Capturing great headshots is what we do — it's all we do. So if you'd like a few pointers before you step in, here's what decades behind the camera have taught us. None of it's required, but it helps.
You don't need to be photogenic, or practised, or even sure what to do with your hands. You just need a few minutes and a couple of small pointers — the same ones we'd give you in person if we were standing beside the booth. We've got you, and you've got this.
None of it is required, but a little prep goes a long way. Sort these ahead of time and you'll step in feeling confident.
Two quick things before you sit down — 30 seconds in the mirror and a slow breath. Then step in and just focus on the photo.
Before you step in, take a quick look and catch the small details you care about — a flyaway, a stray hair, a collar that's tucked under, or a necklace that needs centering. Then you can forget about it and just focus on the photo.
Nerves sit in your shoulders, and the camera catches it. Before you sit down, take one slow exhale and let your shoulders drop — your whole face softens with it.
Feel at ease and comfortable during your self-serve photo session.
Your first go is really just a warm-up. You get a retake on your photo, and you can run as many sessions as you'd like — so let the first one be a throwaway. Use it to find your feet: settle into the chair, see the lighting, shake the nerves out. Once that one's done, the pressure's gone and the good ones come easy.
Facing the lens dead-on is what turns a photo into an ID card. You're on a swivel chair for a reason — turn your shoulders a little and drop the shoulder closest to the camera. That small angle is the whole difference between a passport photo and a portrait.
Find the camera, not the screen. Eye contact is what makes a headshot feel like it's connecting with someone instead of just looking near them.
Hold a smile through the whole countdown and it freezes — you can see the effort in it. So wait. Let the smile land right as the photo fires and it stays real, and a real smile shows up in your eyes, not just your mouth.
This is the one thing a photographer adjusts for almost everyone. Bring your forehead a little toward the lens and drop your chin slightly. It defines your jaw and keeps the camera from looking up at you. It feels strange. It looks great. Trust it.
No photographer, no pressure. The booth walks you through every step — here's the whole thing before you even step in.
Step in and sign in with your email. That's the whole setup.
Iris walks you through posing before you start, so there's no guessing once the camera's on.
Snap your photo and grab a retake if you want it. Not happy? Start a fresh session — as many times as you like.
Simple editing tools let you polish your favourite until it feels right.
Your headshot is emailed instantly, and it's yours to keep and share.
Step in, be yourself, and let the camera do the rest.
