One of my favorite things about being a photographer is being able to meet new people and their unique personalities. My zodiac signs are:
Cancer Sun, Pisces Moon (double moons...hello emotionsš« š), and with that combination, I'm naturally intuitive with picking up the vibe and energy on set during a shoot. I've noticed, in general, that women tend to give their all in front of the camera. As a photographer who always strives to be great, I love when those moments happen because what we can create with that kind of raw energy is extraordinary.
Believe it or not, many professional models and just amazingly photogenic people are often shy in their everyday lives, but they can conquer that shyness when it's time to flip that switch and shine.
As always, the correct photographer in the proper context will always be able to bring out the best in you. But half the battle is just showing up, and often, people psyche themselves out before they ever get going. Below, I've listed three tips to help you work through the butterflies and shyness before your next photo shoot.
1. Don't suppress your Emotions
Don't hide from those feelings if you sense the nerves creeping in days or weeks before your photo shoot. Let them pass through your body, feel them, and then use those butterflies as motivation to take control of what you can and mentally/physically prepare for what's ahead. The main thing is to not let nerves paralyze you into inaction. Often, shyness in the context of a photo shoot has to do with the fear of not doing a good job, and if that's the case, you can take the necessary action to build confidence through those nerves.
2. IT's O.K. to be shy
This might seem contradictory for a blog post about overcoming shyness, but it's true. I can't speak for other photographers, but that's totally fine if you work with me and are shy. You're not expected to suddenly be an extroverted LEO, singing, and dancing in front of the camera. I would rather have you relaxed and shy than uncomfortable and "on." When comfortable, you'll be receptive to feedback and direction, making your photos better. So if you are introverted, have an open heart, an open mind, and a true professional won't hang you out to dry in front of the camera. I got you š
3. Communication
One of the easiest ways to help ease your nerves and shyness before a session is to communicate with your photographer and just discuss some details and specifics of the photoshoot. That way, you'll be able to visualize things that will help you work through those scenarios you're playing in your head. Knowledge is potential power, so get answers to questions you have. Keep in mind that we can have a plan for a shoot to follow a particular structure, but nothing is ever set in stone, where things have to be done line by line because that's the way it was planned. We're not robots doing mechanical tasks. We're dynamic with depth and can adjust at the moment when opportunities present themselves.
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Have a great week! ā¤ļøāš„ šø
* P.S. Below is how I always felt when I developed your film and realized everything we shot was fire. I also want to be on this vibe for the summer. Who's with me!