Brand Photography: 10 Ways to Feel More Confident on Camera
Clients are always telling me they struggle to feel confident on camera due to age-old stories about how they look. And, sadly, they aren’t alone. A body image survey conducted by The Women and Equalities Committee revealed 62% of women surveyed felt negatively about their body image, with causes ranging from the widespread use of digitally altered photos to increased social media use.
As a creative brand photographer, I specialise in helping camera-shy business owners to overcome their fear of being photographed so they can get visible with confidence. Nothing should hold you back from levelling up your business with fresh brand photography, especially if you’ve only ever been photographed from unflattering angles that left you in possession of several extra chins!
How can we be more camera ready? Here are 10 simple ways business owners can feel more confident on camera, from pre-shoot prep to the shoot day and beyond.
10 Confidence-Boosting Tips for Camera-Shy Business Owners Who Need Brand Photography
‘Accomplished in avoiding the camera, I was apprehensive before my brand photo shoot. [...] Immediately relaxed in Steph’s presence, I settled into the day and thoroughly enjoyed it. Steph took great care to understand my business and brand requirements, and her creativity and attention to detail are second to none. I highly recommend Steph as your brand photographer.’
- Dawn Gosden, Coaching Psychologist
Pre-shoot preparation.
Establish a clear photography brief
There’s a reason why Scouts wax lyrical about being prepared!
Create a crystal clear brief with your photographer so you can rock up to the shoot feeling assured that your visions are aligned. Personal brand photography is a collaborative effort - trust in the process, and you might be surprised how much you enjoy it.
I send my clients a guided brief that breaks down everything from their business story to brand design, their dream clients to business ethos. There’s also a helpful style guide filled with sartorial suggestions and space for clients to note down things they’re conscious of.
Plan your shot list
There’s always space for spontaneity during brand photo shoots, but it can be helpful to prepare a shot list ahead of time to make sure you’ve got your bases covered. I always meet clients pre-shoot to discuss the list in detail, so they can feel at ease posing for photos knowing how much care and attention has gone into creating them.
Think about the images you need for your digital marketing, e.g. panoramic banners, profile photos, and lifestyle snaps for social media content. You’ll also want to consider the contextual shots that help to tell a visual story of your business. How can you give your clients an insight into your process, working environment, tools and materials, and the skills you call upon when working with them?
Investing in brand photography is a significant milestone and a surefire way to level up your business, so make sure you plan portraits you can attach to all the PR opportunities that are likely to arise during this next season.
Create a brand photography vision board
It turns out Pinterest isn’t just for pinning crafts you’ll never quite master and recipes you’ll never find the time to make! Who knew?! Define your brand’s visual identity by filling your brand photography vision board with pins that inspire you and match your vibe.
Pin brand-friendly colour palettes and poses you want to replicate, props you want to use and locations you want to scout. You could even pin images of things you want to avoid - just make sure they’re clearly labelled! Conducting visual research can help you feel more informed and prepared, ensuring far more relaxed body language and facial expressions on the day.
All my clients create vision boards so I can translate their ideas into beautiful, bespoke images that help them build long-lasting connections with their clients for months - maybe even years - to come.
Indulge in pre-shoot self-care
Make looking down the lens feel less of a big deal by showing yourself some good ol’ TLC.
Pick out outfits that make you feel comfortable, confident and expressive. Or invest in the sartorial skills of a personal stylist who can create looks that accentuate your shape and incorporate your brand colours.
Enjoy a relaxing bubble bath, dig out the hair mask you got for Christmas, and apply a slick of that lippy you keep for special occasions. Or take the pressure off entirely and have your hair and make-up tended to by professionals who know what long-lasting products to use to help you look your best on camera.
Opt for final touches that make you feel like yourself. If you wouldn’t usually wear make-up, don’t feel you have to wear it. If you think super-styled hair makes you look like The Cowardly Lion, don't feel you have to style it. At the very least, focus on getting as much delicious rest as possible - so you wake up ready to take on the day!
‘Steph has a keen eye for what works! Her photography is of the highest standard […] because she puts so much into the preparation before the shoot. We talked through my brand style, colours and vision for my business. I highly recommend Steph - her style, professionalism and creativity all combine to create a great package, and she’s an absolute pleasure to work with.’
- Adele Stickland, Pilates Instructor and Health Coach.
On the day of the shoot.
Create a calming environment
Work with your photographer to create a relaxed environment that helps melt away anxieties within the first ten minutes, so you’re free to enjoy the experience far more than you could’ve imagined. Make this even easier by searching for a photographer that naturally puts their clients at ease. Check out my advice on how to find the right photographer for you for more things to look out for!
