Got Camera Nerves? Here’s 11 Ways to be Confident During Your Photoshoot
Today I’m going to tell you how to be more confident during your photoshoot.
Wanna know a secret? Even your photographer gets nervous in front of the camera from time to time! It can be nerve-wracking, especially for those of us who have received unkind comments on our appearance or who struggle with a lack of self-confidence. It might seem counter-intuitive to you now, but having a photoshoot with a professional photographer can be a HUGE confidence boost. I often hear from clients that they felt nervous before our session together but when they get their photos, they were so thrilled to see their authentic selves reflected!
That brings me to my first tip:
1: Trust Your Photographer.
We are experienced with working with people from a variety of backgrounds, so as long as you choose a photographer who is right for you and knows what they’re doing, you’ll be fine! Trust me. 😉 Remember that it is our job to take good photos of you.
2: Wear Something You’re Comfortable In.
This is one of the most important tips that people might try to fight me on. The day of your session is NOT the day to try out that new pair of heels you haven’t walked around in, wear that shirt with the itchy fabric, or put on an outfit that you think you should wear because it’s what other people are doing. No. Your session is all about capturing your authentic self, so wear something that speaks to that! Choose an outfit that makes you feel confident and that you’re also comfortable moving around in. Don’t worry about copying a look that you saw on Instagram or Pinterest–just stick to your own style and let your personality shine.
3: If You Feel Stressed, Take a Moment to Relax.
If things get a bit overwhelming during your session, remember to slow your breathing down. Relaxed body language will show in your photos, so try to cultivate that feeling of relaxation.
Most of my sessions take place outdoors (this may vary for your situation), so it might help to find something external to focus on for a moment: the ocean waves, the breeze moving a tree, the sound of birdsong. If you have a breathing technique that you know works for you, use that. You can also try shaking it out. Do a little dance, shake out your arms and legs, let your body reset and then get back into it.
This ties into the next tip, which is to:
4: Communicate with Your Photographer.
If you need a break, don’t be afraid to ask for one! Ideally, you’ve found a photographer that you feel comfortable with and one who is helping make sure that you feel like you can ask for what you need. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, let them know. If you want to take a peek at the back of the camera so you feel better about how things are going, just ask. (But remember, we still have to edit them!) Also, if your photographer asks you to do a pose that you aren’t comfortable with or if something just doesn’t feel right, tell them that so that they can adjust their tactic.
5: Be Prepared.
Always, always, leave a few minutes early for your session. On the day of, leave plenty of time in your schedule to get ready, get to the location, and find parking. If you feel rushed, you’re more likely to be frazzled and stressed which will lead to less confidence in your photos. It also helps to bring a bottle of water to stay hydrated and an extra layer in case it gets chilly.
6: Use the Power of Smell.
This one might sound a bit weird, but just trust me! Scents have strong ties to our memories and emotions, so use that to your advantage. Have a perfume that you use on special occasions? This could be a great time to wear it to feel more confident about yourself. If you’re feeling nervous, lavender can be calming, but you can use any essential oil or cologne that you find comforting. Just spritz a little on your wrists beforehand, or use a scented lotion, so it’s nearby throughout your session.
7: Be Yourself.
I know it’s a bit of a cliche, but it’s true. This session is about you, after all. So don’t worry about trying to mimic a pose you saw online or perfecting your “soft smile”. Just be you! Have fun, goof off, and remember that candids are often much more authentic and fun to look back on than stiff posed photos.
8: Hype Yourself Up, or Ask Someone to Send You Positive Affirmations.
Doing a solo session? Spend a few minutes giving yourself a pep talk in the mirror before you head out, or ask your bestie to text you positive words of affirmation to help lift you up and get you in a good mood. If you’re doing a session with your partner or your family, hype them up! Tell them what you love about them, how good they look, or one of your favorite memories together. They might be wondering how to feel confident in front of the camera too! This is a great way to help everyone get a confidence boost.
9: Look to Your Partner or Family for Comfort.
You don’t need to be constantly looking at the camera throughout your session. Those tender moments when you’re looking into the eyes of your beloved or your newborn turn into GREAT photos–but they can also help ground you in the moment. Remember that you’re there to capture the love you have, so look to them and cultivate that feeling. If you’re doing headshots or a solo modeling session, you can ask your photographer if they’re okay with you bringing a friend or family member along to help you feel more comfortable.
10: Get to Know Your Photographer Ahead of Time.
If you’re hiring a photographer for something big like a wedding, you’ll like be meeting with them over a video call before your session. But for family sessions, engagements, or headshots, this is not as likely. What you can do instead is spend time on their website. Read their “about” page, click through their social media links and see what they’re up to. Hopefully, they have photos of themselves around too so you know what they look like. Maybe they have a blog where they share some personal stories. And don’t be afraid to ask questions! Send them a DM or an email if there’s anything you’re wondering about, and they should be happy to chat.
11: Finally, Remember to Have Fun.
That’s what this is all about! We’re here to make memories together so that you can look back on these photos for years to come and see you, your partner, and/or your family being your authentic selves. Live it up, celebrate that you’re having this time together. Make a special day of it! Enjoy a nice meal together before or after your session. Bring your kid’s favorite toy, or make a playlist of your favorite songs to keep the energy up. Whatever you need to do, remember that your session is all about you and your photographer wants you to have a great time.
I hope you found these tips for how to be confident during your photoshoot helpful! If you’re looking for a photographer who can help you feel comfortable and have a blast, you can find out more about booking with me here.
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