Banish Camera Shyness with These Simple Tips from a London Photographer
Want to banish the feeling of being camera-shy? Well, you’re not alone. In 2013, 77% of women said they were camera-shy, and I can’t imagine men are that far off. So, let’s break it down and banish it for good! Trust me, I get it—as a photographer, I shoot myself all the time. I’m the model for all my experimental portrait work, and I can honestly say being nervous before a photoshoot is completely normal, especially if you’re not used to having your photo taken regularly. It can be awkward and leave you feeling vulnerable, but it’s a skill you can master, much like getting into a car for the first time. So, follow these tips to smash your next photoshoot.
We’ll break it down into two sections: before the session and during.
Tips Before the Session
Practice in Front of the Mirror
You know the saying, and it’s true—the more you do something, the more comfortable you’ll become doing it. Spend 15 minutes in front of the mirror practising poses and expressions a few days before the shoot, and you’ll naturally fall into them on shoot day. Don’t forget, the photographer will be there to guide you, so don’t feel like you need to have every pose down. In my experience, we’ll find what’s comfortable for you.
Mini/Split Sessions
If the idea of a two-hour shoot fills you with dread, you may want to consider booking a mini session. A mini session gives you an opportunity to see the environment, get used to the photographer, and acclimatise to the feeling of being photographed. Practice makes perfect—like any skill, taking the time to digest this new process will greatly help. With confidence locked in, you’ll be ready to bring your all to your next session.
Build Rapport with Your Photographer
In life, you’re most relaxed in a familiar environment, whether it’s with a person or in a place. Entering a room with a photographer you haven’t spoken to and having them take your picture is bound to fill you with anxiety and impact your performance. To combat this, make sure you have a call with your photographer—preferably a video call—to create a connection, establish familiarity, and conduct the all-important vibe check. This will give you an opportunity to ask questions, share any anxieties, and gauge their responses. Doing this will drastically reduce the initial awkwardness of a first meeting and ensure they’re the right fit for you.
During the Shoot
Create a Relaxing Environment
Building on the last point, to get the very best out of your session you’ll want to ensure the environment is as comfortable as possible. While you can’t control everything, here are my three top tips:
Play Music
Music has well-documented effects on mood. It can calm you down, hype you up, or evoke strong emotions. On shoot day, use it to get into the zone and have a fantastic session.Adjust the Temperature
There’s nothing worse than being too cold—your body reacts by stiffening up and becoming rigid. In a studio, ask the photographer to adjust the temperature to a neutral level to help you relax and perform your best.Bring a Small Diffuser with a Pleasant Scent
Much like sounds, scents can transport you to another place, reminding you of pleasant memories and eliciting emotions. Ask your photographer if you can bring a small diffuser with your favourite scent to create a calming atmosphere.
Sit Down
One of the most underrated pieces of advice I can offer is: “just take a seat.” When you’re standing, there’s so much more to think about—what to do with your hands, legs, hips, etc. When you’re sitting, most of that fades away, and the focus narrows to the parts of your body being captured—usually from your head to mid-torso—cutting the mental strain in half.
Use Your Hands
Using your hands in a photoshoot can introduce interest to the image. After your face, your hands are the most expressive part of your body. We use them to emphasize words, show openness, and express admiration. In the past, hands were an essential part of storytelling—shaping animals or objects to bring imagination to life. Your hands are incredibly versatile, so make them the focus or a secondary focus of the shoot. Placing your hands below your chin, on your temple, or in front of you draws attention to them and shifts your own focus, helping you relax and have a more natural shoot.
Take Your Time
Nothing will make you feel more uneasy than being rushed. It will spike your cortisol and adrenaline levels, making you feel anxious—and no one wants that. Ultimately, both you and your photographer want you to feel relaxed. Photoshoots should be an enjoyable experience. To help with this, get to the area with plenty of time to spare so you can arrive with confidence. If you think you’ll need extra time to relax, discuss it with your photographer beforehand, express your reservations, and consider asking for a session extension. You should never feel rushed or pressured during your session—no good photographer will make you feel that way.
Conclusion
Overcoming camera shyness isn’t about becoming someone else or trying to emulate others. It’s about taking small, meaningful steps to build your confidence and develop another valuable skill. Whether it’s booking a mini session, using your hands creatively, or following any of the tips in this post, each effort will help you grow your confidence. Before you know it, you’ll feel like a natural in front of the camera.
Remember, you’re not doing this alone—your photographer will guide you every step of the way to bring out your best. So, take your time, embrace the process, and let your unique personality shine through.
If you have any tips to share, leave them in the comments for others to benefit from!
