Can Headshots Be Selfies? When a DIY Photo Works (and When to Hire a Pro)

Written By Kim Bear

We get it — you’ve got a phone that costs more than your first car, so why not take your own headshot?
Technically, yes… headshots can be selfies.
But here’s the catch: just because you can doesn’t always mean you should.

At Still and Wild, we’ve seen it all … the bathroom-mirror selfies, the car selfies (hello, seatbelt reflections), and the “I’m holding my phone so you can see my phone” selfies. And while those might work for social media, they don’t really scream professional. I have taken a lot of selfies…. and they are fun but not always the most professional or as flattering.

When a Selfie Might Work

There are a few situations where a selfie headshot can be okay:

  • You’re updating your Facebook or personal blog

  • You need something casual and fun, not career-related

  • You’re testing a new haircut or look

For that, natural window light and a genuine smile can go a long way. Pro tip: face a window, tilt your chin slightly forward, and keep that background simple. Look for catchlights in your eyes.

When It’s Time to Call a Pro… like me!

If your photo is representing you in any professional capacity — LinkedIn, business website, marketing materials, or even your email signature — it’s time to bring in a photographer who knows how to work with professionals to create something elevated.

A professional session gives you:

  • Lighting that brings out your eyes (not your under-eye shadows). I have dark eyes and I am particularly sensitive to this!

  • Coaching to find your most natural, confident expression. This is the most important part! A confident smile and focused eyes draws people in. A real authentic expression is worth a million bucks.

  • High-quality images you can use everywhere

  • Files sized correctly for web, print, and social media. The great thing about our online galleries is that they allow you to download both full size for printing and website for sharing.

And maybe most importantly — no weird angles, no guessing, no “does this look okay?” anxiety.

The Real Value of Hiring a Photographer

A pro doesn’t just take your photo — they bring out the version of you that people want to meet.
You’ll look approachable, confident, and polished — without feeling fake or over-edited.

We like to think of it this way:
A selfie shows your face.
A professional headshot shows your story.- Bam! Your story sells you and your brand every time.

If you’re in Topeka, Holton, or the surrounding area, and your current headshot looks like it was taken on vacation, in your car, or in 2014… it might be time for an upgrade. At Still and Wild, we make professional headshots feel relaxed, fun, and completely you — no awkward posing, no forced smiles, just great photos you’ll be proud to share. Book your creative headshot session today and let’s make your first impression your best one.

Kim Bear

About Kim | Photographer at Still and Wild

If you live in or around Topeka, you’ve probably noticed how hard it is to find headshots that actually feel real. Most people end up with photos that look stiff, overly edited, or just not like them. That’s exactly why I started Still and Wild: to create portraits that feel like you on your best day.

I’m Kim Bear, a Topeka-based photographer who believes your headshot should work as hard as you do. I specialize in professional and creative headshots that help entrepreneurs, small business owners, and professionals across Topeka, Holton, and Northeast Kansas show up with confidence. My approach is relaxed, guided, and designed to help you look natural and self-assured in every photo.

When you book a session with me, it isn’t about forcing perfection. It’s about finding that spark, the mix of calm, confidence, and personality that makes people stop scrolling and say, “That’s who I want to work with.”

Why people choose Still and Wild

Most of my clients tell me the same thing: “I hate having my picture taken.” But by the end of their session, they’re relaxed, laughing, and usually saying, “That was actually fun.” I guide you every step of the way, from what to wear to how to pose, so your photos feel effortless, natural, and flattering.

I photograph headshots, personal branding portraits, and lifestyle images throughout Topeka, Holton, and nearby Kansas communities, blending modern studio lighting with lifestyle-inspired direction. The result is a polished but personal look that helps you stand out both online and in person.

What makes Still and Wild different

The experience at Still and Wild is personal from the very beginning. You’ll never be rushed through your session or posed like everyone else. Every session is customized to highlight who you are and what makes your story unique. My goal is to help you walk away with photos that feel like you, confident, approachable, and authentic.

After years behind the camera, I’ve learned how to use light, movement, and genuine connection to bring out your most natural expressions. Many people think they’re not photogenic, but what they really need is someone who understands how to guide them comfortably through the process. I know how to capture that perfect balance between professional and real so your headshots feel natural while still looking elevated.

And then there are the results. My clients use their photos to grow their businesses, attract better opportunities, and build stronger brands. I’ve worked with professionals across Topeka and the surrounding area who tell me their new photos changed how people respond to them online and how they feel about themselves. Whether you need a LinkedIn headshot, brand photography for your business, or a creative concept for your next project, I’ll help you create images that make people stop and pay attention.

Ready to look like the professional you already are?

Let’s create something that feels completely you.

Book your headshot session today and walk away with portraits that help you stand out online and in real life.

https://www.stillandwild.com
Previous

What are you really selling with your headshot?
Next

Building an Evergreen Brand: Why Consistent Photography Matters for Your Business