5 Photo Tips Everyone Gets Wrong
You might think getting a good photo just means flashing a smile and throwing on your favorite blazer. It sounds simple enough, right? But when it comes to corporate headshots in Los Angeles, a lot of people get tripped up on the small stuff that makes a big difference. This is especially true if you have never booked a shoot before or your only experience was a rushed snapshot at a conference.
Most of our clients are just stepping into professional photography for the first time. Some are new entrepreneurs updating their LinkedIn, others are doing it because their boss said it is time. Either way, the idea of being in front of a camera can feel awkward. We hear that a lot, and it is normal. What helps is knowing what gets in the way of a great shoot and how to fix it before you even show up. So let’s talk about a few common mistakes people make when prepping for photos and how you can sidestep them for a more relaxed, natural session.
Thinking It’s All About the Camera
One of the first things people assume is that fancy gear means better photos. But having the most expensive camera does not matter much if the lighting is off or the direction is unclear. What actually makes a big impact is how the shoot feels while it is happening. Are you feeling rushed or relaxed? Is the space comfortable? Are you being guided or left to guess?
We have worked with many people who get nervous about posing or do not know where to look. That is where the difference really shows. Lighting can shape the way your face reads in a photo. Direction helps you avoid stiff or awkward postures. A calm, well-paced session gives you the space to adjust naturally instead of trying to nail it all in the first few clicks.
When the person behind the camera knows how to adjust to you, not just the technical gear, you will look more like yourself. That feeling of being seen and understood during the session is usually what separates a good photo from one you are proud to use. So do not worry about the equipment. Focus instead on the mood of the shoot and the person guiding it.
At Headshot Ninja, each Los Angeles session includes light setups tested ahead of time for natural skin tones and a calm studio environment so the focus is always on you.
Wearing the “Wrong” Right Outfit
You want to look your best, so you grab your favorite shirt or dress. Makes sense, but what looks good in the mirror does not always show up the same way under studio lights. Certain colors, patterns, and fabrics act differently on camera. Sometimes, outfits that work great for a night out can send the wrong message in a headshot meant for a company profile.
The goal of your clothing in a headshot is to support your expression, not compete with it. Solid colors usually work better than busy prints. Keep it simple with clean lines and minimal distractions. Leave out logos or text unless they are part of your personal brand. Think about the role you are using the photo for. Would that outfit feel right in a meeting or presentation? If not, it is probably not helping you say the right thing with your photo.
We also suggest textures over shine. Anything too reflective can pull focus or catch odd glares. Stick with clothes that make you feel confident but will not overpower the frame. A little planning before your shoot goes a long way toward making your photos look polished but still feel like you.
Over-Practicing Your Smile (or Under-Practicing Everything Else)
Most people think the trick to a good photo is just practicing your smile in the bathroom mirror. While that might help a little, the truth is that expression comes from the whole body, not just your mouth. A canned smile grows forced fast, especially when the rest of your face feels frozen.
Posture makes a real difference. The way you hold your shoulders, tilt your chin, and stand or sit can all shift how your energy comes across. A tiny head tilt or a small lean forward can soften your look. Even your hands—what you do with them or where they rest—help your body relax and avoid that flat or nervous feeling.
Rather than locking in one perfect smile, aim to show some range. A few variations can make a big impact. This is why it helps to have someone on set giving direct feedback. Real-time guidance leads your body and face through natural, comfortable changes, not stiff poses. The sweet spot is an expression that comes from feeling good in the moment, not one trying too hard to be perfect.
All nine available studios offer full-length mirrors and seating so you can settle in, check your look, and loosen up before your session.
Forgetting What the Photo Is For
This one is easier to miss than you might expect. We have seen people show up with polished outfits and the right attitude, but the image they walk away with does not quite match their job or purpose. Why? Because they were not thinking ahead about what the photo was for.
A playful, casual shot might work great for social media, but it can feel out of place on a professional website. Headshots used for a company bio might need to feel different from one used for a press release. Ask yourself what role the photo needs to play. Is this how you want to come across to future clients, employers, or teammates?
This matters even more for corporate headshots in Los Angeles, where the look and feel of your image might shift depending on your field. A startup founder may want something approachable and upbeat, while an executive in finance or law may need a photo that is more formal and composed. Every detail—from your outfit to the background to your facial expression—will send a message. When you connect that message to the setting, your photos stand out and feel useful, not just generic.
Avoiding the Camera Altogether
This might be the most common mistake. Some people wait months, or even years, to update their headshot. Others skip it entirely, hoping a cropped vacation photo will work longer than it should. Being on camera can feel stressful, especially if you had a bad photo experience in the past.
Waiting rarely helps. The longer you delay, the less your old photo reflects who you are now. Your profile becomes outdated, and people may wonder if the rest of your info is current. Easing the pressure is the key.
The best sessions remove stress from the minute you first book right through to the last photo delivered. At Headshot Ninja, the process is broken down into five easy steps: reach out, chat about your needs, select a package and a studio, pay your deposit, and show up for your shoot. Every session starts with a warm-up so you can shake off nerves and settle in before the first click.
Many who believed they could not take a good photo have changed their minds once given the right support. With care, patience, and clear direction, those awkward feelings fade, and the photos feel true.
Sharper Images Start With Fewer Assumptions
Most photo mistakes happen because of pressure to do everything yourself—find your best angle, pick perfect clothes, and bring high energy even if you are nervous. That mindset makes the whole process harder than it needs to be. You do not need to show up as a polished version of yourself. Show up as you, and let your photographer handle the rest.
When you realize that a great headshot comes from the session, not just your prep, the weight lifts. You stop feeling like you have to perform and just start to feel present. That is what makes your photo stand out.
It surprises a lot of people how simple and enjoyable the experience becomes. With the technical details taken care of, you just focus on being present. That is often when the photos work the best—when you walk away with images you want to use, and a headshot that feels like your real self.
Curious how your look might come across in a real shoot? Take a minute to see how others have approached their own corporate headshots in Los Angeles. At Daring Ninja Photographer, we’ve helped people walk in feeling unsure and walk out with images that feel current, confident, and completely natural—proof that when you have the right support, great results follow.