If you feel nervous before your headshot session, you’re not alone — not even close. I’ve photographed hundreds of actors, and almost every single one walks in saying some version of:
- “I’m not photogenic.”
- “I always look stiff in photos.”
- “I’m super awkward in front of the camera.”
- “I hope I don’t mess this up.”
And the truth is, I get it.
Headshots are vulnerable.
You’re being looked at, studied, captured, evaluated.
That brings up nerves for everyone.
But here’s the part most actors don’t realize:
Being nervous doesn’t ruin your headshots — resisting your nerves does.
Let’s break down why nerves show up, why they’re actually workable, and how to use them instead of fighting them.
Why Actors Feel Nervous Before Headshots
1. You’re used to being directed — not being yourself.
In scenes, you have text, intentions, stakes, relationships. In a headshot session, there’s no script. That can feel exposed.
2. You care about the outcome.
Headshots cost money. They matter. You want them to be right. Caring is good — but caring too much leads to tension.
3. You’re afraid of being “seen.”
Not the character.
Not the role.
Not the mask.
You.
Actors are courageous, but self-exposure is one of the hardest skills in the craft.
What Your Nerves Are Actually Saying
Your nerves don’t mean:
- You’re bad at photos
- You’re awkward
- You’re unprepared
- You’re failing
Your nerves mean:
- You’re invested
- You’re present
- You want to do well
- You’re human
Nerves are simply energy. When you stop labeling them as “bad,” they start working for you.
How to Approach a Headshot Session When You’re Nervous
1. Let the nerves exist.
Trying to suppress them will make them louder.
Allowing them makes them softer.
A common trick is instead of saying “I’m nervous.” Say “I’m excited.” Every time you feel the urge to say I’m nervous change the perspective and eventually your mind and body will follow along.
2. Don’t try to be perfect.
Photographers don’t want perfection — they want humanity.
Humanity is what books work.
3. Trust the collaboration.
You’re not doing this alone.
A good New York City photographer understands actors, understands nerves, and understands how to guide you from tension into presence.
4. Breathe into the moment.
The second you breathe fully, your expression changes.
Your eyes open.
Your posture shifts.
Your tension releases.
5. Treat it like a scene.
Given circumstances:
- You’re here.
- You’re being photographed.
- You’re exploring your essence.
- You’re revealing, not performing.
When actors apply their craft to their headshot session, the entire room changes.
What Happens When You Accept Your Nerves
I’ve seen it hundreds of times:
An actor walks in stiff and anxious. Then something shifts — they laugh, breathe, shake out their shoulders — and suddenly the room warms up.
Their eyes become alive.
Their face softens.
Their personality starts to lead.
And the camera catches all of it.
Your nerves won’t ruin your photos.
Not allowing yourself to be with the nerves might.
Let yourself show up exactly as you are — and the session will meet you there.