Most people HATE having their photo taken. They are “camera shy” not “camera confident”. And I’ll tell you a secret… Other than the usual “I hate my teeth” or “I’m getting old” or “I have a zit”, there’s actually another reason and it’s not vanity.
The only way you can see yourself is through the reflection in the mirror, but a camera doesn’t capture your reflection, it captures what everyone else sees. Because that captured image is reversed (from your perspective), it will always feel “off” to you… And that just adds to the anxiety we all have about imperfect teeth or weight or age.
So how do you learn to love the camera when your inner being would rather have a tooth pulled than go get a required headshot?
One: You are not Alone.
You are in good company because I guarantee that most of your colleagues are also camera shy. Alleviate your anxiety by going to a shoot in pairs. Cheer each other on. Having a wingman (or woman) will bolster your confidence and they can give you a second opinion on your photos so your own, completely biased, judgmental opinion is appropriately supplanted.
Two: You are Perfect Exactly as You are.
How many times have you looked at a photo of yourself from two years ago? Five years ago? Ten years ago? Twenty? If you are like most people you can appreciate how you used to be… Whether it was younger, happier, or more carefree. So accept yourself for how you are now because in another five years, you’ll look back on this moment and appreciate yourself again.
Three: Get Comfortable.
1. Don’t try out a new hairstyle or cut the week before a shoot. If you don’t like it, you will always hate the photo you have taken.
2. Wear clothes that are not only appropriate for the look and feel your company requires but clothes that you love and that are comfortable… No wrinkly, frayed or aged fabrics (more on that here).
3. Realize that minor issues like a zit or a wrinkle or tired eyes can all be improved in Photoshop. No one is trying to make you look ten years younger but we could all benefit from looking five years fresher.
4. Ask the photographer how you should stand or sit… “Stiff” photos are usually the result of stiff “poses”. A good photographer can direct you so your whole body is relaxed and you can concentrate on looking into the camera.
5. Don’t be hesitant to give a full array of the expressions you have. If you are having fun, laughing, scowling or making faces, there are bound to be image choices that will work for what you need.
Great expressions come from the heart… and if the heart isn’t happy, your expressions won’t look authentic. Although we are really good at getting people to relax on set, you’re ahead of the game if you can “fake laugh” three times before actually setting foot on said set. You’ll be a lot more relaxed, your endorphins will be flowing and we’ll take care of the rest. Being camera shy will be a thing of the past.
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