Let’s face it – traditional headshots can feel a little… stiff. That’s why I love sessions like this recent one: relaxed, confident, and full of personality. These vibrant portraits prove that professional doesn’t have to mean boring.

A Modern Take on Headshots

In my professional experience as a photographer, sometimes the best way to test a concept—or refresh your own brand—is to turn the camera on yourself. That’s exactly what I did for this self-portrait session. Looking at my portrait gallery, I had realised that I was completely lacking in any updated photos of myself. As a photographer you rarely think to turn the camera onto yourself, so, I thought I’d take this opportunity to not only, update my own business portraits, but also, experiment with some new poses.

For this shoot, I wanted to really accentuate my personality. My goal was to bring a fun, bubbly atmosphere to each photograph, whilst keeping that element of professionalism.

For this shoot, I ditched the usual corporate grey and brought in punchy pink backdrops to add playful and optimistic tones. For this shoot, I wore a classic black ribbed dress that popped perfectly against both dusty rose and bubblegum hues. This is a smart casual dress to bring professionalism, but also, keep that playful atmosphere.

The goal? To create headshots that feel alive – images that stand out and capture personality.

The Process Behind the Portraits

1. Setting the tone – With all my portraiture, we start with a comfortable environment. I encourage natural poses, gentle direction, and a playlist that matches your (or in this case my) vibe. When you’re relaxed, your best self shines through the lens.
2. Background and wardrobe harmony – Choosing the right colour palette is essential. For this shoot, I matched pink backgrounds with my minimalist black dress – chic, professional, and full of contrast. It instantly draws attention to the subject (in this case myself).
3. Colour symbolism and purpose – In any headshot or personal branding photography, it’s really important to choose colours based on what you’d like to portray. With this shoot, I wanted to bring across my playful and compassionate personality. – therefore, I used a pastel pink to convey convey this.
4. Posing with personality and purpose – Each pose is designed to feel approachable but polished. Whether it’s a confident arm-cross, a soft hand-to-chin moment, or a full-body stance, I always aim to find the most flattering angles, while keeping the session light and fun.

Why These Headshots Work for Me – And Will Work for You

These aren’t just pretty pictures. They’re tools. Here’s how:

• Direct your narrative – Living in a visual world can be both a blessing and a curse. The blessing is how ‘simple’ it can be to take control of our own narrative and express that of ourselves which we would like to portray. On the other hand, outdated or inaccurate photos couple can convey narratives that you may not wish to portray. For example, if you’re a correctional officer, you may want to portray a personality that is resilient, dedicated, and calm under pressure – a pink background may not be the best fit for this role. This is why it’s so important to choose a professional that is dedicated to researching and conveying your image correctly.
• Personal branding – Whether you’re in business, entertainment, or entrepreneurship, people want to connect with you. A fresh, modern headshot signals that you’re current, confident, and approachable.
• Social media and websites: These portraits pop on platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, and your professional site. It’s important for future employees or clients to get a sense of who you are as a professional, so they can see if you align with their personal brand.
• First impressions: A vibrant, well-lit photo can make you stand out in a sea of sameness. You only get one chance to make that first impression—make it count.

Ready for Your Own Fun Headshot Session?

If you’ve been putting off updating your professional photos, let this be your sign. It doesn’t have to be awkward. It can be empowering, fun, and even a little glamorous. Together, we’ll create something that truly reflects you.

Want to chat about booking a session? Contact me here or browse my Services to see more.