A few weeks ago I was asked a great question on instagram:
“I do NOT like being photographed, but I’m the face of my brand. How do I deal?”
And man. My mind went in TONS of different directions on how to respond because I can relate to this from being on both sides of the camera! I shared a partial response on my stories, but definitely wanted to go a bit more in depth on this topic because I’m sure it’s something a lot of us have struggled with in the past or are currently dealing with now.
So…
How do you manage being photographed when you don’t enjoy it?
My first suggestion? Consider if it’s really necessary for you to be the face of your brand. In some cases, it may not be. There are successful “faceless” brands. However, a brand that you can put a face to, does tend to connect better. If you want that to be the case for yours, here are a few suggestions that may make being photographed a little less daunting:
1. Remind yourself of why you’re choosing to be the face of your brand.
Who does your product or service help? Why is it important that you show up for them despite your discomfort?
This one is a bit more mindset related because when you focus on the fact that you DON’T like being photographed, you will find every reason not to be. But when you think about how not being photographed relates to not being able to connect with the people you want to serve, that may feel a little different. If needed, take some time and weigh out the pros and cons so that when you decide to move forward you’ll be fully convinced it’s the right decision for you!
2. Have a clear goal with your photos.
Going into a shoot with no direction can often cause even more anxiety. When you’re clear on what the photos are for, it will help the experience feel more purposeful.
Here’s where having a plan comes into play. And what should that be? Your plan depends on the product or service you offer and your end goal re: the photos. Are you looking to update your website? Have a more engaging social media presence? Or maybe you simply need a great headshot. Once you know how your photos will be used, you can create a plan. Need help coming up with a plan? Check out my Brand Guide for a few suggestions.
3. Choose a photographer you will be comfortable with.
This is super important. You can be good with the first 2 items but a photographer that makes you feel uncomfortable or one that can’t help you relax will likely make you hate the experience, and then the photos.
So how do you know if a potential photographer will be someone you feel comfortable with? Fortunately in the age of social media, service providers have a unique opportunity to share more about themselves than they may have previously. Here are a few questions you can consider when deciding on a photographer: How do you feel when you see or interact with them online? What feedback have they shared from other clients re: what it’s like working with them? How does their brand messaging resonate with you? Do you know someone personally who has worked with them? Those are just a few questions you can consider, but in all honesty, a lot of our decisions are emotional ones, so if you don’t have the best feeling about that person from their online presence (no matter how much you like their work), you should probably choose another photographer.
4. Share your feelings with your photographer.
You’re not in this alone! Let them know that you’re nervous/anxious about/not looking forward to being photographed.
Likely you are not the first client to share those feelings with them. And if they are a kind and considerate photographer, that knowledge will help them approach your session with even more care, making sure that you are comfortable and helping guide you along the pathway to great images :)
5. Try your best to relax.
You have a plan. You’ve chosen a photographer whose work you enjoy and who will help you feel comfortable, you’ve got your wardrobe all set, hair and makeup are done (those last items weren’t mentioned here, but they are in the Brand Guide :) You’ve decided to show up despite your discomfort!
Given all that it took to get here, you should be super proud of yourself! Try your best to relax and let the photo session unfold as it should. What does that look like for you? I’m not sure. Maybe it means having a shot just before you begin, listening to soothing music, drinking some tea… whatever helps you calm down- do it! Lol. Let yourself be open to the direction of your photographer who is there to help you look and feel your best!
Now… I’ve answered this question from my perspective so I can’t speak for how another photographer would approach this. But I can tell you that I’ve worked with a number of clients who have expressed anxiety and apprehension about being photographed, and by the end of their session, unanimously they share how much they enjoyed it and how the experience wasn’t as bad as they thought it was going to be!
I can’t tell you how much that feedback means to me! It really brings me joy that my clients allow me to bring them out of (but in most cases INTO) their comfort zone.
So what’s next? Depending on where you are, it could be one of 3 things:
1. Do you need to consider whether or not it’s important that you show up as the face of your brand? Set a few minutes aside this week and brainstorm!
2. Have you decided that you are ready to move forward? If it’s with me, shoot me an email and let’s make it happen! With another photographer? Reach out to them this week!
3. Have a question for me? Ask away!
That’s it for today! It’s been a while since I’ve shared a really long post. Hopefully you hung in there to the end :) Let me know if you found today’s post helpful and if there are any more topics that come to mind you’d like me to chat about!
-Danni