The Myth of Being Photogenic: Why Confidence, Not Genetics, Shapes Great Headshots

I can almost bet that when someone asks to take your photo you shy away and say “I’m just not photogenic” and you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common things people say when they step in front of my camera. I would say 9 out of 10 of my clients say it to me the second I meet them, i’m not even kidding. But here’s the truth…being photogenic isn’t a trait you’re born with. It’s a feeling you grow into when you’re guided with care, made to feel comfortable, and given a little bit of reassurance.

As a Toronto-based photographer working with corporate teams, I hear this hesitation constantly. I don’t know if you will find this as a surprise or not, but whether it’s a CEO, a marketing coordinator, or an entire office of professionals lined up for team headshots, most people start off feeling nervous, because they don’t know how to stand, or where to put their hands, or smile without it looking forced, and that is normal and absolutely, totally fine! When I photograph headshots, I don’t expect anyone to walk in knowing what to do. That’s my job. I guide every single person through gentle posing, I find their best light, and keep the setting we are in relaxed so that they can settle into themselves. I don’t force smiles or stiff angles, instead, I listen to my clients needs and create space for people to feel seen in a way that feels natural to them.

I can promise that you can see the difference in the final images. Not just in posture or expression, but in their energy. My clients who thought they were “unphotogenic” always end up telling me how much they love their photos. Not because the photo changed them, or I magically made them look like a different person, but because the process let them feel like themselves.

Your headshot isn’t just a photo on your company website or LinkedIn profile. It’s often the first impression you make in your industry, especially now that most business are hybrid. When it reflects the confidence you bring to your work, the impact is real. Clients, employers, and colleagues connect more easily with people who come across as both approachable and capable.

So the next time you hear someone say, “I’m not photogenic,” gently remind them: you don’t have to be. You just need the right photographer, one who gets you, guides you, and helps you feel confident enough to be yourself in front of the camera. In fact: I know the perfect one. Her name is Jessica Laforet and she would LOVE to show you how photogenic you truly are, you should get in touch with her and check out her website!