I often hear when working with client’s things like how should I stand?, where should I look?, where should I put my hands? My aim is always to try and capture you in the most authentic way. In other words not force you to act or pose in a way that isn’t you.

Before the photoshoot even takes place there’s a few things you can do to prepare and feel more confident in front of the camera on the day.

These are my top 5 steps to feeling confident in front of the camera, whether your working with a professional or doing your own photoshoot. 

Step 1 Make a Plan! 

Before you do anything having a plan in place will help you to prepare and know what to expect from your photoshoot. When I work with my clients, I have a strategy call and this is our planning time. 

The planning stage helps you to feel organised and have a good idea about the location, the time, your aims for the photoshoot and anything else you need to think about before getting in front of a camera. 

What will you wear? This is always a big part of the planning stage especially if you have more than one outfit to consider and its for a personal branding shoot. You want to aim to feel confident but most importantly you want to feel comfortable. 

If you are looking to have hairdressers, Makeup artists, stylists etc and unsure who can help the planning stage is a great time to chat with your photographer to get recommendations and make your experience as easy and enjoyable as possible. 

Step 2 Prepare for your shoot. 

You should now know where and when your photoshoot will take place and the overall idea of what should be expected from your photoshoot. 

Consider any arrangements you need to make before attending a photoshoot. This includes ensuring your outfits are prepared, if you are wanting makeup and hairstyling appointments make sure they are booked in advance and give you plenty of time between each appointment so you feel relaxed and not rushed. 

Timing is a huge part of the preparation stage. I always ask my clients to arrive as early as possible to a photoshoot. No later than 10 minutes before. Why? By turning up on the dot or late you will feel rushed and have to quickly get changed and straight into shooting time to ensure you get the most out of your time. However, if you arrive slightly earlier you can get dressed, take some time to sit have a drink and relax feeling, calmer and prepared for your photoshoot. 

Step 3 learn your style 

Whether youre having a professional photoshoot or a DIY shoot at home you want to feel confident and comfortable in what your wearing or it will show in your images. 

The best way to learn what your most appropriate style is can be achieved through speaking to a personal stylist who can help you learn about colours that will compliment you personally and your brand. 

Of course this isn’t always the most affordable option so I would say follow these 3 golden rules. 

1. Wear something that compliments your body shape if you don’t feel comfortable with different areas of your body then avoid tight fitting clothes. 

2. Think about the colours if you were having a brand shoot and one of your colours is purple then think about using just a pop of colour such as a scarf or a blazer rather than a full purple outfit.

3. Depending on the location of the shoot make sure you have comfy shoes. If you don’t usually wear a heal then don’t choose to wear heals for the full shoot because if you end up in pain, the discomfort will spoil your experience. 

Step 4 work with your photographer. 

The photographer is there to help you to look good but also to help you have fun and feel good about your photoshoot. 

If you’re worried or unsure about anything at all tell them. I believe communication is key when doing any shoot. If you need a break or clarification about anything the photographer is asking you do then let them know. 

If you don’t feel comfortable doing an idea the photographer is suggesting then let them know! We are here to help you get the best experience and be happy with your end results but if you don’t feel comfortable it will show within the images. So the best thing to do is speak with photographer and work together to achieve the best results. 

Step 5 HAVE FUN!

Having a photoshoot should be fun at home or with your photographer. The best pictures in my experience are the ones where you can tell your just having the time of your life laughing and genuinely smiling! 

I usually ask my clients to take a moment before their shoot with me and just shake your body let all the tension go away, tell me jokes and just play around with ideas. Not every idea works out but the ones that do usually make the best images. 

Usually photoshoots consist of yourself and the photographer, so don’t hold back just pretend the photographer isn’t there and just be you! 

You’ve got this! 

I hope you have enjoyed my 5 steps to feeling confident in front of the camera. There will be more blogs coming soon from other experts make sure you’re signed up to my newsletter so you never miss an update. For now head over to my blogs and catch up on my previous months. 

Lauren