How to deal with camera shyness
One of the things I hear from women most often is that they don’t like photos of themselves or that they feel stupid in front of cameras.
The usual advise is that you need to learn to love yourself…blah blah blah… but we’re women and we have tons of hang ups about our body and faces. And there’s so much pressure everywhere to look a certain way. So I’m not going to say that self acceptance is the way to go…though it would certainly help most of us. I’ve got some more practical tips…
Is there a reason for your shyness?
Are you just shy or an introvert or perhaps you just like to warm to a person first. It’s worth getting to know your photographer better. That way it will be like meeting a friend.
Are you self conscious about your body?
Personally I have an autoimmune issue that means sometimes I’m covered in itchy bumps or my face swells up. Stress makes it worse so I know that if I’m having photos done it’s going to be unpleasant. Perhaps you don’t like your teeth, or you don’t like your knee, or you’re carrying a bit of winter weight. Be honest with your photographer and they’ll be able to help.
Have you had a bad experience?
Here I’m thinking about school photos or those terrible experiences where they make you over and use a soft filter to blur you out abit. Where you have big hair, too much makeup and they make you pose like Marylin Monroe… Modern photography is nothing like that, especially if you choose to have a lifestyle or Personal branding shoot.
Practice, practice, practice
Take more photos of yourself. Whether it’s selfies or taken by someone else. Get used to seeing yourself in photographs.
Treat yourself
Have your hair and makeup done professionally or even just get your nails done. You’ll feel great and that will show in the photos.
Choose a photographer you trust
As well as liking the style of the photographer you choose, you need to pick someone you trust and feel comfortable with. Take a look at my latest work over on instagram if you need some inspiration.
And when you’re ready, here are three ways that I can help you:
1) Visit my blog for tips on VISIBILITY.
Every week I discuss strategies to improve your visibility, get over your fear of visibility and my latest shoots. Read here
2) Plan a bespoke photoshoot.
We can plan a shoot based on what you actually need (read more) or you could join me at a Branding Day.
3) Join ‘Visibility School’.
Visibility school is a membership group where you get 12 months of photoshoots, a fab little Facebook group and lots of bonus content too (new for 2023 members) . Read
