You Probably Need a Headshot. Here's How to Actually Get One.
Let me guess: your current LinkedIn photo is either a cropped group shot from a wedding, a selfie you took in decent lighting and decided was "good enough," or a professional photo from 2014 that no longer looks like you.
No judgment. Truly. (The headshot on my about page? Random selfie in front of a window in a band t-shirt. When I say I get it, I really do.) This is one of the most common things I hear from people who reach out to me, and honestly, it makes sense. Getting a headshot feels like one of those things you'll get around to eventually, right after you lose ten pounds or find the right outfit or stop being so busy.
Here's what I want you to hear: you don't need to wait. You don't need to lose anything. You don't need to be a different version of yourself before you deserve good photos. Every body is worth photographing right now, exactly as it is, and part of my job is making sure you can actually see that when you look at your images.
So. Let's talk headshots.
This Is Not the Awkward Studio Experience You're Picturing
I shoot everything outdoors in natural light. No studio, no backdrop, no bright lights making you squint while someone tells you to tilt your chin down and to the left.
Natural light is softer, more flattering, and it just looks like a real human being instead of a LinkedIn stock photo. We find a good spot, I give you low-key direction so you're never just standing there wondering what to do with your hands, and most people are genuinely surprised by how fast it goes. And how not-terrible it feels.
I work with a lot of people who are nervous about being in front of a camera. That's basically my default client. If that's you, you're in good company and you're going to be fine.
What I Offer (and What It Actually Costs)
Quick & Easy — $149 15 to 20 minutes. One finished image. This is for you if you need something professional, you needed it yesterday, and you don't want to overthink it. Perfect for LinkedIn, an email signature, a speaker bio, or yes, a dating profile photo that actually looks like you on your best day.
Standout — $299 Up to 60 minutes, 5 finished images. You get real variety here: different expressions, maybe a couple of locations, a few different angles. Great for small business owners and entrepreneurs who need photos for a website, social media, and everywhere in between.
Full Branding — $699 Up to 2 hours, full gallery, multiple outfits and locations. This one's for you if you're launching something, rebranding, or building out a website and need a library of images you can actually work with. This is my wheelhouse.
No travel fees anywhere in Northeast Ohio. I serve Kent, Akron, Cleveland, Canton, and the surrounding suburbs.
Who Books Headshots With Me
Honestly, a pretty wide range of people, and I love that.
A lot of my headshot clients are professionals who've been putting it off and finally have a reason they can't ignore. A new job. A speaking gig. A website that's been embarrassing them for three years.
A lot are small business owners and entrepreneurs who are building something real and want photos that reflect that. Not stiff, not stuffy. Just them, looking like themselves, on a good day.
And a growing number are people who just want one really good photo for their dating profile. Something that feels warm and genuine and actually captures who they are, not a bathroom mirror selfie or a photo cropped from a night out. You deserve to put your best self forward, and that starts with a photo you actually like.
First timers are always welcome too. If you've never had professional photos taken and you're not sure what to expect, I'll walk you through everything. It really is that easy.
You Don't Have to Wait Until You're "Ready"
I want to say this again because I mean it: there is no version of you that needs to show up first before you're worth photographing. Not thinner, not more put-together, not less tired. The person you are right now is the person worth documenting.
I photograph real people. All sizes, all ages, all comfort levels with cameras. My job is to find the light that works for you, the angle that feels good, and the moment where you look like yourself. That's it.
What to Wear (The Short Version)
Wear what you like. The most important thing is that you look like yourself, and you like what you’re wearing.
Wear something you'd actually wear to work or to meet someone you want to impress
Avoid logos or text on shirts
Bring a second option if you're doing the Standout or Full Branding session
Let's Do This
Spring is one of the best times for outdoor headshots in Northeast Ohio. The light is gorgeous, the weather is finally cooperating, and you'll have fresh photos ready before whatever comes next.
Booking is all online, no phone calls required. Just head to my contact form and we'll get you on the calendar.
Tara Carman is a portrait photographer based in Kent, Ohio, serving the greater Northeast Ohio area including Akron, Cleveland, Canton, and surrounding suburbs.