“I hate being photographed!” or “I’m just not photogenic!” are things that I’ve heard over the years in my career. And yet ironically I used to say “Just be yourself!” to my clients, until I realised I was asking one the deepest things of another human being.
Why is being photographed so difficult for many people when photographs are such a powerful marketing tool? How can you comfortably put yourself in the frame and shine through the lens?
For years the awkwardness toward being photographed was something I expected and I never questioned this phenomena. So why do most people I meet and photograph feel this way? How can we be more comfortable in front of the camera? Especially when we need to be seen by our clients.
How are we communicating?
What does ‘just be yourself’ mean exactly? Are we are expecting the other to relax, exude something of their personality, be authentic? Possibly.
24/7 we radiate something in our communication regardless of us being conscious of our output. This invisible stuff is often bypassed, as words have a higher ranking. I am intrigued by invisible energy exchanges and in recent years have considered how it impacts a photo session.
What transmits across to the camera lens during a photo session? What other than the impression of an image, does the person viewing the photo receive? One things I firmly believe is that we don’t just look at photos, we feel photos.
I did some extensive research in 2022 asking how people feel about being photographed. I rallied therapists, coaches and people on social media. Each expressed feelings of awkwardness, discomfort, some spoke of shame, embarrassment, poor self-image.
There seems to be a rejection of being visible in a world that is asking us to show up. How ironic!
Photography is a key marketing tool, we use it to connect. People want to know what we look like and it helps them decide if they’re happy to engage in business. It’s pretty powerful, so I believe it’s important to find a way to be comfortable and BE in front of the camera.
Are you in the frame?
Have you ever put on a persona to enable you to talk to people so you can hide your discomfort? I have! So aside from the fear of being in the camera frame, there is a default setting. It’s a clever coping mechanism, a mask we can put on that can make us feel a bit safer, a social veneer. However, with it we are not fully in the room.
This mask has the appearance of what we think is socially acceptable, it offers to help us whilst we are feeling afraid of being seen but prevents us from being authentic during a photo session. It’s a good thing to be aware of this phenomenon.
So how do we shine through the lens?
Before my photo sessions I like to invite clients to notice the feeling they have when they talk about what they do and contribute within their role. Whether they are part of a team, in a leadership role or the head of a company.
Have you ever asked someone about their business journey at an event? Perhaps the work they enjoy doing? When they communicate they probably light up the room. When we talk about our ideas, opportunities to grow, develop, we radiate a wonderful warmth. That part that lights up the room, is the shine that I aim to get during each photo session. Why? It’s photogenic, authentic and very attractive.
It’s the inside stuff that can be blocked and this is what I help unlock.
My job is to put you at ease and help create a space to allow you to feel comfortable. I don’t just light you up from the outside for the camera, I help remind you of your purpose, the things you enjoy bringing to the world.
Being photographed can be fun. Whether you’re an innovator, team player or changemaker. Be seen for who you are.
I will help you shine out!
Book a discovery call with me.
