“The Great Headshot Panic of 2025”

The Great Headshot Panic (and why it happens to the best of us)

A familiar message pinged into my inbox recently:

“I’m so sorry... I’m not sure I can go ahead with the shoot tomorrow. I’m just not in the right headspace.”

I’ve heard versions of this before. Sometimes it’s nerves. Sometimes it’s self-doubt. Sometimes life just feels too messy.

This time, it was from a woman called Sue, an actor returning to the industry after a long hiatus. She told me she'd been putting this shoot off for some time now. Every time she thought about booking it, the inner critic showed up with a megaphone:

“You’ve aged.”

“You don’t look like you used to.”

“What’s the point?”

It wasn’t about the photos, really. It was about being seen again. Properly. With all the fear and expectation that comes with that.

So we spoke. Not as client and photographer — just two people. I didn’t try to convince her. I just listened. And we agreed to postpone. No pressure. No loss of deposit. Just a breath.

A week later, she messaged back:

“I’m ready. I don’t want perfect. I want honest.”

That’s the whole thing for me.

I don’t do stiff, glossy headshots that make you look like someone you don’t recognise. I photograph people, poses that feel natural and authentic. I want your friends, your clients, your future casting agents to say,

“That’s so you.”

Sue's photos were enlightening. Not because of the lighting (though yes, it was good), but because she showed up — fully and truthfully.

So, no pressure. But if you've been thinking about booking a shoot at my central Ipswich Studio - not just to “update your profile pic,” but to step into your next chapter.... then let this be your nudge.

Not every shoot needs a big, dramatic moment. Sometimes it’s just one small decision to stop hiding and start showing up.

And if you’ve got your own “nearly cancelled” moment or headshot panic, I’d genuinely love to hear it.

📸

John

Human-first photographer. No forced grins, promise.