People often ask me what a portrait session is actually like — not the photos at the end, but the experience itself. It’s a fair question, because for most people it’s unfamiliar territory, and the unknown is exactly what makes them nervous. So let me walk you through a real one. Bee came into the studio recently for a portrait session, and it’s a good example of how these afternoons tend to go.
Arriving (the nervous bit)
Like almost everyone, Bee arrived a little apprehensive. That’s the single most common thing I see, whatever the session — headshots, portraits, actors, weddings. People walk in convinced they’re “not photogenic” and that the camera is going to expose every insecurity they’ve ever had. I’ve learned not to rush past this part. The first few minutes aren’t really about photography at all; they’re about settling in, having a chat, and letting the nerves drain away.
Finding the relaxed version
Once we got going, the shift happened — the same shift I see in nearly every session. With a bit of direction and a few easy prompts, Bee stopped thinking about the camera and started to relax into it. That’s the moment the good frames appear. Not when someone is holding a stiff, braced “photo face”, but when they’ve forgotten to. You don’t need to know how to pose or what to do with your hands. Guiding that is my job, and it’s the part I enjoy most.
Why it works
The studio here in Liverpool is a calm, private space — no audience, no pressure, just the two of us working through it at a comfortable pace. A portrait isn’t a passport photo; it’s a chance to capture something that actually looks like you on a good day. By the end, Bee had gone from nervous to genuinely enjoying it, and was delighted with the results — which, honestly, is the pattern far more often than not.
Thinking about your own portrait?
Whether it’s for something specific — a professional profile, a gift, a personal milestone — or simply because you’d like a proper photograph of yourself for once, the experience is far more enjoyable than most people expect walking in.
If the nerves are the thing holding you back, that’s exactly what I’m good at handling. Take a look at my portrait photography or get in touch to book a session.
