3 Easy Steps to Becoming More Camera Confident
“Oh, I’m so shy, I can’t have my pictures taken!”
“I’ll never enjoy being photographed, I’m so unphotogenic.”
“I feel so weird... What should I do with my hands?”
There’s nothing wrong with feeling unconfident or hesitant in front of the camera. It’s actually pretty normal. In the past 10 years of working as a portrait photographer, nearly all my clients have said such things! It’s scary to have a camera in your face, it can cause even the most confident humans to freeze and feel a little insecure. The good news is, anyone can learn how to overcome these issues and feel camera confident.
Whether it is for your next photoshoot, video call, or social media post, these tips I picked up as a portrait and wedding photographer, will help you show up confidently in each scenario. But first, let’s understand what is happening internally, as confidence grows from within.
The psychology behind the camera pressure
What’s very interesting is how closely related are photography and psychology. So, from a psychological aspect, whenever we need to perform in any certain way, whether in front of a bigger group of people, on stage, or in front of the camera - we can feel a HUUUGE pressure.
It’s because, from a young age we are taught that we need to be better, be more interesting, perform better, or fit in. And when the time comes to just be present and enjoy being ourselves, we might not know how to behave, and get out of our comfort zone.
What's going on in your brain when you're out of your comfort zone?
This is what the voice in your head is really saying when going through an experience where you need to be yourself:
I'm scared and don't know what to expect
I feel vulnerable and awkward
I'm not in control
I don't know what to do
That was definitely my experience a few years back! I became a photographer so I could be the one behind the camera rather than in front of it! But, I quickly realized the more I put myself out there, the more relatable I was to my clients who were feeling the same way.
That's why I did a little research on it. Did you know that our brains are literally programmed to keep us safe by not doing anything out of the ordinary?
By stepping outside of our comfort zone, we're going against our brain's wishes and it's seen as a threat. Sometimes it's just not knowing that's the worst part that scares the hell out of us. The good news is - it is all because you are stepping out of your comfort zone, and there are 3 easy steps to help you calm your nerves in such a situation! Let’s jump right in.
Steps to becoming confident & relaxed during your photoshoot
First of all, I believe that the Photographer holds the responsibility to help you feel relaxed during our session. That's why I always share these 3 tips with every client to keep them from feeling anxious and unprepared!
Work with a photographer you feel comfortable with
I always like to meet my clients beforehand and see how our energy matches. Your photographer should be there with you every step of the way, from planning the shoot, advising on what to wear, how to pose, etc, as well as being your personal cheerleader, so to shine in your true light, you need to feel comfortable with the photographer. Trust me, it’s not that hard to feel great when you have someone taking your photo, looking at the camera, and saying how awesome you are!
If your photographer is going to photograph your wedding, besides meeting them beforehand, I highly recommend having an engagement shoot with the same photographer - it acts as a way for you and your partner to get used to being in front of a camera and a great way to get to know your photographer better. Plus, you’ll have this beautiful and intimate experience for the two of you, celebrating the amazing times that lie ahead.
2. Prepare beforehand
Knowing what you're doing, when, and how will help you boost your confidence and guarantee comfort throughout the whole experience!
That is why together you can:
Prepare a mood board with clear visuals & instructions
Plan your wardrobe and favorite items you want to include
Plan the locations that you’d feel most comfortable in
Build a shot list with poses and ideas that both you and your photographer love
For example, what worked for me and my clients is that after booking and before our photo shoot, we (e-)meet and once again go over the details of the photoshoot. From the ideas, I make a mood board that visually represents our main goal and the aesthetic we’re going for. Then, I plan out an entire schedule & shot list for the photoshoot - as a guide for the day.
In addition to your photoshoot plans, you receive plenty of preparation info ahead of time. Your Client Welcome Guide contains valuable information that will help you pick what to wear, and prep your hair/makeup/nails, as well as, reminders as the photoshoot day approaches, making sure you’ve got everything together in advance - the clothes you’re planning to wear are clean and ironed, you’ve packed up any props you’re planning on taking etc. Try to get a full good night's sleep before the photoshoot and drink plenty of water. The more relaxed and well-rested your body feels, the more confident you will be.
3. Confidence Boosting Ritual
Create your own confidence-boosting ritual to do before each session! This could be a light workout or a yoga session. It can include dancing to your favorite playlist, essential oils, or a visualization to get yourself into a good energetic state. You will be a step closer to calming your brain and teaching it that out-of-comfort-zone activities are safe.
This ritual will also retrain your brain. What do I mean by that? It’s natural to look at a photo of yourself and focus on what you don’t love. Instead, retrain your brain to focus on what you do love about yourself every time you see a photo or your reflection in the mirror. You might love your hair today, your glowing skin, or your smile. Be loving and kind to yourself.
Conclusion
Remember, being confident AF on camera at your portrait shoot, doesn’t come naturally to most of us. Building confidence takes practice and a little bit of guidance, too; it's about embracing your unique beauty and accepting yourself as you are today. Please keep in mind that it is up to your photographer to put you at ease & make you feel absolutely fabulous - it's not all up to you! If you ask me, all you can really do is prepare beforehand, show up with a growth mindset, trust me, and we will create wonders.
Let’s meet on a free call, with no requirement for booking! Reserve your 15-minute session right away!
