“I Hate Getting My Picture Taken”
If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you’ve said it before: “I hate getting my picture taken.” And you’re not alone! As a professional headshot photographer, this is one of the most common things I hear when clients come to me.
So, why do people feel this way?
When I ask, clients often share stories of past experiences that weren’t exactly positive:
- “The lighting was terrible.”
- “The photographer rushed me.”
- “I didn’t get any choice in picking out my images.”
- “I didn’t feel comfortable in front of the camera.”
- “I looked fat.”
It’s no wonder many people dread having their headshots taken when they’ve had these kinds of experiences. That last point, about looking heavier in photos, often comes up because the photographer didn’t know how to properly pose the client or took the image from a less-than-flattering angle.
The good news? It doesn’t have to be that way. My goal is to change how you feel about getting in front of the camera and provide a service that is not only comfortable and enjoyable but also gives you results you absolutely love. Here’s how I do it.
From Consultation to Confidence: An Experience Like No Other
I believe that the process starts well before you step in front of the camera. That’s why I offer a consultation during the planning phase of your photoshoot. We talk through what image you want to convey, what kind of look suits your personal or professional brand, and even what to wear and which colors work best.
This preparation helps to ensure that when the day of your session arrives, you already feel more comfortable and confident. We’ve got a plan, and you’re not going in blind!
A Relaxed and Collaborative Environment
On the day of your headshot, I focus on putting you at ease. Unlike rushed experiences you may have had in the past, I take time to make sure you’re relaxed and comfortable. We typically spend anywhere from 20 to 40 minutes taking photos, giving you the time you need to feel at ease in front of the camera.
Throughout the session, I collaborate with you every step of the way. You’ll get the chance to see the photos we’re taking as we go, allowing us to make any adjustments on the spot—whether it’s tweaking the lighting, adjusting your pose, or even changing outfits for different looks. And we don’t stop until you’re 100% satisfied with the photos. No rushing. No pressure. Just a relaxed, enjoyable process focused on getting the best possible result.
Creating Images That Look Like You on Your Best Day
My goal is always to create images that look like you at your best—not some over-edited or unrealistic version of yourself. This means that while we enhance the images to make sure you look great, we always aim for a natural, authentic representation of who you are. We avoid that “weird AI version” look that some overly processed images can have. I also use expert posing techniques and flattering angles to make sure you look your absolute best—no weird angles or poses that make you look heavier than you are.
Facial Coaching for Confidence
If you’re not used to being in front of the camera, you might not know how to pose or bring out your best expressions. That’s where facial coaching comes in. I guide you through subtle adjustments in expression and posture so that you look confident, competent, and approachable. These little changes make a huge difference in the final product.
Choosing and Perfecting Your Images
After we’ve captured a set of images you’re happy with, we sit down together to select your favorites. We’ll go through at least one of those images together during the session so it’s fully edited and ready to go. The rest of the images will be finalized and sent to you within a few days. You’ll have full usage rights to all the images you purchase, giving you the freedom to use them as needed across platforms.
A Luxurious, Personalized Experience – With No Rush
The entire process, from shooting to editing, is designed to make you feel valued and heard. Total time for the session can vary from 30 minutes to about 1.5 hours, depending on how many images you want and the time you have available. This is the total opposite of cheap, rushed headshot providers—this is a luxurious experience, collaborative from start to finish, and focused on creating an amazing final product.
Professional Hair and Makeup Available
If you want to feel extra prepared and stress-free, I can also arrange for professional hair and makeup. Many of my clients choose this service, and no one has ever regretted it! Having a professional take care of your look helps you feel relaxed and confident before stepping in front of the camera.
Whether you’re camera-shy or have had bad experiences in the past, I aim to provide an experience that’s comfortable, collaborative, and results in headshots you’ll truly love.
Read our latest reviews
- Kathleen Luxa day agoI has a fabulous experience from start to finish. Sarah is wonderful to work with. I got an appointment within 5 days and she made a home visit before the photo shot to advise me on possible outfits and jewelry to wear which was great (I don't have a strong fashion sense:) . During the visit she listened to and calmed my concerns and fears about getting my headshot taken. Natalie did my hair and makeup so well - its me but much more glamorous than usual. Sarah is on a mission to help all women look and feel their beautiful best. Mission accomplished! I love my photos and EVERYONE I have shown them to loves my pictures as well. Thank you so much, Sarah.READ MORE
- Sondra Herremana week agoMy husband and I had a fantastic experience at Desired Focus. I participated in the pamper pre-session and we both had individual professional "headshots" and even took a few pictures together. Sarah did a great job, actually made us look FABULOUS! I would recommend anyone looking for a photographer who can work miracles (LOL) and produces a fantastic product. Sarah definitely knows what she is doing!READ MORE
- C. Lovea week agoI have been searching for months for a skilled photographer, and I finally found her! Sarah is incredibly talented, possesses a delightful personality, and has a remarkable ability to capture a person's essence in her photographs.READ MORE
- Grace Keyesa week agoI booked a headshot session with Sarah to update my professional photos while in job transition. I booked one of her specials that included hair and makeup with Natalie from La Prima Beauty. I can’t speak highly enough about Sarah, Natalie, and my overall experience! It was such an added value to have Natalie do my hair and makeup, not to mention she did an absolutely incredible job (her products are super high end and she is very good at what she does!). When it came time for the photos, Sarah was an excellent coach and had such great energy during the shoot. I felt so comfortable and ended up having so much fun. I am so incredibly pleased with the end result photos. I can’t recommend Sarah enough to anyone who needs professional photos! Thank you Sarah!READ MORE
- Whitney Lewisa week agoSarah is amazing! She guides you to feel confident both before and during your session. Her photography is both personal and professional!READ MORE
- Claudine Kosiera week agoAs a photographer myself, stepping in front of the camera usually feels a little awkward... (Okay a lot awkward). But Sarah made the entire experience feel so easy and genuinely fun. She has such a calming positive presence and made me feel completely at ease which is not an easy task! I wanted a branding session that felt true to me and what I had requested was very casual, Light-hearted mixed in with a little bit of sass.... She totally delivered! Her direction was effortless, her energy was upbeat and encouraging and she really took the time to understand what I wanted out of this session. I left feeling confident and uplifted! As for the final images, they're absolutely beautiful, modern flattering, fun, casuall and sassy! But most important, so true to me! If you are looking for photos that feel authentic and empowering, Sarah is your girl! I had no doubt she would not deliver! Thank you so much Sarah for an incredible day!!READ MORE
- Abbie Casto2 weeks agoSarah was amazing!! Very patient, knowledgeable and personable. Made the session fun and exciting. She definitely exceeded my expectations!!READ MORE
- Dr. Zach Thomas3 weeks agoSarah does such an amazing job of connecting with her clients and working with them to create the best images. We are so thankful for her and her talent helping us with our professional headshots!READ MORE
In the Columbus Ohio area?
Call today!
Call or email using the buttons below. My studio is in Granville, central Ohio but we can also travel to other locations in the Columbus area.
You can read more about my business headshots service on this page:
Professional Business Headshots
