how to be confident on camera by emma marshall
As businesswomen, being photographed is something we need to embrace. In this visual, social age, visibility, transparency and authenticity are vital ingredients in business success - and photography can be a powerful tool. It’s normal to feel nervous about being in front of the camera; we all have our insecurities. But if you can feel more confident you’ll reap multiple rewards. You’ll feel more relaxed during your photo session; you’ll be happier with the results; and you’ll get more mileage out of the images, because you’ll love using them! Here are some ways to build your confidence.
Get to know your photographer If you find being in front of the camera intimidating, you’ll feel more confident if you know the person who’s going to be behind it. Many photographers offer a free telephone consultation - take advantage of it. Check out your photographer’s bio and social media and don’t be afraid to ask questions about what makes them tick.
practice Try out some poses in front of the mirror. Which stances make you feel more confident? Do you have a ‘best side’? Have a friend or partner take photos of you on their phone to get used to the feeling of being in front of the lens. When I first started photographing people, I realised I had to get over my own insecurities about being photographed. I did it through practice; seeking out opportunities to get in front of the camera until it no longer felt like a big deal. It works!
Wear clothes that work for you and not against you Your clothing should reflect your brand and the professional image you want to convey. It should also fit well and make you feel good. Avoid anything you need to constantly adjust, that your straps escape from, or that you feel self-conscious wearing. Stick to pieces you know suit you, so you can relax about that! This isn’t the time to experiment. Clothes tips: Solid colours are great; keep patterns simple. Nothing too constricting or low cut…. You’re more likely to regret revealing too much than too little.
Consider working with a stylist who’ll be able to pick out colours, cuts and fabrics that look amazing on you and work well for the camera.
Breathe I’m a big advocate of mindfulness and sometimes use these techniques during a shoot. If you’re feeling anxious it can help to take a few slow breaths and get grounded. Feel the connection between your feet and the floor or the sensation of the breeze on your skin; when you feel more connected to the present moment, your worries naturally fade away. You’ll feel more relaxed and this will shine through in your photographs.
Communicate Make sure to tell your photographer about any physical features you don’t like. We can use posing and choose angles to de-emphasise them, but only if we know about them! Speak up if you feel uncomfortable during the shoot, if you want to ask a question or if you have an idea you’d like to try. The best shoots are collaborations, so don’t be afraid to make suggestions. Your photographer wants to deliver images you’ll love, and to work with you to achieve that. (If they don’t want to try a suggestion it’s probably for technical or stylistic reasons which they should be happy to explain.)
have fun If you’ve followed these steps you’ll already be feeling more confident being photographed. My priority is that my clients feel at ease; even formerly camera-shy people have commented that our session was surprisingly fun! Allow yourself to go with the flow and enjoy the process. Laugh about it - it’s just a photoshoot after all! The less significance you can give it, the more confident you’ll feel. Trust that you’re working with a professional who knows how to get the best from your session and let them do the worrying. No, you won’t love every single image (we take hundreds) but you’ll adore enough of them to make the whole experience worthwhile.
If you’d like to talk more about using photography in your personal brand, you can book Emma for a no-obligation chat. Book a slot here: www.emmamarshall.com BrandMe! Magazine: Issue 3 May 2019
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