The Benefits of Professional Headshots for Your Business
Are you someone who dreads being photographed? I get it! I’ve been a photographer for over ten years, shooting mainly headshots and portraits. Photography is my passion; my career is built around pictures, but stepping in front of a camera can be daunting – even for me.
I’ll likely be unable to eliminate all your fears about being photographed in one blog post. Still, I’d like to share some tips that might help build your confidence.
Check-In
Be honest. How do you feel about having a photo taken of yourself? You are not alone if you don’t like it. It’s something I often hear from my clients. As I prepared to write this post, I reflected on past photoshoots.
Most clients have felt uncomfortable being photographed but also thought they should do it more. So what holds us back?
Maybe an awkward “what should I do with my hands” feeling? It could be feeling self-conscious about a body part or detail we are keenly aware of. It could be a sense of not being in control of a situation. Or, perhaps we are ashamed of the extra weight, outdated clothes, or crooked teeth.
I’m not here to dismiss these feelings, so before discussing how to overcome them, it’s good to sit with each one for a minute and think about why you might feel like this.
Feeling Awkward
Oh boy, those awkward photos we seemingly ruined because we felt uncomfortable at the moment. It’s like our body instinctively knows that standing in front of a camera is something to avoid.
I remember once when my friends and I decided to take a group picture at a party. As soon as the camera came out, I could feel my anxiety creeping up. I awkwardly stood there, not knowing what to do with my hands or face.
After the picture was taken, I couldn’t bring myself to look at it. I was convinced that I had ruined the shot with my awkwardness.
Feeling Self-Conscious
This is a major one for so many people.
Have you ever seen a picture of yourself and wondered, is that really how I appear? Perhaps it was taken at a moment when you weren’t relaxed or from a viewpoint you are not accustomed to seeing yourself from.
It’s easy to start questioning if that’s how others perceive you and if that’s how you truly look. It’s an uncomfortable feeling, almost like looking at a stranger.
I’ve actually avoided being photographed for fear that those photos would steal the shine from an otherwise happy day.
Feeling An Absence Of Control
Having your picture taken is a very vulnerable act. Some even think a photo captures your soul, but that is for another post.
The advantage of a selfie is that you can see how it will look before you take it and change it immediately, controlling the outcome.
Having your photo taken, you may feel overexposed when you are with a photographer because it’s hard to trust another with your appearance.
Feeling Ashamed
It is estimated that 60% of adults are ashamed of how they look in one way or another.
It happens to everyone at least once – even the most photogenic. You judge yourself as you look at a photo, cringing at the sight of double chins, crooked teeth, or love handles.
When being photographed can trigger these uncomfortable feelings. Still, we know we should be in more pictures. What can we do to improve the experience?
5 Tips To Go Beyond Worries
As a professional photographer and someone who is always trying to become more comfortable in front of the lens, I’ve learned a bit about making the process less stressful over the years.
There will never be a perfect time to be in a photo. Sure, putting off getting photographed is easy. But waiting for your hair, face, body or clothes to be perfect can lead to losing many memories and moments.
- Conversation can be helpful. It is crucial to talk with your photographer. Tell them what’s on your mind, and discuss your fears and worries. Still, if you find it difficult to ask, you could speak to a trusted friend, family member, or partner.
- Breathe. In our most nervous moments, we quickly forget the importance of breathing. In many cases, I notice people holding their breath while I’m taking their photograph, and they don’t even realize it. Breathing deeply can have a profound effect on how you feel.
- Acknowledge the awkwardness and let it go. It’s OK to feel awkward. Being in front of a camera isn’t second nature for most of us, and it can be uncomfortable. Taking a moment to acknowledge and sit with that awkwardness is the best way to eliminate it. Allow yourself time to adjust to doing something unfamiliar and unnatural. Over time, you will find that awkwardness passes more quickly.
- Avoid photo sabotage. You might recognize this move. You’re hesitant to try despite your desire for a nice picture of yourself. As a result, you ruin it intentionally by pulling a ridiculous face. As a result, you feel like you have some control over the outcome. It’s OK to take silly photos but resist the urge, even if it’s scary.
- Be kind. A photo is a moment in time, so be kind to yourself.
Photo’s that we don’t like can be caused by many reasons that aren’t our fault. Looking at our pictures, we see things no one else would ever notice.
A picture is a fixed moment, not who you are. Photographs, a mirror, and the eyes of others are all ways of observing, and none are entirely unbiased or absolute. Don’t let a negative assessment (a “bad photo”) discourage you. You’re the same person.
You Deserve To Be In Pictures
Take advantage of the opportunity to capture yourself, your life, and your memories. Memories can fade, but a photograph’s true power is that it can rekindle them.
Make a vow to take more pictures to capture the small and big moments. Document your life so that when you look back on it years from now, you will have a visual representation of the memories that formed who you are.
It’s essential to document your life with photos. You deserve it.
Say YES!
The more we expose ourselves to having our pictures taken, the easier it gets. If someone asks to take your picture, I hope you will take a deep breath, smile and say, “YES!”
Laugh off photos you don’t like. Trust that when you see a photo you don’t like, it’s just a moment in time – not the true you.
Are you ready to take action? Go be in some photos!
Hire A Professional
This post isn’t a sales pitch, but working with someone who knows how to compose an appealing photo, who can guide you through the process, can build your confidence and help you enjoy the process is another way to not only get used to having a photo made but, it’s a great way to have a great photo.
Reach out to local photographers. During your conversation, let them know having a photo taken is hard for you and get a sense of their style with their answers. Book with the one that resonates, and go have some fun!
Cheers to your next adventure!
Hi, I’m Kirsti.
My blog, Kirsti Out Wandering, is a guide for unique experiences. I explore less popular areas to uncover a destination’s culture and hidden potential.
From the perspective of a curious wanderer, I seek the potential rather than the obvious.
I hope you will wander along with me!