How to Look Confident in Photos (Even If You Hate Being Photographed)

The number one thing I hear from clients before their session is: "I hate having my photo taken."

And by the end of every session, those same clients are standing in front of the review screen saying: "I actually love these."

Here is what changes between those two moments.

The Turtle

One of the most transformative techniques in headshot photography comes from Peter Hurley — and I teach it to every single client who walks through my door.

The technique is called turtling. Imagine a turtle pushing its head out of its shell. By extending your face slightly toward the camera, you tighten the skin along the jawline, eliminate the appearance of a double chin, and instantly create a more defined, confident look.

It feels unnatural at first. But the difference in photos is dramatic.

Chin Down, Eyes Up

Most people naturally tilt their chin up slightly when they stand. In photos, this creates two problems: it looks slightly standoffish in body language terms, and it creates an unflattering view angle.

Drop your chin just slightly. Then bring your eyes up to meet the camera. The result is an expression that reads as approachable, confident, and engaged.

Laugh Forward, Not Back

When people laugh naturally, they tend to pull their head back. This is exactly the opposite of what photographs well. Train yourself to laugh forward — lean in slightly, chin down, and let the expression come from your eyes as much as your mouth.

Let Go of the Pose

The best headshots happen when you stop thinking about what you look like and start reacting to something real. That is my job as your photographer — to give you something to react to so that your expression is genuine rather than performed.

Confidence in photos is not about looking a certain way. It is about being present enough in the moment that you forget the camera is there.