Camera Shyness Tips: How to get past it

Have you ever felt camera shy?

• 0%Yes
• 0%No

A frequently asked question that both I and many other photographers encounter relates to shyness and posing.

“How do I stop being camera shy?”

In my view, being camera shy isn't about literal shyness. It's a much broader concept than that. So here are some camera shyness tips.

The top 5 reasons people become “shy” when facing the camera

• Nerves for a new experience.

Many people who book photoshoots have never been in front of a camera other than an iPhone! It is scary. I get scared too. If you have seen my brand photos by the lovely Autumn Grace Photography, you should know I was feeling incredibly awkward in front of her lens. 

• How to get around this:

This is a hard one. I like to think of things in the manner of “will this experience result in something horrible”. I’ll tell you a secret, the answer is probably no. I can guess that you will get through a photoshoot with me, and even better, you might enjoy yourself. You can’t know until you try it. Sometimes we just have to put ourselves out there to capture these moments in life. 

• You aren’t a model.

  Of course, some of my clients might be models, but the vast majority are just your average person wanting to capture an important memory in their lives. You are not trained for this, that’s okay.

  
  

  • How to get around this: 

    IT IS OKAY. You do not have to be a model, period. If you want to study poses and come up with some ideas, please do. But I am here to help you feel comfortable, get your best angles, find the best lighting, and most importantly, capture the authentic you.

• You aren’t comfortable in your clothes.

  I myself have experienced this one! If you are wearing something you feel good in, it makes it easier to face your fears. 

  
  

  • How to get around this: 

    It is so important to try on some outfits and find the one you can stand, twirl, sit, and run in. If you plan ahead and try out options, you are bound to feel comfortable and be yourself in your photoshoot.

• You feel too perceived.

  I could talk about this feeling all day. As someone who doesn’t like to be noticed, who always sits in the back of the classroom, and who would never voluntarily raise her hand, this is a biggy for me. Once the camera comes out, it is hard to forget you are the center of attention. 

  
  

  • How to get around this: 

    Think of this as being perceived by yourself in the future. You are capturing this milestone or memory so that you can look back on it, not so that others can cast opinions. These photos are for you to do what you please with them. I am only there to help you reach that goal.

• Past experiences.

  Whether it is from a group photo at a wedding, school pictures growing up, or the rest of the vast majority. If you’ve had bad experiences with photoshoots in the past, of course you would be hesitant to get in front of a camera again. 

  
  

  • How to get around this: 

    The only way to solve this one is to try again. If you only try cake once, and decide you hate it, you might never find your favorite dessert. It can be hard of course, to put ourselves out there again after a bad experience, but the only way past is by trying again. 

So, hopefully with these tips, you are feeling better and more relaxed about booking a session! Trust me, we will work as a team to create photos you love.