How to get more comfortable with being photographed (and transform your brand)
It’s so easy to put off booking a photoshoot, especially if you’re not that wild about the prospect of being in front of the camera. Am I right?
It’s time out of a crazy busy schedule, it’s a considerable investment, the old ones you’re currently using aren’t that bad…. Honestly, I’m there with you. I’m used to being behind the scenes, not in the spotlight, and I find myself constantly putting this to the bottom of my to-dos.
But the thing is, when I do get in front of the camera it’s GREAT for my business. Whenever I show up as relatable and authentic, with a photo to match, my engagement soars and that translates into increased confidence, increased reach, and bookings.
In this post I’ll explore why getting comfortable with the camera is so important for your personal brand. Keep reading for some practical tips for feeling more at ease.
Why getting comfortable in front of the camera matters for your business
Photos that look and feel genuine and relatably human help potential clients connect with you on a personal level. This is so powerful when it comes to building trust and credibility.
When you get more comfortable with being in front of the camera, it translates into photos that look approachable and relatable - qualities that draw clients in.
This is one reason why it’s important to let go of perfectionism - your potential clients want to see that you’re imperfect, just like they are.
And they’re more likely to resonate with someone who looks relaxed and confident in their photos, than with someone who looks flawless and perfectly posed.
Common reasons for putting off personal brand photography
“I don’t like myself in photos.”
“It feels too vulnerable.“
“Posing feels awkward.”
“They just need to invent an anti-ageing serum that actually turns back time.” (Anyone else?)
Concerns like these are completely normal, especially if you aren’t used to being photographed professionally.
You’re not alone in feeling this way, but there are some simple tricks that can transform this experience. You might even start looking forward to your photoshoot…
Practical tips for getting comfortable in front of the camera
Tip 1: Choose a photographer who makes you feel at ease
Working with a photographer whose vibe puts you at ease has a huge impact on how the photos turn out.
Find someone who aligns with your values and takes time to understand your business, your goals for the shoot, and your comfort level with the camera.
You want a photographer with a friendly and supportive approach, who will make the experience feel collaborative rather than intimidating.
Tip 2: Focus on Your “Why”
Shift your focus away from “how do I look” to “what message am I sending”. This can both reduce nerves and help you express genuine emotion in your photos.
A related mindset shift is to remember who you’re doing this for. If you feel self conscious or awkward because you’re in the spotlight, remind yourself that it’s not really about you, it’s about showing up for and serving your clients, and that’s your end goal.
Focussing on your passion for the work you do can transform your photoshoot, resulting in photos full of warmth and confidence.
Tip 3: Wear clothes you can forget about
Wear tried and tested clothes that you KNOW work on you. If you wished it were a little bigger or smaller, leave it at home. Don’t wear anything that slips to reveal bra straps, repeatedly needs adjusting, or rides up when seated.
Any doubt about whether an item works for you will breed self-consciousness and that is the enemy of relaxation. When you can forget about your clothes you can focus on the present moment.
Tip 4: Actually ‘do the thing’ instead of posing
Bring one or more items that you use in your business or that are related to your personal brand, and actually do the thing you use it for.
Write in your journal, type that email, practice your presentation. Drink your coffee out of your favourite mug.
Having something familiar can help you feel more grounded and gives your hands something to do. And unless you’re a trained actor, your photos will look and feel much more natural than they would if you were pretending.
Tip 5: Practice self-compassion
Remember that the goal here is to capture the real you, not perfection (which nobody wants to see). Let yourself smile and laugh, and be kind to the part of you that wants to hide any perceived flaws. What would you say to a loved one who didn’t like one of their features or body parts? Can you speak to yourself in the same gentle and accepting way?
Self compassion is the opposite of self-judgement and helps release the pressure to look perfect, allowing you to feel more self-accepting and natural in front of the camera.
Something I find useful is to imagine looking back on the photos in 10, 20 or 30 years. How fresh-faced and delightful you’ll appear to the older you!
In my experience, most people say the photos they most love are those that came from the candid moments, when they were simply enjoying themselves, quirks and all. Letting go of self-judgement lets these moments happen.
Bonus TIP: PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE
I can’t stress this enough: It really does get easier the more you do it.
As I was growing up, most of the women in my family would flinch at the sight of a camera and I found myself doing the same as an adult. I really didn’t like a camera pointed at me and would feel horribly self-conscious and stiff, like a rabbit caught in the headlights. Can you relate?
As a result I was also uncomfortable photographing people - I just felt bad subjecting them to it.
So when I wanted to get better at portrait photography, I realised I first needed to get over my own fear of being on the other side of the camera. How did I do it? Just practice - the more I let people get on and take the photograph, the less it bothered me.
I realised it wasn’t such a scary thing after all. I became much more confident as a people-photographer, until eventually that became my main thing.
So you see, I do get it. And I promise, it isn’t as bad as you might think.
NB If you’d like to get some practice in, a taster session is a good way to do it!
The benefits of authentic, relaxed photography for your brand
Relaxed, natural photos are powerful marketing tools because they let clients feel like they know you, building trust before you even meet.
In marketing, a sense of personal connection creates brand loyalty. Perhaps more importantly, it helps marketing feel less like a chore and more like connecting with like minds, and expressing your personality in a natural way.
By letting go of perfectionism, focussing on your “why,” and grounding yourself in the present moment, your photos will capture the essence of you and your brand.
Remember, your clients want you to show up as a real person they can identify with. So show up as yourself (even if it means leaning a little out of your comfort zone) and see how this transforms not only your photos but also the way you connect with your clients.
“Emma made a process I was dreading incredibly relaxed. Thank you Emma for changing the mind of this long-time photo hater.”
If you want help creating brand photos that truly feel like you, let’s grab a (virtual) cuppa and chat.
Not ready to invest in a full personal branding session? Join a taster session to get a feel for being in front of my camera in a relaxed supportive environment.