You might want to listen to a playlist of songs that make you feel unstoppable, chant affirmations in your head or even start the shoot in a location that you feel super chilled in - like your beloved armchair or a favourite coffee shop.
Your photographer wants you to enjoy yourself, so let them know what they can do to help you feel more comfortable! For example, I embody my trademark laidback approach and offer gentle encouragement to help my clients feel calm and connected throughout.
Trust your photographer
Allowing someone to take your photograph can feel like an incredibly vulnerable act. Trust your photographer’s expert intuition to capture the most flattering images of you and make the most of the experience.
They’ll guide you through a series of natural-looking poses, showing you what to do with your hands and where to stand, if necessary, so you needn’t worry about what’s happening behind the lens. From your Pinterest board you could try a few poses in front of the mirror at home to see what feels good and go from there.
Photo shoots are typically intimate experiences and your photographer’s main aims are to capture your essence on camera and do you justice, so feel free to ask for guidance if you’re feeling a little out of your depth.
Focus on telling your brand story
Creative brand photography isn’t about vacant professional headshots. Brand shoots offer a way of weaving authentic visual storytelling around your business to capture the eager eyes of clients past, present and future and contextualise the meaningful work you do.
Make it easier for your clients to understand what it’d be like to work with you by capturing the many sides of you and your business. Focus on fostering that connection through your images. You’ll spend less time worrying about what you look like and more time focusing on what you’re trying to achieve.
Through a mix of action shots, candid images and posed portraits, I capture my clients at their very best - so they’re left with a collection of relaxed yet purposeful photographs that exude their natural charm. No bulky power suits or stern expressions in sight!
‘Steph is professional and friendly. She’ll soothe away any nerves you have and give you a great set of fabulous photos for your creative business. I love mine. She has made me actually like photos of me! I would absolutely recommend Steph to anyone investing in a brand photographer.’
– Rosie Ames, Squarespace Website Designer.
Post-shoot progress.
Get clear on the post-shoot process
Don’t sit by your inbox anxiously twiddling your thumbs! Ask your photographer about their post-shoot process so you have a clear idea of what to expect.
Will they send sneak previews or deliver the album in one go? Do they offer guidance on how to use the images once you’ve got your hands on them? What happens if you don’t feel 100% happy with the photos?
All my images are edited and delivered within a week of the shoot, in colour and black and white, high resolution and low resolution. I take the time to ensure my clients are happy with the results and know which images to use for each purpose. I make sure my clients skip off in the sunset with their images knowing exactly how to use them to take full advantage of the exposure and visability.
Treat yourself with kindness
Channel your positive shoot-day energy and banish negative self-talk when the album hits your inbox. Make yourself a cuppa, get comfy, and settle down with an objective eye.
Look to see you staring back at you! Don’t flip through hoping you’ve been superimposed with a Hollywood actress or Photoshopped within an inch of your life. Remind yourself of the purpose of the shoot. Was it to take people behind the scenes of your business, or was it to convince everyone you’re a 6ft flawless babe with the cartoon dimensions of Jessica Rabbit?
Who cares if your nose is wonky or your wrinkles bloom when you smile?! Your clients certainly don’t! I’ve worked with countless solopreneurs and small business owners on their brand photography - many of whom have been surprised at how much they’ve loved the images despite their initial anxieties.
There was a time when I hated having my photograph taken, but I’ve made peace with my appearance. Sure, I might not like how I look in every single photograph but who does?! This is who I am. This is what I look like. The pesky insecurity gremlin that sometimes perches on my shoulder isn’t going to stop me from being visible in my business, and it shouldn’t stop you either!
Share your images with others
Once you’ve looked through the images alone, consult the trusted inner circle of peers and pals you turn to whenever you’re looking for an honest opinion or a pick-me-up. They’ll be able to give you objective feedback that isn’t tied to said insecurities. Ask them for their opinions. What photos do they like the most? Which ones best capture your spirit?
Then it’s time to put on your big girl pants and share a few images with your clients and connections on social media. Tell them about your photoshoot. What images do they instantly warm to? What contextual shots are they most intrigued by?
Whilst you don’t want to lose yourself to vanity metrics or put too much stock in what others think, there’s something affirming and strangely exciting about watching the responses to your snazzy new snaps roll in. Give your website and social media an instant refresh, and enjoy capitalising on the newfound buzz of energy surrounding your business!
If you want ideas on how to use your images then check out my other blog post here.
Are you ready to boost your camera-ready confidence, grow your business, and reimagine your online presence with a brand photoshoot?
I’m Stephanie Stevens, a Devon-based creative brand photographer for camera-shy solopreneurs and small business owners across the South West. Book a free discovery call to discover how we could work together to tell your story.
Alternatively, you can check out my photography packages or learn more about what happens on a brand photoshoot when I’m behind the camera.
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