Inclusive Portraits
LGBTQIA+ Friendly Headshots: What Respectful Direction Actually Looks Like
Inclusive headshots should be more than a line on a website. Respect shows up in the way the session is planned, directed, and handled.
Names and pronouns matter
The photographer should use the name and pronouns provided and avoid making assumptions about identity, presentation, or what professional should look like.
Direction should fit the person
Posing does not need to be gendered. Direction can be based on clothing, body comfort, image use, personality, and how the person wants to be read.
Privacy matters
Some clients have privacy concerns around workplace, family, or public use. Those details should be handled with dignity and without pressure.
Professional does not mean erased
A polished headshot can still respect gender expression, race, sexuality, age, disability, neurotype, body type, and personal style.
Plan the next step
Tell Gareth what you need photographed, how many people are involved, and where the images will be used. He can recommend a structure that fits the project.