Let’s talk about photoshoot anxiety! Lots of people get nervous about having their picture taken, so if you can relate to that, just know that you’re not alone! Keep reading to learn the common reasons people experience photoshoot anxiety and how to combat it. My goal as your photographer is to help you feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera, so I’ll share tips on overcoming camera-shyness and the ways that I can help!
So, what is it about a photoshoot that is making you feel anxious?
1. Feeling like people are watching you
If you are a new client of mine, we are probably meeting each other for the first time at your session. So, although I’ve been communicating with one person in the family (usually the mom), I am, at best, an acquaintance. In addition to that, if your session takes place at a busy location, you all might feel like you have an audience.
2. Not knowing what to do in front of the camera
If you’re like most people, you’re not sure how to pose when someone points a camera at you and says, “smile!”.
3. You believe you are not photogenic
If you typically do not like photos of yourself, you might believe that you are not photogenic. While it’s true that some people are naturals in front of the camera, I’m a firm believer that EVERYONE can look good in a photo with proper guidance.
Now that we’ve covered some of the common reasons why many people are camera-shy, let’s discuss what we can do about it together!
- If you don’t want to have an audience for your session, consider that when choosing your location. If you would like to shoot outdoors, ask me about locations that tend to be more private and less traveled. Or, if you want to ensure that there will be no bystanders at all, you may want to opt for a studio session where it will be just me and your family in the studio!
- Being unsure of how to pose for a photo is one of the big reasons you’re hiring me! Allow yourself to relax and I’ll give you lots of guidance on how to sit or stand and what to do with your hands and feet. If we incorporate motion into your images, I’ll give you prompts and clear instructions on how to move.
- If you feel like you don’t look good in photos, it’s probably because it’s a bad angle, unflattering light, or you didn’t feel relaxed because you weren’t sure how to pose. When I’m working with clients, I pay special attention to angles and always try to shoot in the best possible light to eliminate the first two issues. And if I can’t shoot in the best possible light, I have lots of experience to make sure you’re still flattered in the light that’s available. As for the last one, I will be there to give you direction to help you feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera! I often stop to show my clients the back of my camera so they can see how great they look—this is huge confidence booster because they see that it’s not only possible for them to look fantastic on camera, but that it’s happened!
I am here to help you through the entire process
I can give you tips to help you coordinate outfits, I can provide information on preparing your kids for your photoshoot, I can give you location recommendations and I will make sure you’re not floundering in front of the camera during your session. If you feel like it would be beneficial for you and your family members to know more about me so I feel less like a stranger on session day, feel free to browse the ‘About Me’ page on my website and visit my social media pages. Both of those places will help you get to know me a little bit better.
Sometimes, none of the reasons I listed are the cause of any photoshoot anxiety you may be feeling. Not knowing what to expect can also create nervousness. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out! I would be happy to answer any questions you have about your session to help you combat photoshoot anxiety!
In the meantime, enjoy these photos from Andrew and Racheal’s anniversary session at Anderson Farms! The sunflower field at Anderson Farms usually reaches it’s peak at the end of July and lasts through most of August. Sunflower field sessions are some of my absolute FAVORITES to shoot. If you’re interested in a sunflower session and feel like I may be the photographer for you, click here and fill out the contact form! If you want to stay up-to-date on my latest sessions, be sure to follow me on social media and subscribe to my email list. 🙂