How to get over being camera shy

One of the most common things I hear from my clients before a photoshoot is that they feel camera shy — or even downright hate having their photo taken. It’s understandable; many of us have experienced that awkward moment in front of the camera, unsure of how to stand or how to smile. In this blog, I want to explore why this discomfort happens, and more importantly, how my approach to photography can help change the way you feel about being photographed and get over being camera shy.

Why is having a photo taken uncomfortable?

Most of the time, it comes down to one simple reason: the photo was taken wrong.

What do I mean by this? A lot of the time, people are asked to strike a pose or follow a direction that doesn’t feel natural. It feels forced, stiff, or inauthentic. In some cases, it’s a matter of not understanding how to position your body or face in a way that feels flattering or comfortable. For others, the whole process of sitting in front of a camera can stir up anxiety — fear of not looking “good enough,” or a sense of vulnerability. But what if I told you these feelings could be easily avoided?

How can this be fixed?

It’s quite simple. Correct posing and complimentary lighting can fix 90% of imperfections in a photo.

Proper posing helps to highlight your best features while minimizing the areas you might feel self-conscious about. Complementary lighting is everything — it can soften shadows, emphasize contours, and create a mood that reflects your personality. When both of these elements are thoughtfully considered, you’ll be amazed at how much better you look — and more importantly, how much better you feel.

Why is my approach different?

I focus the majority of my energy on making sure you feel great throughout the process. For me, the experience of the photoshoot is just as (if not more) important as the final image.

If you don’t feel good about the photo, it doesn’t matter how perfect the technical aspects are. When you look at your photo, the last thing you want is to feel self-conscious, awkward, or disappointed.

While some photographers might geek out over the technical side of things — the lighting setups or the lenses used — my focus is on you, the person in front of the camera. I believe that the best portraits come from a place of genuine confidence and comfort. That’s why I spend time ensuring that you feel relaxed, at ease, and even excited during your photoshoot. This approach leads to open, positive body language, which ultimately makes a huge difference in the quality of your final photos.

If you’re still unsure, take a look at what others have said

If you still have doubts, I encourage you to check out some of the reviews from past clients. You will find that most of them are especially complimentary of how comfortable they felt during the session. As mentioned previously, this is the core part of my service.

My goal is to not only provide you with exceptional photos, but provide you with a huge confidence boost.

You might also enjoy these blog posts:
I’m not photogenic…
How to be photogenic: The secret revealed
Debunking common myths about having a professional photoshoot.