No Need to Say Cheese — Coaching Natural Expressions Instead of Forced Smiles
Sometimes, a headshot is simply a photograph of a head. It confirms who you are, and that's all it needs to do—think office badge or state ID card.
But when a headshot appears on a proposal, a website, in a LinkedIn article, or a full-blown ad, it becomes part of the message itself. Just as music (or the lack thereof) plays such an important role in the impact of a commercial, a headshot influences how the viewer takes in the surrounding copy and collateral.
That's why we don't just capture whatever we're given—we actively help create a range of expressions.
Sometimes a nice, friendly smile is the goal, but just as often it's the opposite of what the context or copy requires. And because being in front of a camera is unfamiliar territory, expecting professionals to naturally produce a range of expressions that work for the situation is a lot to ask.
The Challenge of Being on Camera
"For that proposal deck, let's slap the awkward smile next to our contact info," said nobody ever.
The ability to project expressions intentionally is the job of an actor, not the clients that come to State Street Headshots.
But just because our clients haven't been crafting their "game face" doesn't mean they shouldn't be able to use a headshot that supports a message like "We Fight For You" or "$10M Settlement Secured."
Companies and individuals can rely on the coaching to pick the headshot that not only looks flattering, but aligns with the message in the marketing and branding.
More on that here: Pairing Photography with the Copy & Context is Key
Our Process For Intentional Results
Most people find emoting on command to be challenging. Doing so while you're aware of a camera, under studio lighting, and on a schedule makes it even more difficult.
That's why our sessions take the burden away.
By offering a simple process that balances technical detail with candid moments, we are able to consistently create natural reactions. And as much as headshots themselves demand individuality, guiding people through the session requires an equally individualized approach. The cues and energy that work for some will not always work for others. Part of what we do with our coaching is gauging each person and knowing how to help them get the most from their session.
By the end, rather than stressing to find one frame that works, individuals sort through different options for the frames that work best. That way, wherever the headshots appear — proposals, emails, LinkedIn, website — they support rather than detract from the message.
Individuality Within Cohesion
Different roles (and different personalities) call for different expressions.
The admin team may need to look approachable yet professional. A partner may need strong but not arrogant. Leadership may need a whole range of expressions to swap out depending on where and why the headshot is used.
No matter what the use case dictates, we tailor our coaching to the individual while ensuring the final deliverables still feel like part of the same team—whether the photographs were taken on the same day or across years of different sessions.
Investing in Presentation
Companies invest heavily in the way they're presented. They refine their messaging, redesign their websites, and polish proposals in order to communicate and connect appropriately with their audience.
The headshots associated with those assets can either make or break their effectiveness. An awkward expression, for example, on the last page of a proposal certainly won't help the proposition land as the viewer shifts from interested to uncomfortable.
Companies and individuals can rely on our process to create headshots that not only look flattering, but represent them in the way they intend to be seen.
For companies that value their brand, their people, and the work they represent, the expression in a headshot isn't just a small detail—it's part of the message.
