You’ve learned the basics about branding photoshoots if you’ve stuck around long enough. Now, you may be thinking, that’s great, but you may be wondering how to be confident during your photoshoot.

I know one of the biggest blocks of booking a brand photoshoot can be the confidence factor. I’ve had many clients tell me that they are unphotogenic and awkward. Trust me, I’ve heard it a lot!

Today, I’m sharing some tips on how to be confident during your photoshoot.

How to Be Confident During Your Photoshoot

Easier said than done, right? I get it, as a photographer, I’m not rushing to be in front of the camera either. However, over the years, I’ve learned that if I don’t promote my business, no one else will. And if you run your own small business, you’ve got to be your own personal hype-person, right?

So while you may not feel like the most confident person or enjoy being in front of the camera, it is possible to make it happen. Confidence takes practice. It takes some determination. And sometimes, it requires that you “fake it til you make it”…or “fake it til you feel it”.

Preparation is key to feeling confident

Brand photoshoots are so much more than a portrait session or headshots. Brand photoshoots require preparation. Lots of it. That’s why I book clients ideally two to three months in advance. I want my clients to have ample preparation time so that they don’t feel rushed.

When you feel rushed, you tend to feel stressed, and when you feel stressed, it’s hard to feel confident. Right? Your mind will start thinking about all the things that you forgot or overlooked. It’s never a good feeling. So preparation is super important when planning a branding shoot.

For my branding shoots, we have a branding questionnaire, a pre-shoot call, Pinterest boards, and lots of help getting prepared. I want you to feel at ease, feel prepared, and ready for your shoot day.

Professional Hair and Makeup will help you feel confident

While professional hair and makeup is not a requirement for your brand photoshoot, I highly recommend it. Getting pampered and taken care of the day of your shoot will help you be confident during your shoot. You won’t be worried about doing your own hair and makeup or fixing it correctly.

Hiring a professional hair and makeup artist will eliminate the worry of getting your hair and makeup right. I recommend perusing Pinterest or magazines or Instagram for hair and makeup examples to share with your artist.

Pose in Front of the Mirror

I know, this may sound a little silly, but it works! Yes, pose in front of the mirror. That doesn’t mean start at yourself and make a duckface. It doesn’t mean try to pose like “influencers” that you see on social media. It simply means standing in front of the mirror and looking at yourself.

I know that clients are often nervous and worried about knowing how to pose. And guess what, I don’t expect you to know what to do! That’s my job to lead you and show you how to pose. But, it is helpful to take a few minutes a day (maybe when you’re doing your skincare routine!) and smile at yourself.

Women are often too hard on themselves. We are concerned with our appearance, whether it’s our weight, our clothing, our hair, our makeup, the list goes on and on. It’s not easy! So when you look at yourself in the mirror, don’t look for your flaws. Look at what you do like about yourself. I know there has to be something! Maybe it’s your captivating eyes, or awesome eyebrows, or perhaps you’ve got an amazing smile!

However, I’ve found that it can be helpful to look at yourself in the eyes in the mirror. Appreciate where you are and what you have and all that you have accomplished.

Give Yourself a Pep Talk

Alright, this may sound just as silly as looking at yourself in the mirror, but nevertheless, it’s important.

We as women are really hard on ourselves. I think it’s especially true when we’re balancing running a business and running a household and raising a family. It’s A LOT. But, when you’re able to run a household AND run a business, you’re flipping amazing. I want you to know what.

You are amazing and you should be proud of yourself. Don’t worry about where you “should” be or what anyone else is doing in your industry. It’s not fair to compare your behind the scenes to everyone else’s highlight reel. That’s what social media lets us believe.

We’re all running our own race. And everyone’s proverbial finish line is completely different.

Think about what your goals are and how you’re working towards them and what you have accomplished so far. Celebrate! Be proud! Bring that energy to your photoshoot.

PRO TIP for your branding shoot

Bring a trusted friend, sister, business bestie, hype-woman who can be there to build you up, encourage you, and be ridiculous for when you need a laugh. Some of the most successful brand shoot that I have done have included a personal cheerleader.

I know that being the center of attention during a photoshoot can be totally nerve-wracking and overwhelming. I’ve found that the feeling of tension is often reduced when you bring someone with you.

HELPFUL RESOURCES TO PREPARE FOR YOUR BRAND PHOTOSHOOT

Personal Branding Photography – What You Should Know

When to Hire a Brand Photographer

Find the Right Brand Photographer for Your Business

How to Use Your Branding Photos

READY TO BOOK YOUR OWN BRANDING SHOOT?

Step 1. Get in Touch – click and contact today

Step 2. Discovery Call – we’ll chat about your business and your vision for brand photos

Step 3. Book your Shoot – if we’re a “match” let’s get you on the schedule and start planning