From Nervous to Confident: What Really Happens in a Headshot Session

Sep 9

The Confidence Shift That Happens During a Session

Most people don’t walk into a headshot session feeling excited.
They walk in nervous.

Nervous about being in front of the camera.
Nervous about how they’ll look.
Nervous because they don’t know what to do with their hands, their smile, or even their eyes.

And honestly? That’s completely normal.

I see two kinds of people most often:

The ones who start telling me all of their “flaws” the second they walk in.
The ones who crack jokes, pose dramatically, or channel their inner Zoolander to cover up how uncomfortable they feel.

Both reactions come from the same place: insecurity.

But here’s the magic part THE SHIFT — after a few minutes of being guided, encouraged, and shown little previews of how good they actually look… something shifts. I often hear in my head, “Dammit Jim… I’m a doctor not a ….”… but I replace it with Dammit Kim… I am Doctor, sales manager, creative director, owner, writer, teacher, realtor….. not a model.” I kind of laugh to myself. No one (unless you are in front of the camera for your job) feels confident when they walk in. Everyone feels nervous. EVERY ONE! The CEO and the person who is looking for their first job… both nervous. Why? Well it is vulnerable for one thing to be photographed and if this isn’t something you practice and do often you have no idea how to do it. It can be awkward…but that is why I am here. I want your success…after all my success means you are successful!

Here’s what happens though… we take a few pictures the nerves start to melt…

The nervous laugh turns into a real smile.
The stiff shoulders start to drop.
The person who swore they hated photos says: “Wow… I actually like that one.”

I love having a live viewing of your images coming out in real time. You see them along with me on a large screen. This helps both of us know if we are going in the right direction. Honestly, there are times I think you look great, but you pick up on a smile you don’t like or you want to fix you hair after seeing an image. We can be our worst critics…but I would rather identify something you don’t like and fix it. After you get the gallery it maybe too late and often it is one small thing you don’t love.

That shift is why I love photographing headshots. It’s not just about creating a polished picture. It’s about helping someone see themselves in a way they didn’t expect. Confident. Relaxed. Authentic.

When you leave a session, you don’t just walk away with a great image — you walk away with proof that you can look and feel amazing in front of the camera.

If you’ve been putting off updating your headshot because you feel nervous, awkward, or “not ready,” I want you to know you’re not alone — and you’re exactly the kind of person I love working with.

Ready to see that confidence shift for yourself? Book your headshot with Still and Wild

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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