How to Feel Confident in Front of The Camera – 5 Quick Tips

As the face of your brand, you need to know how to feel confident in front of the camera. Why? Because the energy you exude through the screen is essential to connecting with your audience. 

Images of you are going to show up everywhere in your business. Including, but not limited to:

• brand photos
• social media content
• bio headshots
• marketing material
• website content
• and so much more

But not everyone has:

a) the time to take countless photos yourself or

b) the funds to hire a professional photographer in order to get the “perfect shots”. 

Therefore, knowing how to feel confident in front of the camera is essential to using your time, energy, and resources effectively. You might as well get the most out of your next DIY or professional photoshoot, right? 

From years of experience coaching our clients on taking powerful photos, as well as a laundry list of our own branded shoots, we’ve got you covered in this article on “How to Feel Confident in Front of The Camera – 5 Quick Tips”.

Get ready to say “lights, camera, confidence”!

How to Feel Confident in Front of The Camera Tip #1 – Repeat the Affirmation “I Deserve to Take Up Space”

Being the center of attention can be an anxiety-provoking experience. “What if I look stupid?” “What if I’m bad at this?” “What if I hate all the pictures?” 

• You will absolutely look silly in some photos, but not all.
• You will feel awkward at first, but then you’ll warm up and feel comfortable.
• There will be photos you don’t like, and there will be some that you absolutely love.

But the real question here is: why do you think that you don’t deserve the opportunity to be the center of attention?

Who do you think there isn’t enough space for you to look absolutely silly and then look completely confident? Why do you think you are wasting your photographer’s time if it takes you a while to feel comfortable?

Photoshoots are about allowing yourself to take up as much space as you want with how you express yourself. Remember, your brand is the embodiment of who you are as a leader, so your photos need to capture all that you embody.

If you want to know how to feel confident in front of the camera on your next photoshoot, repeat to yourself: “I deserve to take up space”…and most importantly, believe it wholeheartedly!

How to Feel Confident in Front of The Camera Tip #2 – Know Your Best Angles and Expressions

Angles and facial expressions aren’t just for editorial models.

Knowing your angles and favorite facial expressions is about amplifying your personality, which is key to creating media content and branded photos that radiate your brand’s energy.

Plus, when you know how to position yourself on camera and change your energy by changing your stance or facial expression, you will feel more confident during your photoshoot…which means better photo and video content. 

Facial expressions are very unique to the individual, so to identify your favorites, scroll through your camera’s photo gallery or your IG gallery to identify what you feel looks best!

For learning your best angles, stand in front of the mirror and try the following:

• Point your chin slightly down and lookup 
• Turn your face slightly to one side
• Lay down and put the camera directly above your face
• Look straight on at the camera but slightly elevate the arm that’s holding your camera 
• Point the camera upward and look down at it with your chin extended out slightly 
• Put your camera directly in front of the face 
• Cradle your face in one hand 
• Run your hand through your hair, or twirl a strand between your fingers 
• Stand at a side angle 
• Put your hand up like you’re blocking the sun 
• Try leaning against a wall 

How to Feel Confident in Front of The Camera Tip #3 – Make Sure You Feel Good In Your Outfit(s)

The outfits you choose for your photoshoot should make you feel confident, powerful, and most importantly, like you! 

If that gorgeous blouse fits you beautifully but is scratchy as hell on the inside, don’t wear it. If that pair of stilettos look fabulous but make you walk funny, don’t wear them. 

You know that pair of jeans that you love to wear on Sundays but that requires you to spend the whole day pulling them up because they’ve lost their elasticity? DON’T WEAR THEM.

If what you’re wearing for your photoshoot going to make you fidget, make 1,000 adjustments, or just feel awkward altogether, find something else.

Looking for additional guidance on creating outfits that you feel fabulous in? Check out these two articles:

• 5 Expert Secrets for Creating Your Personal Brand Signature Style
• The Beginner’s Guide to Personal Style Categories

How to Feel Confident in Front of The Camera Tip #4 – Get to Know Your Photographer (Or Equipment for DIY Shoots)

A good photographer has the goal of capturing shots that make you look the way you want to be represented in your brand. Therefore, they want you to feel comfortable and confident, and they want you to enjoy the process!

While most photographers will do their best to help you feel relaxed and “in the flow” the day of your shoot, it doesn’t help to get to know your photographer ahead of time through conversation or even a creative brainstorming session together!

Most photoshoots last between 2-4 hours, but some can extend to a full day, or even into a multiple-day shoot. Needless to say, you are going to be spending a lot of time with your photographer. Plus, photoshoots are a significant investment into your brand, so putting the time into creating the best experience possible with your photographer will ensure you get the most out of your investment.

Shooting on your own and using DIY equipment? Do yourself a favor and practice setting up your equipment at home. Whether you are using a tripod and a remote, or a DSLR camera with a timer, practice your setup before you go out into the world to snap some shots.

Better yet, do some research on Pinterest to find the types of angles, shots, and settings you want to shoot in, and bring your ideas with you when you start shooting so you ensure you are getting the shots that you want!

How to Feel Confident in Front of The Camera Tip #5 – Bring SOS Materials and Back-Up Supplies

Imagine you’re shooting in the summertime; it’s hot, you’re thirsty, and the boob sweat is real. The worst part? You didn’t bring water, deodorant, or a backup outfit.

If you’re a seasoned selfie expert, or if you’ve done photoshoots with photographers in the past, you know that these situations can arise. And if you’re new to the photoshoot game, please learn from the veterans who have come before you. We suffered so you didn’t have to.

Suggested items to bring to your next photoshoot:

• Water 
• Snacks 
• Deodorant
• Rice paper for blotting face oil
• A makeup kit for touch-ups
• Hair spray, bobby pins, combs, etc. 
• Outfit changes
• Tripod, remote, and backup remote batteries (for a DIY photoshoot)
• Music to get you in the right mood
• Back-up for your period (just in case)
• Qtips (for fixing makeup, eyeliner, etc.)
• Props such as purses, sunglasses, etc.

We totally acknowledge that being in front of a camera can be intimidating at first! But…

…with the right amount of mindset work, preparation, and support, you will not only look like a natural in your next photo shoot, but most importantly you’ll feel confident as hell!

If you want our support in preparing for your next photoshoot, don’t be shy in reaching out to our founder and lead brand strategist, Tristan Thibodeau, for a Complimentary 30-minute Call where she can walk you through what our photoshoot support process looks like!

Ready to book a Complimentary 30-minute Call? Click here to schedule!

About the Author

Tristan Thibodeau is the founder of Wild Womn Haus and is the brand strategist for entrepreneurs in the wellness, beauty, and lifestyle brand industries. 

She specializes in helping companies create and maintain their image. She works with market research, industry analysis, and consumer trends to offer strategic insights for brands so that they can enhance their marketing efforts and grow their bottom line. 

Tristan also hosts The Wild Womn Hotline, which is a podcast that features expert-level conversations for growing your brand in bold and strategic ways. Follow her on Instagram @tristan.wildwomnhaus and TikTok @tristan.wildwomnhaus. You can also follow the agency on Instagram @wildwomnhaus. and TikTok @wildwomnhaus!