Why You Need a Professional Photoshoot as a Therapist…
Imagine going to a well known high-end brand, let’s say Apple or Chanel and seeing blurry, low-quality phone selfies of their products on their website. You’d be shocked, right? So why do the same for your business?
Investing in professional photography makes you look credible, polished, and serious about your work.
You are your brand.
I believe you need to be the one they see first on your website. Not a forrest, or a sky, or a tree. YOU.
Beyond professionalism, a photoshoot is also a mindset shift.
When you step outside of your comfort zone, you grow. It might not feel easy, but once it’s done, it’s something you can say you conquered.
Now, let’s get into exactly how to prepare and make the most of your photoshoot...
Mindset: Getting in the Right Frame of Mind
You’ve booked your shoot, and now the nerves are kicking in. Maybe you’re worried about how you’ll look, or you feel like it might come across as trying too hard.
Here’s the thing, your clients want to connect with you. They want to see the person they’ll be working with. This isn’t about vanity; it’s about visibility.
A great way to mentally prepare is to remind yourself:
You are a business owner, and this is an investment in your success.
Clients choose therapists they feel comfortable with. Your photos help them feel that connection before they even meet you.
The more confident and at ease you feel, the better your photos will turn out.
I say all of this from a place of love because I have been there.
When I first started my business, I didn't have the money or time to invest in a professional photoshoot, so selfies had to do.
BUT, what I have learn't, is people will take you seriously if YOU take your seriously. So these are the things you need to know before your photoshoot:
Prepping for Your Shoot: The Key to Feeling Relaxed
My motto: A good day starts the day before.
The more prepared you are, the smoother your shoot will be.
Here’s everything you need to have ready:
Props That Reflect Your Work
Props help create images that feel natural and aligned with your niche. Consider bringing:
✅ Books (ones your ideal client is reading or that you recommend)
✅ A coffee mug, notebook, pen and paper
✅ Affirmation cards
✅ Russian dolls or other therapy-related tools
For example, if you’re a couples therapist, a photo of you reading Mating in Captivity by Esther Perel makes perfect sense. Choose props that resonate with your brand and ideal clients.
This is your chance to get your reader excited about the guide and appreciate the real value behind reading the post in its entirety.
Outfits: What to Wear
Think about where these photos will be used on your website, social media, marketing materials and choose outfits accordingly.
✔️ Wear what you’d typically wear in a therapy session. Your clients should recognise you from your pictures.
✔️ Have at least 3-4 outfit changes for variety.
✔️ Avoid clothing with busy patterns (they can look distorted in edited photos).
✔️ If you’re a ‘Steve Jobs type’ and always wear the same outfit, stick with that, but change the setting and pose to add variety.
Makeup: Slightly More Than Your Everyday Look
You want to look natural, but what looks natural in real life can appear washed out on camera.
The key?
Think 'Saturday night going out' makeup.
Even if you don’t usually wear much, a little extra definition (mascara, blush, lipstick) helps you look your best in photos.
Choosing the Right Location
Your photos should reflect where and how you work.
Consider:
Your therapy room – Subtle elements like a cozy couch, soft lighting, and plants make a big difference.
Outdoor shots – If they align with your brand (but remember, YOU should be the focus).
A home-office setup – Perfect for an approachable, personal feel.
Your Face: Capturing The Real You
OK, this is the most important part of the shoot. I call it ‘bringing out the essence of you’ this is the beautiful core or soul of you, to come through the images.
There is one place on your body where the nerves, terror, dread and fear can be seen. Your eyes. Your eyes give away how you’re feeling, so even if you’re smiling, it is obvious you’re uncomfortable consciously but also unconsciously. So, here’s what you need to do.
👉 Shake it out – Literally. Loosen your body, take deep breaths, and let go of stiffness.
👉 Mindset shift – Imagine every cell in your body is smiling, from your toes to the top of your head including every organ and muscle in between.
👉 Practice ‘smiling with your eyes’. Look in the mirror. Try smiling with just your eyes, then just with your mouth. Notice the difference?
✨Game-Changer Alert: The Ice Water Trick✨
I discovered this tip after a terrible night’s sleep before my last photoshoot. I had a two-hour drive ahead of me, and I looked exactly how I felt, pale and washed out. So, I grabbed a small Tupperware container, filled it with cold water and ice cubes, and dipped my face in it a few times.
Oh. My. Gosh. It worked like magic! My skin looked refreshed, I felt more awake, and it showed in my photos. If you’re feeling tired or dull before your shoot, try this, it’s a total game-changer!
Pro tip: Capture genuine, relaxed expressions by incorporating movement, laugh, look off-camera, interact with a prop.
Checking as You Go: Don’t Skip This Step
Before moving on to a new outfit or location, ask to review the shots taken so far. If something isn’t working (angle, pose, lighting), adjust and try again. You don’t want to finish the shoot and realise you’re unhappy with half the images.
Prepping Your Photographer
Communicate clearly with your photographer to ensure you get exactly what you need:
✔️ Portrait and landscape shots (for different website/social media uses).
✔️ The ability to check photos as you go.
✔️ How many outfit changes you’d like.
✔️ The types of shots you want (e.g., candid, posed, close-ups).
✔️ Black and white options for a timeless, professional look.
Posing Ideas for Natural, Engaging Photos
If you’re not sure how to pose, try these:
📸 'The Listening Pose' – Lean forward slightly with a thoughtful expression.
📸 'The Welcoming Gesture' – Extend an open hand toward the camera, symbolising openness.
📸 'Sitting Naturally' – Sit comfortably in a chair with a relaxed posture, looking directly at the camera.
📸 'The Strolling Pose' – Walk toward the camera with a relaxed stride to capture movement and confidence.
For marketing materials and social media, consider:
💻 Working on your laptop
📱 Holding your phone
🎤 Speaking into a microphone (if you do podcasts or webinars)
Bring a Chaperone (Business Bestie Approved!)
If having a friend or colleague with you would help you feel more at ease, bring them along (if your photographer is okay with it).
Their job?
✔️ Notice things you might miss (like flyaway hairs or awkward poses).
✔️ Hype you up and help you relax.
✔️ Hold props or adjust your outfit between shots.
Final Thoughts: Be Yourself & Enjoy the Process
Yes, a photoshoot might feel outside your comfort zone, but remember:
✨ Your photos are about connection, not perfection.
✨ This is an investment in you and your business.
✨ The more comfortable and natural you feel, the better your images will turn out.
And one last thing, if your photographer does an amazing job, show them some love. Leave a glowing review and recommend them to others. (Yes, I’m that client who asks 100 questions, but I’ll also hype you up when you do a great job!)
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