The Magic of the First Few Frames: Why Authentic Headshots Start Before You Even Notice the Camera

There’s something quietly magical about the first few frames of a headshot session. Before the poses settle in, before the sitter fully realises how they’re holding themselves — something real happens. A flicker of truth. A glimpse of calm.

As a portrait photographer in Brighton and Hove, I’ve come to love those early, almost throwaway moments. When you’re adjusting your hair, taking a breath, or laughing at how awkward it feels to be in front of the camera — that’s when your true self starts to show. And often, those are the most beautiful and authentic frames.

The First Few Frames Tell the Truth

Many of my clients — especially female founders and creative entrepreneurs — arrive for their headshot session with a touch of nerves. They’ve built businesses, brands, and teams, but standing in front of a camera can feel intimidating.

That’s perfectly normal. In fact, it’s part of the process.

When I begin a session, I rarely dive straight into the “perfect” shot. I give you space to breathe, observe, and settle. Somewhere in that in-between space, something shifts:

  • Shoulders drop

  • Jaw softens

  • Energy relaxes

And that’s when the portraits come alive.

Why Authenticity Beats Perfection

There’s a huge difference between a photo that’s technically perfect and one that feels right.

The images that make people stop scrolling — the ones that connect and convert — aren’t about having flawless makeup or a polished smile. They’re about honesty. Energy. Presence.

Those early frames capture that perfectly imperfect energy that says: This is me. This is what I stand for.

For female founders, especially those growing personal brands in Brighton and Hove, that authenticity is gold. People don’t want polished; they want real.

What to Expect When You Book a Headshot with Me

When you arrive for your Brighton headshot session, I won’t rush you into poses or make you “perform.” I’ll guide you naturally — with conversation, subtle direction, and a genuine curiosity about who you are and what you do.

The first few frames are always gentle. Observational. Unforced.

I often shoot with natural light or soft studio flash that flatters without feeling artificial. We might use a warm backdrop, step outside for a few relaxed shots near the beach, or simply let your personality fill the frame.

By the time we hit the tenth or twelfth frame, you’ll already have forgotten about the camera. That’s when the real portraits happen — and when I show you the results, you’ll see exactly why those early moments mattered.

For Female Founders Who Want to Be Seen — Truly Seen

If you’re a female founder in Brighton or Hove, building a business you care deeply about, your image should reflect your truth — not a corporate cliché.

Whether you’re updating your LinkedIn headshot, launching a new website, or need photos that feel aligned with your brand values, I’ll help you create portraits that look and feel like you.

I photograph women who are rebuilding, creating, leading, starting over — and showing up with courage.

Ready to Book Your Headshot Session?

If you’ve been putting it off because you “hate having your photo taken,” I get it. But that’s exactly why we start slow — to let the first few frames do the work.

📸 Book your Brighton headshot session here [Click Here!!]

Or send me a message to talk about what you need — no pressure, just a real chat.

Justine Desmond

Justine is an editorial portrait photographer, known for her colourful and dynamic work. Servicing businesses from start ups to global brands, working both on location and in her photographic studio in Brighton and Hove.

https://www.justinedesmond.com
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