I'm Michele

“I’m just not photogenic.”
Or, “I never like the way I look in photos.”
I hear this all the time as a Rapid City photographer with clients across South Dakota, Colorado, and beyond. But here’s the truth: it’s not you. It’s the photo.

Tip #1: It’s not your fault

Phones made everyone a photographer, but not everyone knows how to use light, angles, and posing to flatter a real human being. (Hello, awkward group photos where one person looks great and the rest are begging for a re-take.)

So if you’ve never had a photo you liked, it’s not because you’re “not photogenic.” You just haven’t been photographed — yet — in the right way.

Tip #2: The right photographer changes everything

A professional headshot photographer doesn’t just press the shutter. A good one listens, asks about your insecurities, and knows how to light and pose you so your best features shine. And — big one — they’ll let you choose the image you love best.

During my sessions, I even let clients peek at the back of the camera while we’re shooting. Seeing a great shot in real time builds trust and confidence — and makes the whole process feel way less intimidating.

I can’t tell you how many clients come back to me after trying someone else. They realize it wasn’t them all along — it was the way the photos were taken. That’s why investing in brand photography matters, whether you’re in Rapid City, Denver, or anywhere in between.

Tip #3: Yes, you can feel comfortable in front of the camera

If you hate being photographed, here’s the secret: practice. The more often you step in front of the camera, the easier it gets. Laugh with your photographer. Relax. Remember, it’s only a photo — and you can always retake it.

And trust me — a genuine smile will always beat that stiff “say cheese” grin. (Personally, I prefer “Say Chardonnay!” — try it and notice how natural your smile feels at the end of the word.)

If you think you’re not photogenic, you’re wrong. You just need the right photographer (hi, it’s me ✋) and a few simple tips.

📸 Want more? Grab my free guide: 10 Ways to Instantly Look Better in Photos — from Michele with one L, your Rapid City headshot photographer, ready to travel wherever your business takes you.

Coming soon: How to Find a Photographer You Trust