How to get into the right mindset for a photoshoot
Would you love to book a photoshoot but struggle to actually book one through fear? You are not alone! In this blog, business and mindset coach Tara shares some top tips to help you overcome the fear, increase your confidence and step powerfully in front of the camera!
Many people struggle with a lack of confidence when it comes to having their photo taken. This feeling is often rooted in concerns about their appearance, fear of judgment, or past experiences where they didn’t feel comfortable in front of the camera. It’s also not helped by the fact that our minds are often our own harshest critic and can easily draw upon all of the faults when analysing a picture, rather than admiring the good points of ourselves.
The influence of social media and the constant sharing of “perfect” images can also exacerbate these feelings and comparisonitis can soon creep in. Many people compare themselves to the polished, edited versions of others that they see online, feeling inadequate in comparison. This external pressure to look a certain way can make even a simple photoshoot feel like a fear-inducing situation worth avoiding.
But it doesn’t have to be this way.
Feeling more confident when having your photo taken is something that can be nurtured over time and will certainly get better with practice. Here are a few tips to help you ease into it:
- Find your confident pose: Many people feel stiff or awkward when they don’t know what to do with their bodies. Play around with different poses and angles in front of a mirror to see what feels most natural and flattering for you. Even as a naturally confident person, this took me some time to master, so give yourself the time, get practicing and know it gets better and easier every time. This can help reduce the stress of wondering how to stand or what to do with your hands when it’s time for a photo. Alternatively, ask your photographer for some tips.
- Wear what makes you feel good: When you’re comfortable in your outfit, it shows. Choose clothes that make you feel confident and reflect your personality not what you feel you should wear. Whether it’s a casual look or something a bit more polished, feeling good in what you’re wearing can have a big impact on your photo confidence.
- Focus on the moment, not the camera: Shift your attention away from the lens and focus on something that makes you happy—whether it’s the people or animals you’re with, the environment around you, or how proud you feel for actually booking the shoot. When you’re truly engaged in the moment, your expression will naturally reflect that, leading to more authentic photos.
- Relax and take deep breaths: It’s normal to feel a little nervous, which in hand can halt or stifle your breathing. But breathing deeply can actually help calm your nerves. If you’re tense or self-conscious, it will show in your body language. Take a few deep breaths, loosen up, and try to relax, dropping your shoulders and softening your jawline as you do. A genuine smile and soft posture can make a world of difference in a photo.
- Get comfortable with your photographer: Feeling comfortable with the person taking your photo can make a huge difference so ensure you book someone you feel a connection with and who has a photography style you like. If you’re not feeling at ease, it might show. Take time to chat with them beforehand, so you’re more relaxed and ready to smile.
- Avoid overthinking: Don’t worry about every little detail of your appearance or posture. The more you focus on these things, the more awkward you might feel. Instead, let go of the pressure to look perfect and just enjoy being present in the moment. If you’re with your animal, just connect to your love of them, that will naturally show through the lens.
- Celebrate the results: After your photo is taken, be proud of yourself and aim to not focus on any negative thoughts. Instead, celebrate that you took the step to capture a moment, and actively look for what you do like about your photos and celebrate even the smallest things. Each photo is an opportunity to reflect on an experience, not just the way you look.
Remember, it is natural to feel shy or nervous when having your photo taken, but take the bold step forwards and capture those special memories, your future self will thank you for it.
Tara Best is an internationally recognised business and mindset coach and mentor, horse and dog Mum, speaker, and #1 best-selling author of Magnificent Mindset. She is also the host of The Thrive in Life & Business Podcast. With nearly a decade of experience in business, Tara combines her deep expertise in marketing and entrepreneurship with a profound understanding of the mind to empower her clients. Through her work, she helps individuals build strong brands, scale their businesses, and generate more revenue online. Tara’s holistic approach to business growth focuses on both strategy and mindset, ensuring sustainable success and personal fulfilment for her clients.
Thank you Tara for your guidance and taking the time to share your experience with us!
Want to find out how to prepare your horse for a session? Check out Horse & Country’s top tips here.
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