Overcoming Camera Anxiety
It’s completely normal to feel anxious or uneasy in front of a camera, and “I hate having my photo taken” is a sentiment I hear often. It’s essential to address these feelings to ensure you get the best results from your headshot session. In this guide, I’ll share some tips to help you overcome camera anxiety and feel more comfortable during your headshot photoshoot.
Understand the root cause
Anxiety in front of the camera often stems from a fear of judgement or past experiences with unflattering photos. Take a moment to identify the root cause of your discomfort and remind yourself that you’re working with a professional who is here to help you look your best.
Communicate your feelings and concerns
Before and during the session, please don’t hesitate to let me know about any concerns or anxieties you may have. As someone who can empathise and has experience working with clients who feel uneasy, I’ll do my best to help you relax and enjoy the experience. By addressing your concerns, I can offer guidance and support to help you feel more at ease during the shoot.
Practice self-compassion
Be kind to yourself and remember that nobody is perfect. Embrace your unique features and focus on what you love about yourself rather than dwelling on any perceived imperfections.
Prepare beforehand
Spend some time in front of a mirror, practising poses and facial expressions to become more comfortable with your appearance. This will also give you a better idea of how you look in different lighting and angles, making you feel more prepared for the photoshoot.
Focus on something else
During the shoot, try to shift your focus away from the camera. Think about a happy memory, a loved one, or something that makes you feel confident. This can help put you in the right mindset and make the experience more enjoyable.
Breathe and relax
Take deep breaths and consciously relax your body before and during the shoot. This will help to reduce tension in your face and body, leading to more natural and flattering photos.
Trust my expertise
As a professional photographer, I have experience in helping clients feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera. Trust my guidance and expertise to ensure you achieve the best possible results from your headshot session.
By implementing these tips and working closely with me, you can overcome your camera anxiety and create a professional, captivating headshot that you’ll be proud of. Remember, the key is to focus on feeling confident and comfortable while embracing your unique features and personality.
About the author
Gavin Jowitt is an accomplished corporate communications and branding professional with over 30 years of experience as a creative director and photographer. Awarded Australian Commercial Photographer of the Year in 2019, Gavin has built a reputation for delivering high-quality photography that enhances stakeholder communication. Gavin works with a wide array of public and private sector clients providing corporate, industrial, and commercial photography services.