Afraid of the camera?
Are you camera phobic? Just hate getting your photo taken? Or never like photos of yourself? If you have camera anxiety, I’m here to talk you through it!
As a boudoir photographer, I can understand when my clients get nervous. It takes a brave woman to get in front of the camera and be vulnerable with their thoughts, body and emotions.
But even when that part is removed from the equation, there are still those who just feel uncomfortable in front of the lens.
Some even allowed their feelings to affect their physical state. People get butterflies, dry mouth, mild nausea and more, symptoms of being in an uncomfortable situation.
A self-fulfilling prophecy
If you hate getting your photo taken because you never like how you look, you are setting yourself up for failure. The camera doesn’t lie, if you are uncomfortable for any reason, it will show in the photograph. That makes you self-conscious, causing your mood and self-esteem to fly out the window.
The least photogenic person is someone who thinks they look horrible in photos.
There can be a couple of reasons for this. First, our faces aren’t symmetrical. We are used to seeing our reflections in a mirror. When you flip that and see yourself in a photo, it messes with our minds because we look “different.”
Second, it could be unresolved body-issues. Everyone is their own worst critic and finds “flaws” in themselves. If you look at a photo and your attention immediately goes to a “flaw,” you will be unhappy with that image.
Or it could just be nerves making you uncomfortable and seeing that in the photo.
There is good news for the camera shy! Camera anxiety can be overcome. So let’s get started …
How to Get over Being Camera Shy
Tackling The Camera Anxiety Mentality:
It all starts with self-love.
Ask yourself the question, “Why don’t I like my pictures?” Once you know the reason you can address it.
If it is looks or body self-consciousness, these issues will need to be addressed. In this case, understand your mind is running a negative inner dialogue.
Would you look at a photo of a friend and say, “WOW! Your thighs are huge!” – Of course not! You would look at her as a whole person and make a positive comment like, “You look so happy!” “I love the ways your eyes sparkle.” “You look amazing in that outfit!”
So if you wouldn’t do it to a friend, why allow yourself to talk to you that way? Start looking for the positive, the things you do like. Compliment yourself on those aspects of the photo and be sincere about it!
You live in your body, but you are not just your physical body. Your beauty shines from within, so don’t allow your mind to try and shut off the light.
One of my favorite boudoir quotes is:
because that is so very true. So show yourself some compassion, learn to love yourself and become a body positive person. The links in this section are to articles that can help you get started.
Plain Uncomfortable?
It can be hardest to do something when it feels alien to you. The camera can’t hurt you, so get in front of one as often as possible. You can delete the photos you don’t like and with digital cameras, it isn’t like you are wasting film.
The more you do something, the less daunting it becomes. In the case of being uncomfortable, it is simply a matter of stepping out of your comfort zone to tackle the problem.
The next step
Once you have tackled the stigma of camera anxiety, it is a matter of learning how to look good in photos. This is where a professional photographer can be of help.
Most clients who come to my boudoir studio have no idea of how to pose for boudoir photos. That is okay, because I am there to guide them every step of the way. I coach clients into poses that flatter their body type and looks. Sometimes I even get into the position first.
In a professional photo, you don’t want to leave anything to chance. From the top of their heads to the tips of their toes, I guide them. I’ll instruct them on where to place their hands and how to hold them. This is all a part of the experience. They come out of a photoshoot feeling like a supermodel!
Photographers understand how to pose individuals, and hiring one to help you learn to pose can be inspiring. The few hours you spend learning the techniques to help you look better in photos is well worth the investment.
If you found this article helpful, please share it with your friends on social media. If you have other thoughts on anything I may have missed, feel free to reach out.
Ladies, if you are looking for an empowering self-confidence boost and are near the Maryland area, reach out to inquire about our luxury boudoir sessions. Even for the camera shy!
Ready to start planning your Boudoir Experience?
I would love to chat with you and go over all the details of our process, sessions and what you are wanting to create so we can plan the perfect boudoir experience for you.
Ready to chat NOW?
Text me at: 410-596-4127
Office Hours are Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm.
You may also email me at: thomas@thomasboudoir.com
Or just fill out this form and I will be in touch ASAP!