“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
- Michael Toguchi6 days agoSarah was exceptional - highly recommended! We needed updated corporate headshots in a very specific format. She was easily able to accommodate our needs. She created a professional but relaxed environment, was extremely encouraging, and efficiently tailored the images. She was also flexible on scheduling and highly communicative. I greatly appreciated her expertise and would definitely utilize her services again.READ MORE
- Danielle Hinermana week agoI absolutely loved my photography session. The photographer was incredibly helpful, professional, and brought a positive, energetic presence to the shoot. She provided thoughtful guidance throughout and had a keen eye for capturing images that truly stand out. Her work significantly elevated the quality of my website profile. Thank you!READ MORE
- Joseph3 weeks agoComing in to the session, I was very nervous, as I usually am when getting pictures, but Sarah and her husband were very welcoming and kind, and helped bring out a confidence displayed in my pictures I didn’t know I had! I genuinely don’t think I’ve ever looked better in a picture before! If you need any photography done, please don’t look any further than Desired Focus!READ MORE
- sydney schardta month agoI highly recommend Sarah to take your prized photos. Being a photographer myself, I was on the 'other side' as an amateur model in a shoot with Sarah. And I was so impressed with her ability to calm the atmosphere, bring a little laughter and lightness so that the photos reflected the real person... not just a robotic pose. I bought many photos and have holiday presents ready.READ MORE
- Mary Hentona month agoI love the photos Sarah recently did for me! She didn't just take my photo. She spent time before the shoot to understand the goal of the photos and how I wanted to present myself. She was able to take then help me select photos that reflected my personality and my values. (When she doesn't know a client well, she takes considerable time before the appointment to get to know and understand the person beforehand, as that's what guides her approach in the session.) She and her makeup artist made me look great. I only wish they could do that for me every day! Sarah made the photo session a collaborative affair. While she is the artist and the professional, she was always checking in to see if what she was doing and how she set the scene felt natural and fitting for me. She even accommodated my desire for some outside shots. If you are looking for a photographer for yourself, your family, for professional or personal photography, don't even bother checking out someone else. Hands down, Sarah is the best.READ MORE
- Rachel Castoa month agoEasy pain free process! I wanted to update my business headshot. She makes you feel very comfortable! You will leave very happy!READ MORE
- Teri Clapper2 months agoSarah has an eye for what she does. The ultimate package! Highly recommend for business photos, head shots, and personal photography. You won't regret it!!READ MORE
- Brian Bare2 months agoSarah is phenomenal and while I am usually not thrilled about taking pictures, Sarah made me feel good about these headshots and she is a true professional, helping me get the right pose and the right shots. I highly recommend her and her studio.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
