Why is Being on Camera so Terrifying? 8 Things To Feel More at Ease

Guest Blog Post by Kelsey Webb Marketing

As a social media marketer, part of my job is getting business owners to show up online, and that typically means helping them handle fears of being on camera. Even the most confident people I know freeze up when the camera turns on. They stumble over words, go on tangents, forget what they were saying and apologize to me for not getting it perfect right away. They stress out about how they look and overthink about where they should put their hands. 

I have worked with dozens of people by now and every single one of them feels uncomfortable being filmed or photographed.

So no, it’s not just you. 

Having your photo taken can feel scary. It feels a lot like public speaking. All of the attention is on you, and you feel like you have to perform but have no clue what you’re doing. The photographer's face is being blocked by the camera, and you’re staring into a black circle trying your best to “act natural.” But the more you try to act normal, the more awkward you feel. You’re thinking that the camera is zooming in on all of your impressions and trying to capture the moment you are half-blinking or scratching your nose. Our anxiety can get the best of us sometimes. 

I am uncomfortable with a camera in my face, and I’m sure you are too. If you’ve ever said to someone “I hate getting my photo taken”  “I’m really bad at talking on camera” “I’m not photogenic at all” or “I am just awkward” then this message is for you: 

Here are some things we do make the process less intimidating so your best self can shine through. 

Kristina and I have collaborated numerous times during her photoshoots. I take behind-the -scenes videos while she photographs. Over time, I’ve noticed that she consistently does a few things to make her clients feel more at ease.  

#1: The Shake: Before she takes photos, she tells the person she is photographing to do a little shake to relieve any tension they’ve built up from nervousness. This silly action always puts a smile on their face because everyone in the room looks like those inflatables outside of car dealerships. 

#2: Direction: Then she walks them though some tips to help with posing, like remembering to keep a good posture and relax their shoulders. After this conversation, I’ve noticed the client feels more loosened up and relaxed. 

#3: The Preview: After she takes the first batch of photos she shows them a few of the shots and you can literally see the shift. All of a sudden, their face lights up, they smile, and they can see what the photos actually capture. 

#4: Energy: Throughout the photoshoot, we keep music on to keep energy levels up. Good music in the background helps the photoshoot feel less serious and more fun, like we are all just hanging out. 

Here are some things that you can do on your end:

#1 Honesty: Be upfront with your photographer or videographer about your worries or nerves. Their goal is to make you feel comfortable and it is likely anything you’re worried about they’ve been through before. 

#2 Affirmations: Practice positive self-talk through affirmations. It may seem weird at first but it will help you. Here’s a few to try: 

• I am confident and attractive
• I radiate happiness and positivity 
• The camera loves me
• I release any self-doubt and anxiety 
• I am excited to see the results. 

#3 Practice:  Practice in the mirror. Practice different facial expressions and body movements leading up to the photoshoot to put you in the right mindset. 

#4 Trust: Trust the creative. If you are hiring someone to film or photograph you, know that they have knowledge about angles, lighting, and composition. They will frame you well and direct you to look your best. 

All of this to say that if you feel nervous about being on camera, creatives are not here to make you look bad. They are here to show you authentically so your business can flourish. Still convinced you’re ‘just awkward’ on camera? Let us show you how wrong you are…and how good you can actually look.

Kristina's Photoshoot with Kelsey on BTS