Do you feel nervous about being photographed? A few tips to help you prepare.

Are you a business owner thinking about investing in brand photography, but the idea of being in front of the camera makes you hesitate?

Rest assured, you’re definitely not alone!

I can honestly say that around 95% of clients I work with arrive feeling nervous about being photographed. It’s completely normal.

But something interesting happens once the shoot begins.

It is so lovely to receive feedback that clients leave the experience feeling empowered, energised, and feel the huge benefits after showing up for their business. Seeing themselves represented professionally gives them a new sense of confidence in how they present themselves and their work.

And as your business grows and evolves, it’s so important that your imagery evolves with it.

Don’t be put off by polished picture-perfect social media feeds. They can make it seem like everyone else is super confident and completely comfortable in front of the camera. The reality is far from that; most people feel self-conscious at first but the confidence often arrives after you start showing up.

Your audience isn’t looking for perfection — they’re looking for authenticity. When they can see your face, your personality and your energy, the rapport happens much faster, as people connect with people. When they can see the person behind the brand, it creates trust and makes your business feel more relatable and approachable.

I thought it would be helpful to give you a few tips and suggestions to consider before a shoot, to make you feel more prepared and confident:

1. Connect with your photographer beforehand

Feeling comfortable with the person behind the camera makes a huge difference. A meeting in person or a zoom call beforehand helps build trust and allows you to share your ideas, concerns and vision for the shoot and to create a connection beforehand. It really is vital.

2. Choose outfits that feel comfortable and like you

The best outfits are the ones that feel comfortable and make you feel good. . Choose clothing that represents your style and are in line with your brand. I always recommend bringing a few options so we can experiment and find what works best on the day. It is also nice to have a few outfit changes, so you end up with a variety of portraits.

3. Music is everything!

Music is definitely a huge help in making you feel relaxed, and it brings energy to the shoot. I always bring a little speaker with me — whether we’re shooting indoors or outdoors — it makes such a difference to the atmosphere.

4. Movement creates natural portraits

It’s completely normal to feel a little stiff at the beginning. Gentle movement helps bring energy into your photos — walking, adjusting your clothing, turning slightly, or a smile in between conversation creates natural images. I also go with a pace that suits you, and sometimes a little break of just moving your body helps a lot too.

5. Hydrate and rest

It sounds simple, but it really helps. Drinking plenty of water the day before and getting a good night’s sleep can make you feel much more refreshed and relaxed on the day of the shoot.

6. Don’t worry about your hands

This is probably the most common question I get! Hands suddenly feel very noticeable when a camera appears. Holding something small can make your body language feel more natural.. Even placing a hand in your pocket works can work beautifully.

7. Work with a photographer who guides you

Trust the process, a good photographer will guide you through the entire process suggesting movement, adjusting postures and helping you feel comfortable. I personally work very intuitively, as I feel there is no “ one fits all approach”, as we are all unique beings. I ll make sure to give you the time you need, and always work in a collaborative manner. .

I hope the above suggestion help you, not putting off your shoot, as most importantly - none of us are perfect — and that’s exactly what makes us human. People love seeing the real real person behind the business, and how you grow and evolve.

It is all about showing up as the face behind your brand, which deserves to be seen.