22 Feb How to Look More Confident in Photos (Even if You’re Camera-Shy)
Let’s be honest: very few people walk into our Indianapolis photography studio feeling like a supermodel. In fact, most of my clients—from high-level Salesforce executives to local Indy entrepreneurs—start their session by telling me, “I’m just not photogenic.”
The truth? Being “photogenic” isn’t a personality trait you’re born with; it’s a set of physical skills you can learn. If you feel awkward in front of the lens, it’s simply because you haven’t been given the right directions.
As a headshot photographer in Indianapolis specializing in expression coaching, I use a pioneered system to turn camera-shyness into a commanding digital presence. Here is how we do it.
1. The “Squinch”: The Secret to Instant Confidence
When we are nervous, our natural instinct is to open our eyes wide. In a photograph, this translates as “fear” or “uncertainty.”
To look confident, you need to master the “Squinch.”
How to do it: Lightly lift and tighten your lower eyelids.
The Result: It narrows the eyes slightly, conveying a look of focus, self-assurance, and “moxie.” It is the difference between looking like a “deer in headlights” and looking like a leader.
2. The Jawline Extension (The “Turtle”)
One of the biggest fears for camera-shy clients is the “double chin.” Even the leanest individuals can look like they have one if their posture is off.
The Technique: Instead of pulling your head back, imagine your head is on a track. Pull your forehead slightly forward and down toward the camera lens.
The Result: This elongates the neck and sharpens the jawline, creating a crisp separation between your face and your neck. It feels incredibly awkward in person, but it looks flawless in a professional portrait.
3. Mastering the “Micro-Smile”
A “cheese” smile often looks forced because it doesn’t reach the eyes. To look genuinely confident and approachable, we aim for the Duchenne Smile.
The Trick: Don’t think about your mouth; think about your cheeks. A small lift in the cheeks naturally creates the “crow’s feet” crinkle near the eyes that humans associate with genuine happiness.
The “Space” Method: Keep a tiny bit of space between your teeth. It relaxes the jaw and prevents that “clenched” look that happens when we are stressed.
4. Hand Placement and Body Language
Confidence is a full-body experience. Even in a tight headshot, your shoulder position matters.
The 45-Degree Turn: Never stand flat-on to the camera. Turning your body 45 degrees away from the lens while keeping your face toward it creates a slimming, more dynamic silhouette.
Weight Distribution: Shift your weight to your back foot. This naturally relaxes your front shoulder and prevents you from looking “stiff” or “defensive.”
5. The “Comfort” Hack: Use Music and Movement
At our Indianapolis studio, we never ask you to hold a pose for five minutes. Stillness creates staleness.
Micro-Movements: We encourage you to move your head slightly between shots. This keeps your expression “live.”
The Playlist Factor: We always play your favorite music during the session. It’s hard to stay camera-shy when your favorite track is playing in the background.
6. Why “Expression Coaching” is Your Best Friend
The reason many people hate their photos is that their photographer was a “button-pusher,” not a coach.
At Violet Gorgi Photography, we don’t just tell you to “look natural.” We lead you through a series of facial variations—the 7 Pillars of a Powerful Portrait—to find the exact angles that highlight your best features. When you have a coach directing your every move, the “shyness” disappears because the “guesswork” is gone.
7. The Power of Professional Retouching
True confidence comes from knowing the final result will be polished. Our professional retouching isn’t about making you look like a different person; it’s about removing the distractions (stray hairs, temporary blemishes, or clothing wrinkles) so your confidence can shine through.
Stop Hiding, Start Leading
Your Indianapolis business network wants to see the real, confident you. Whether you are prepping for a LinkedIn update or a full corporate team session, these techniques will ensure you look as capable as you truly are.