Confident like Claudia or how to beat awkwardness in front of camera by Aberdeen Personal Brand Photographer in Scotland

Worried about feeling awkward in front of the camera?

You’re not alone!

Most girlies who turn to me to create their brand photography portfolio tell me that they are worried about being in front of the camera - and I totally get it!

I’ve been there!

I remember all too well what it’s like to cringe while someone points the camera in your direction, to carefully dissect the resulting image and dart eyes straight to the ‘bits’ of me I know I don’t like! To realise they are still there and decide immediately: nope, I don’t like the photo!

How things change!

I credit a few things with changing my perspective on photos of me.

First: I have grown to realise and accept that none of the photos ever taken of me are going to be judged by some modelling scouts to decide whether or not I am ‘good enough’.

I am also a big believer in everyone playing the part in making a global change! When each one of us stops saying to ourselves that we don’t like x, y or z of our own physical appearance, we will send a message to the world that none of us should do it.

I know it’s not as easy as ‘Iana said I should just do it, so here I am, 0 hesitation’, but I am a big believer in the power of one step at a time!

So, if you’re ready to come on the journey, here are my top points and tips to beat the cringe and show up Confident like Claudia!™️

Yes, I know this is Christy Turlington 😂 but you get the point

⚡️ remember: it’s not a vanity fair

I think it’s crucial to remember why you are getting a brand shoot in the first place. It’s to represent your business with the quality it deserves! Owning images that are true to your brand, are consistent and top quality will help you serve your community better by showing them who you are and what working with you feels like.

⚡️ take the time

It’s only natural for most of us to feel a bit self-conscious in front of the camera - even if you read and embraced my point above. My top tip for not only embracing the lens, but enjoying it even, is to spend a little time preparing for your shoot. Be sure to plan 🔥the best🔥 outfit, consider getting a blow dry, make sure you have 15 minutes between arriving and starting the shoot - to decompress, reset, refresh and get in the zone! Trust me, all these small things make a huge difference to how you feel going into the shoot!

⚡️ practice = perfect

They don't say 'practice makes perfect' for nothing! It's so true - every time I repeat the process, I do it just that little bit more confidently. We learn from our wins and from our mistakes. If you practice posing for photos, you get to know what you do or don't like, whether you prefer a smile or a laugh and, once you know a little bit more about that, you'll feel your confidence grow and fear fade.

⚡️ trust the pro(&cess)

I am not kidding you when I say that most people tell me they are nervous to have their photo taken.

It’s ok, I hear ya, I see ya. I want you to trust me.

A big part of my job is making sure that you look amazing in your photos - I want you to see what I see: an incredible, inspirational, smart, strong woman, who’s doing the thing and knows her stuff! I have photographed many women and take pride in the feedback I get - which is, consistently - that not only was the shoot ‘actually a lot of fun’, but the photos are pretty darn shamazing too!When I hear this, I swear, my mission is accomplished 🥹

⚡️ be kind

Remember that thing I said above, about us having the power to change the narrative? If you stop nit-picking and instead, compliment yourself, you contribute to making that change! You are brilliant, if what you do in your business can make one person's life easier or better - isn't that already worth showing up for?

What is your biggest hang up about getting photos of you taken?

Did I manage to convince you to surge on?