We’ll Never tell you to smile. Here’s why…
At Excalibur Portraits, our mission is to capture more than just a person’s likeness; we aim to capture their authentic self in a professional hedshot. Before our lighting was perfect, and before we had a gorgeous studio in downtown Minneapolis, people loved our business portraits because the most important thing is a genuine, human connection. This philosophy is at the heart of our entire process, and it’s why we focus on making you smile, not just telling you to.
The difference between being told to smile and being made to smile is the difference between a picture that’s just a snapshot and one that tells a story. And for your professional headshot, that story is your brand—your professionalism, your approachability, and your confidence.
The "Told to Smile" Method: A Portrait of Stifled Authenticity
Think back to the last time a camera was pointed at you and the photographer said, "Okay, smile for the camera!" What happened? For most people, a few things immediately kick in:
The Performance Mindset: You feel like you're on stage, and you're being asked to deliver a specific emotion on command. This can lead to self-consciousness. You start to worry about how you look, whether your smile is "good enough," or if you have something in your teeth. This internal monologue is the enemy of a natural expression.
The "Camera Smile": We all have one. It’s the generic, polite smile we’ve been using since childhood for every school photo and family gathering. It’s a muscle-memory reflex, but it lacks the warmth and unique character of a genuine expression. It’s a smile without a story behind it.
Tension in the Body: The pressure to perform can manifest physically. Your shoulders might tense up, your jaw might clench, and your eyes might look strained. These subtle cues are instantly visible in a headshot and can make you appear rigid or uncomfortable, which is the last thing you want to convey in a professional portrait.
The "told to smile" approach puts the burden on YOU, the subject. It assumes that you can simply flip a switch and turn on a perfect, genuine smile. At our studio, we know that’s not how human connection works. We understand that a great headshot isn't something YOU can force. It's something WE have to earn.
The Excalibur Professional Headshot Method: Making You Smile
Our approach is rooted in the belief that the best photos come from a genuine connection between the photographer and the subject. As your photographer, my job isn't to direct you, but to engage you by creating a comfortable, relaxed, and genuinely fun environment where a smile is a natural and spontaneous reaction, not a forced command.
So, how do we make you smile? It’s a personalized process that an experienced headshot photographer taps into, but it often involves:
Building Rapport: Before the camera even comes out, we take the time to talk. We’ll chat about your work, your hobbies, or what you’re looking forward to this weekend. This is about more than just small talk; it's about building trust and letting you see that you're not just a subject, but a collaborator in creating something truly special.
A Relaxed Studio Environment: Our studio is designed to feel less like a clinical photo lab and more like a comfortable, creative space. We'll put on some music you enjoy, offer you a coffee or water, and ensure you feel completely at ease from the moment you walk through the door.
Engaging Conversation, Not Commands: Instead of saying, "Give me a big smile," I might ask, "What’s the most exciting project you’ve ever worked on?" or "Tell me about the best part of your day." These questions bypass the performance mindset and tap into real emotions. We’ll find a shared moment of laughter or a genuine spark of interest, and that’s when the camera comes out.
Celebrating You: The best headshots are a celebration of who you are. Throughout the session, I’ll be giving you authentic, positive feedback. I might say, "That look of confidence right there—that’s exactly what we need," or "Your eyes have a great sparkle in this one." This builds your confidence and reinforces that you're doing great, allowing you to relax and be yourself.
The Result: A Professional Headshot That Stands Out
When you’re made to smile, the change is palpable, and it’s what sets a great headshot apart. The genuine smile reaches your eyes, creating that authentic, "sparkle" that's impossible to fake. Your body language becomes more relaxed and open. You look not only professional and polished but also approachable and confident—the very qualities that make you an asset in your field.
This is the Excalibur Portraits difference. We're more than just a photographer with a camera; we are a partner in helping you present your best, most authentic self to the world. A fantastic headshot isn't just a photo; it’s a powerful tool that conveys trust, confidence, and personality at a single glance. It opens doors and makes a lasting first impression.
Don't settle for a forced, generic "camera smile." Invest in a portrait that captures your true essence. Book your headshot session with us at Excalibur Portraits and Headshots in Minneapolis, and let us show you the power of a genuinely captured smile. We’re excited to work with you and help you create a headshot that not only looks great but feels great, too.
