Tethered Headshots: See Your Photos in Real Time
Ever walked out of a headshot session thinking “I hope I look okay…. I guess we’ll find out later.”
WAIT! Waiting to find out if you “like” your headshots is why I shoot tethered.
Clients can view images as I shoot Cleveland headshots, curate favorites during the session, and even “like” individual images LIVE so we can double down on winning shots. Sessions are quicker, collaborative, and (let’s be honest) way less stressful when you get to see everything in real time.
Let’s talk about tethered shooting and why it matters for professional headshots, LinkedIn photos, and more.
Tethered Shooting Explained
When you shoot tethered, your camera is connected to a screen or monitor while we shoot. When I take a photo, you’ll see it on the screen seconds later. This means instead of wondering if your expressions, poses, and angles are translating, we’ll know immediately.
For professional photographs, that small detail is everything. For example:
The difference between “friendly” and “what’s your name?” could be one eyebrow
A tiny tweak to your chin can define your jawline
Shifting your shoulders back fractionally can make you look more confident
When we can view images as I shoot them, we can course-correct quickly and with intention.
Why I Love Tethered Headshots
Think about how you want your headshot to make others feel. Happy? Relaxed? Capable? Confident? A professional photo isn’t just something you throw on LinkedIn or order at a “branded shoot.” It’s a marketing tool, and marketing should always be thoughtful and intentional. That’s why I use tethering for headshots.
Clients are relaxed knowing they don’t have to wait to find out if they like their images.
Clients stay involved and in control of their online representation.
Tiny changes can be made on the spot to improve your posture or expression.
Clients leave with 100% clarity on why they chose certain images.
If you’re re-doing
If you’re re-doing a company headshot, establishing your personal brand as an entrepreneur, or simply updating your LinkedIn photo, tethered shooting allows you to collaborate with me every step of the way. It’s less of a portrait session and more of a guided experience.
How “Liking” Images Works During Your Session
As we’re shooting, you’ll see images show up on screen. If you see one you love, you can favorite that photo. Think of this as a “like.”
When you favorite an image:
A running shortlist is compiled so you can easily revisit your favorites at the end of the session
I know we’re on the same page with your session goals (more approachable? serious? creative?)
You won’t get overwhelmed by choosing between 100 similar headshots
Don’t love an image? Perfect. Now we both know what DOESN’T work and can adjust on the fly. Confidence (not perfection) is the real prize. Perfection is subjective. Confidence is universal. Clients love being able to view photos as I shoot them because they can watch their confidence increase right before their eyes.
It also lets you try subtle changes in your expression that I can coach you on. Suddenly, “looking into the distance” doesn’t require staring out into space; we can adjust your expression ever so slightly and review the change in real time.
Things Clients Notice When They First See Photos
Here are some of the most common things I hear clients say when we look at the first frame or two:
“Oh wow, I didn’t realize I tilt my head when I talk.”
“I don’t think I’ve ever smiled THAT big.”
“I think that angle looks really good on me. Can we do more of that?”
“This is the one. THIS looks like me.”
Once you start seeing yourself through the camera lens, it’s amazing how much you learn about your expressions and how little you may have realized some of these things before!
Are Tethered Photos Good for LinkedIn Headshots?
Yes! In fact, I think tethered sessions are ideal for LinkedIn photos.
LinkedIn headshots have one job: To stand out against your name, title, and a sea of other faces… all on a small phone screen.
We can evaluate your facial expressions (are you approachable at thumbnail size?), eye contact, color/design of your outfit, and background noise. All of these things contribute to your photo’s performance on LinkedIn, and being able to view photos as you’re shooting lets me catch and correct these issues IMMEDIATELY.
Your First Tethered Headshot Session
Ready to see how awesome tethered photos are for your professional headshots or LinkedIn profile picture? Sessions are simple:
We start shooting and images show up on screen INSTANTLY
You’ll receive candid, helpful coaching on your pose, micro-adjustments, and more
You can favorite the images you like as we shoot
We build a shortlist as images are taken, so there are no hundreds of login pictures to scroll through when you get home
You leave the session feeling confident that you got the shots you need
You also won’t feel like we’re rushing through your session
With tethered shooting, we’re not blindly “spray and praying” for a good shot. We’re carefully crafting a small collection of images that REPRESENT you because you’ll be involved every step of the way.
If you want professional Cleveland headshots that are collaborative rather than uncomfortable, you need to try tethered shooting. Not only will you see your photos in real time, you’ll curate which images you like as we shoot.
So, what are you waiting for? Schedule your session in Cleveland/Lakewood and let’s create a custom look, vibe, and collection of images that highlight the best YOU has to offer.
