Your Fear of Portrait Photography and How to Overcome it.
Does the idea of someone pointing a camera in your direction bring you out in a cold sweat?
The fact is you’re not alone; lots of others experience the same anxiety when looking into the lens.
However, with these few simple strategies, you can learn to overcome your fear and eventually enjoy and even, embrace the experience.
The first step in overcoming any fear is to understand it, and rationalise it. So take some time to reflect on why you feel anxious or fearful about being photographed. Are you worried about how you’ll look? Do you feel self-conscious about being the centre of attention? Do you remember one particularly bad experience? Identify the root cause of your fear and it’s easier to control.
Bear in mind, everyone has insecurities, and it is okay to feel uncomfortable. But, be kind to yourself and practice self-compassion. Instead of focusing on your perceived flaws or imperfections, try instead to appreciate your unique features and qualities.
Don’t dwell on your fear or insecurity instead focus on the benefits of the finished images. Think about the memories you’re capturing or the opportunity to document special moments in your life. Shift your mindset from fear to gratitude, from negative to positive, and make the experience enjoyable.
Feeling awkward about what to do, or how to pose in your photograph isn’t unusual. Take control, practice different poses in a mirror, you’ll feel strange at first, but soon it’ll be fun and you’ll feel natural, comfortable and confident. You’ve seen movies where the model turns to face the camera, and with every turn they have a different look or expression. Experiment with facial expressions, and body positioning to find what works best for you, there’s no right or wrong way to pose, it’s just about getting a series of different looks to choose from.
Engage a professional photographer, someone who knows how to make you feel at ease. Technical stuff may seem the important part of a good photographer’s skill set. However, creating a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere so you feel confident and stress free in front of the camera are far more important abilities. Part of my technique is ‘beyond small talk’ conversation, to find out more about you, to understand you as an individual, to discover your life. An extra benefit of my method is – while you’re talking to me you’re not thinking about yourself.
Have a couple of props, maybe a hat, walking stick, even a book or magazine – if you have something to hold, to engage with or even to hide behind we can develop a playful atmosphere which eases the process.
Mindfulness techniques can be incredibly helpful in managing anxiety and fear. Before a photo shoot, take a few moments to practice deep breathing or mindfulness meditation to calm your nerves and centre yourself. Instead of worrying about how you look, try to focus on enjoying the experience of being photographed. Focus on the people you’re with, your surroundings, or the fun you’re having. When you’re fully present in the moment, it’s much easier to let go of your fears and insecurities.
The prospect of a full-blown studio based photo shoot can be intimidating. That’s why I like to make my photographs of you in the comfort of your own home, garden or location where you feel comfortable and relaxed because it is your space. If you’re worried about inviting me into your home, you can always have a friend present at the same time, though they need to be in a separate room while I’m taking your photographs.
Remember, overcoming your fear of being photography is a journey, and it’s okay to take it one step at a time. With patience, practice, and a positive mindset, you can learn to embrace being photographed and capture beautiful memories for years to come. Don’t forget to celebrate your progress and accomplishments along the way. Every time you step in front of the camera, you’re facing your fear head-on and taking a positive step toward overcoming it. Acknowledge your bravery and give yourself credit for stepping outside of your comfort zone.
So go ahead, smile for the camera – you can do it!