Much like many people I had to overcome my fear of being photographed. Yes, it’s pretty common, and it’s something I still have issues with, even as a professional photographer. Whether you’re camera-shy, or hat having portraits done, there are a lot of reasons that people have fear and anxiety of photos taken of them. For those that struggle with this, here is how I overcame my fear of being photographed.
What Camera-Shy People Should Keep In Mind While Being Photographed
Overcoming fear of being photographed is something that is easier said than done, but I do believe it’s about having the right mindset. Here are some ideas to keep in mind:
Identifying & Communicating Photography Phobias
When you’re camera-shy, you expect any portrait or photographs of you will crumble your self-esteem. I’ve been there. Our perception of self and how it relates to what we see when we see in photographs, changes over time.
There can be many reasons for having a phobia for photography. Whatever the reason may be, know that you’re in good hands with professionals. We’re here to make sure you look great! Communicating your fears prior to the photography session will help get the best photos possible.
Getting Comfortable
During a photo session, there?s a certain point that we hit where you simply forget that you’re having your picture taken. It stops seeming weird, or awkward and you start enjoying yourself more, and begin having fun. You’ll get to the point where self-awareness drops, I promise. Have patience. It will come.
Trying too hard shows. Through my lenses, I?ve watched body language change as people stand as straight and closed as possible, pull their chins back and bare their teeth. Inevitably the images show a person smiling as hard as they can and looking nothing like they actually do when they are just being themselves and candid.
Look At Your Body With Gratitude
Age is often a reason for photography phobia. We don?t look like what we used to look like. And that?s okay. Looking at images from high school, from college, from my twenties – I can?t believe I ever looked, or was, so young. I’m sure in the decades to come, I will see images of myself at 40 and think the same thing.
I’m regularly encountering spots that are new to my face and my hands. ?Wrinkles, or laugh lines, keep appearing. There?s not much I can do to stop them. Even with my daily sunscreen habit. It?s a part of life. An earned part.
When looking at images of ourselves, we tend to scan immediately for the things we have the most insecurity about. We look for the thing we dislike about ourselves first. I want to remind you that you are the only person who is looking for those things first.
Instead, try this. Think about and scan for the parts of you that you like. ?Your smile, your hair, your eyes, your legs – whichever parts you dig. Browse those first. ?Look at your body with gratitude. It?s taken you this far.
Who Are Your Portraits For?
This client brought in a stack of books that were meaningful to her and her partner. ?I loved this cheeky denim and patent leather decadently using a stack of books as a footstool. ?This was personal and revealing, but not showing much skin. It was perfect for them and their relationship.
So consider who are these pictures for? Maybe they’re for you, now, and, later. Maybe they’re for your partner. There isn?t the one monolithic image that represents you for the rest of your life. Letting that idea go helps. I know you will enjoy looking at pictures of yourself later. Maybe tomorrow. Maybe ten years from now. A record of vibrant life. A few facets of an amazing multidimensional person captured in print.
How Photographers Help With Camera-Shyness
Last year, I realized first-hand how important photographers are in overcoming fears of being photographed.
I attempted a self-portrait in the studio The lighting was lovely, my makeup game was strong, my hair was mostly doing its halo of curls. ?And I hated all of the 900 images I took. There was something off. I was trying too hard. Eventually, I realized that what was missing was a sense of levity; a lightness and candor that I couldn?t muster on my own. What to do? I called in another professional photographer to photograph me. It was then that I realized the absolute difference it makes to have a positive coach on the other side of the camera.
As a photographer, I shoot a lot – I pose and move you and I move around too. There’s a little coaching and laughter. Laughter is a key element to relaxing and enjoying the process. ?Some of the time that I spend with my Modern Muse clients is spent talking. Getting comfortable with a new person is an integral part of bringing them into the process. ?A supportive and caring atmosphere is created to help you relax and enjoy yourself.
Ready For Your Photoshoot?
Feeling brave? Ready to Book Your Modern Muse Session Now? You can trust me to take fantastic care of you and coach you to channel your inner spirit and reveal your outer beauty. It?s time to revel in your own magic!
Modern Muse is a boutique modern Boston boudoir photography studio run by artist and photographer Allana Taranto. ?I view each shoot as a collaboration, and value connecting with my clients to work together to make their dream boudoir shoot happen.
Email us your ideas for your boudoir portraits!
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