Steps to Find Your Best Angle for Edinburgh Headshots

One of the most common things clients say before a headshot session is, “I’m not very photogenic” or “I don’t know my best angle.” That’s completely normal, and it’s also not something you need to solve on your own.

Finding your best angle isn’t about tricks or posing like a model. It’s about understanding how small changes in position, posture and light affect how you come across on camera. In Edinburgh headshot sessions, those details matter even more because of the city’s light, architecture and winter conditions.

Why Angles Matter in Professional Headshots

A headshot is a close, intentional image. Small adjustments make a big difference.

A slight turn of the shoulders, a gentle head tilt or a subtle change in posture can affect how your face, jawline and eyes appear. Some angles feel natural but don’t translate well on camera. Others feel unfamiliar but look confident, open and professional once you see the image.

The aim isn’t to hide anything. It’s to present you in a way that feels authentic and professional, without forcing expressions or stiff poses.

During my Edinburgh headshot sessions, I guide clients through a small range of angles and movements, reviewing images together as we go. This removes guesswork and gives people confidence quickly. Very often, a client’s best angle is one they wouldn’t have chosen themselves without seeing the result.

Light and Location in Edinburgh

Edinburgh’s light is usually soft and diffused, especially in winter. That’s a good thing. Overcast conditions often produce flattering, even light that suits professional headshots well.

Where you stand in relation to that light matters. Turning your face slightly towards or away from the light can soften features, define structure or bring focus to the eyes.

Location plays a role too. Whether we’re working indoors, on location at your workplace, or outdoors in the city, the surroundings affect how angles and light interact. I choose positions carefully so the environment supports the image rather than competing with it.

Because the weather here changes quickly, flexibility matters. I work with both natural and studio lighting, adjusting as needed so your headshots stay consistent and professional regardless of conditions.

Common Mistakes People Make When Posing

Most posing issues come from tension rather than technique.

Slouching, lifting the chin too far, holding the breath or trying to “perform” for the camera all create stiffness. The result is a headshot that looks forced or uncomfortable.

Good posture doesn’t mean standing rigid. It means lengthening the spine, relaxing the shoulders and letting the head move naturally. Expressions improve immediately when people stop trying to hold a pose and start responding naturally.

That’s why I keep sessions calm and conversational. The more relaxed you are, the easier it is to find angles that genuinely work.

How to Discover Your Best Angle

You don’t need to practise in the mirror for hours, but a bit of awareness helps.

Noticing which side of your face feels more natural, how you usually stand when relaxed, or which photos of yourself you already like can all be useful starting points. Bringing those references to a session helps us move quickly towards what works.

That said, the biggest difference comes from professional guidance. A photographer who understands light, angles and human behaviour can spot subtle improvements instantly and help you see yourself more clearly on camera.

That’s exactly what my approach focuses on.

A Better Way to Approach Headshots

Your best angle isn’t something you need to arrive knowing. It’s something we find together during the session.

A strong Edinburgh headshot should feel natural, confident and appropriate for how you actually use it, whether that’s LinkedIn, a company website, speaking engagements or media profiles.

Professional headshots with Scott Barron Photography are designed to be straightforward, supportive and focused on getting results that feel like you on a very good day.

If you’re thinking about updating your headshots and want guidance rather than guesswork, get in touch and we’ll plan it properly from the start.