Today I’m going to share with you 4 tips on how to overcome the fear of having your photo taken!
This fear is very real for many people. We have a vision of ourselves and we fear that the real image may not live up to that vision. It could be we’ve gotten a bit older or put on a few extra pounds and we just don’t see what the camera is happy to glaringly point out! I get it, every time I have my photo taken I expect the supermodel to appear and yet she doesn’t! If only we could truly look like the photoshopped images in magazines! And that leads me to
Tip #1:
Remember that nobody looks that perfect! Hair, make-up, good light and Photoshop are the key factors in marketing images targeted to make you buy products!
Let’s face it most people do not naturally pose for the camera for fear of what they look like or looking foolish! Hey, I get it, I much prefer to be behind the camera!
Tip #2:
Have professional photos taken! A professional photographer can make you look good and feel amazing about having your photo taken! Now there is an important caveat to this, make sure you hire someone who photographs people and whose style you like! This is important because someone who photographs people understands posing and lighting to flatter a person and not just this is what you look like but this is how amazing you look! They also know how to bring out your personality so that when you look at your photos it will resonate with you!
Tip #3:
Get to know your photographer before the session. Meeting with your photographer to discuss what you’re looking for is a great idea! This can help to set you at ease but also allows your photographer to help you discuss wardrobe, locations, etc…. It should also give you confidence before the session which will help translate into the photos later. This can also be done over the phone or video chat if you’re not able to meet in person.
As a professional photographer I’ve heard every excuse: I’m not photogenic, I hate having my photo taken (in varying degrees), I hate my nose, I need to lose 10 lbs before I have my photo taken, I don’t have anything to wear, my hair isn’t done, my make-up isn’t done, etc… Believe me you are the only person thinking this.
Tip #4 (my fave):
Remember that photos of you are not about you! I know that you’re saying um how is a photo of me not about me? Simple, you know what you look like, you can see yourself in a mirror whenever you like! Photos are for your loved ones or your clients! They are for your loved ones to remember you when you’re not there, to remember how you made them feel and most importantly to remember you when you are gone! Photos are your visual history and one of the main legacies we leave behind! We are not immortal but photography is!
Personal branding photos are to help you build credibility and connect you with your clients. This gives them a face to go with the voice they hear on the phone or to recognize you when they meet you! So don’t be selfish let those who love you and want to know you be able to see you in photos!
I hope these tips help you to no longer hide from the camera and maybe even voluntarily get in front of it from time to time!
0 Comments