I had an epiphany during a headshot session.
Yet another client came into the Pixel Roses studio for a LinkedIn headshot and, as they walked through the door, apologised for not being "photogenic". It was the third apology that week, and it was only Tuesday!
It's astonishing how often we hear:
- "I've never had a good photo taken."
- "I'm not sure how to pose or smile genuinely."
- "I dislike my [insert perceived flaw]."
- "I always look too serious in photos."
- "I prefer candid shots where I'm unaware of the camera."
Hearing these concerns is a call to action for us. We see it as a chance to change perceptions and raise our clients' self-esteem by tackling the "I'm not photogenic" myth head on. But where does the word come from, and how did it become tied to such a negative view of ourselves?
Where "photogenic" comes from
According to vocabulary.com, photogenic describes looking attractive in photographs. If you are photogenic, there are few, if any, terrible pictures of you out there.
The word originally meant "produced or caused by light" before it came to mean "photographing well". Today it also describes looking good on video or film, and its use in that sense is often credited to Hollywood producer Samuel Goldwyn in the 1920s. Most Hollywood stars are photogenic – but then, they have armies of wardrobe, hair and makeup professionals, not to mention retouchers who erase every shadow and blemish.
The real issue: a previous photographer
My epiphany was that these self-doubts, and the words "I'm not photogenic", usually come from a client's previous photographer. At heart, that photographer failed to create an environment that brought out the client's best self.
That challenge is what excites us at Pixel Roses. We take clients on a journey that ends in images that look approachable, confident and full of personality.
Seven reasons past photoshoots fail
Client experience is key. Our focus is on making clients feel valued; they are the most important person in the room. A photographer who forgets this won't get the best from anyone.
No barriers. We don't let the equipment become a barrier, something many inexperienced photographers do, intentionally or not. Instead of hiding behind the camera and lights, we work alongside our clients. We're in front of the camera with the client more than we're behind it.
Technical expertise. A photographer must know their equipment and keep adjustments to a minimum, so their attention stays on the client. If most of the session is spent adjusting settings, the photographer needs to improve their skills.
Guidance on expression and posing. We actively coach the person in front of the camera on posing and facial expressions. We don't leave clients to figure it out for themselves, as many so-called professional photographers do.
Fun and rapport. We make every photoshoot enjoyable. We get to know each client and build a genuine relationship that brings out their best. A happy client gives genuine smiles that reach the eyes – one reason we never ask anyone to smile on command. Stand in front of a mirror and see how hard it is to create a genuine smile on demand!
Continuous communication. We keep up a constant dialogue to understand and guide our clients, giving feedback they use to improve the images we create together. You'd be surprised how many photographers struggle to connect with their client.
Seeing is believing. We show the images in real time on a large screen, not the back of the camera. Clients can see when their shoulders aren't level, their head is too far back, a hair is out of place or their expression needs adjusting. Seeing it live encourages them to make the changes themselves, and their attention moves from the "scary" camera to how to improve.
No rushing. Photographers who are "on the clock" rush and put pressure on clients to get it right first time. We take our time to get a series of great shots that show confidence, approachability and genuine personality. It can take 15 minutes or an hour, depending on the client – but we never pressure anyone into looking fake.
The Pixel Roses difference
"My experience at Pixel Roses Studio was amazing! From the moment I waddled in feeling like an 'ugly duckling', till I walked out feeling like a majestic 'beautiful swan'. Alan & Mandy made this transformation feel effortless." – Maja P.
"I recently had a headshot session with Alan and it was an absolute blast! Alan has a remarkable ability to make the whole experience enjoyable while effortlessly bringing out your best personality for the camera. The result was not just a professional headshot, but a snapshot of my essence on a great day." – Faten J.
We prioritise quality and a bespoke experience over volume. If you're looking for a quick, cheap shot, we might not be the right fit. But if you value a photography experience that changes how you see yourself, we're here for you. Get in touch to start your journey to a headshot that truly represents you.