving her flexibility and a wide range of options to use over time.

More than anything, this session was a reminder that great headshots aren’t about being “photogenic.” They’re about feeling supported, relaxed, and seen.

In-Studio Headshots in Richmond, VA

I offer in-studio headshot sessions once a month in Richmond, Virginia. These sessions are designed for people who want professional headshots but don’t want the experience to feel stiff or intimidating.

They’re a great fit for:

  • Business owners and entrepreneurs

  • Creatives and freelancers

  • Professionals updating LinkedIn or personal websites

  • Anyone who feels a little nervous in front of the camera

Each session is guided, easygoing, and focused on helping you look like yourself, confident, natural, and approachable.

If you’ve been putting off updating your headshots because the idea feels uncomfortable, you’re not alone. And it really doesn’t have to be awkward.

Clarice Oliveira

Family photographer serving families in Richmond, Charlottesville, Fredericksburg, and Alexandria, VA.

https://www.clariceoliveiraphotography.com
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