Is it because you don’t like the way you look overall? Is there a certain feature you would like to hide? Does the idea of putting an image of yourself out into the world cause you stress or anxiety?
Try a deep breathing cycle immediately before stepping in front of the camera. Close your eyes and slowly inhale while counting to three, hold your breath for two seconds, then breathe out over another three-count. Release some endorphins by making yourself laugh before you get in front of the camera. Find a funny picture or joke, or look back on an enjoyable memory. [2] X Research source
For example, you can tell yourself something like, “My smile looks genuine and I look happy. " Or, “I remember this day. It was so peaceful and I look like I’m enjoying myself. " Try to find something positive to say about each picture of yourself that you look at.
Try to allow yourself no more than three seconds to look at a photo of yourself, or just long enough to see it. Then, put away the picture.
Start by questioning the critical phrase, such as by asking questions like: Is that really true? Would a caring friend or family member say that to me? Is there any benefit to thinking this way? If not, then why don’t I stop thinking it? Then, try to turn the critical phrase into something positive. For example, if you tend to tell yourself, “I look ugly in all my pictures,” then try revising this by saying something like, “My eyes look really bright and blue in this photo. ” Or, “I had just woken up and I was so sleepy!”
Dress for yourself. Whether you prefer loose-fitting sweats or fashion-forward outfits, you’ll feel the most comfortable in front of the camera when you feel like yourself. Find comfortable environments. For both more formal photo shoots and pictures with friends or family, start by only having your picture taken in places that are comfortable for you. If you don’t like being the center of attention in public, for example, start by taking pictures at home.
Try a confidence boosting positive affirmation. Before you get in front of the camera, repeat a phrase like, “I am going to take a wonderful photo,” or “I will be fearless in front of the camera. " Adjust your posture. Some research suggests that adopting a good posture sends reassuring signals of capability to the brain. [3] X Research source Mentally reassure yourself. Picturing the best outcome can be mentally reassuring. Subdue your fears by picturing taking a great photo before you get in front of the camera. [4] X Research source Give yourself compliments. This help boosts your confidence if you’re not secure about your appearance.
Remind yourself that your photos let you look back on times you enjoy. Think about times you really want to remember, such as vacations, celebrations with friends and family, and major life events such as getting married or starting a new job. Make an effort during those times to get in front of the camera. Look back over old photos to remind yourself of good memories and inspire you capture more. Set goals for yourself. Challenge yourself to appear in one photo during an event or with someone you care about.
Change up your lighting, as well as your pose. Compare daylight to an incandescent light, or midday to dusk. Don’t focus on the poses you don’t like. Instead of spending time worrying about why a pose didn’t work for you, spend more time working with angles and positions you find flattering. Make the experience fun for yourself by turning on music or posing with a friend.
Remind yourself that no one else has to see your selfies. You can delete any of them that you do not like. If you are using your phone’s camera, try different filters and effects to make your pictures more fun and less intimidating.
Try a photo booth or photo booth filter on a phone’s camera. Use hats, signs, and other props to take stress away from looking good for the camera. Pack a pair of sunglasses, a scarf, or some other accessory if you are going out with shutterbug friends. Throw on the glasses or bundle into the scarf so that only part of your face is exposed. This lets you practice being in pictures without feeling too overwhelmed.
Book a short photo shoot. Work with them on posing, stance, lighting, or other issues about which you may have questions. Ask specific questions about things that make you nervous. If, for example, you don’t want people to see a feature such as a scar or birthmark, ask them, “How can I pose to downplay this feature but still look comfortable?”
If you are going out with a group, ask a friend to be your photo buddy. Ask someone, “Hey, will you jump in next to me if someone pulls out a camera?” If you have to do a solo shoot, have a friend or loved one there to support you. Ask if they can stand alongside the photographer or near you but just out of the shot. Focus your attention on them instead of the photographer by asking, “How was your day?” or something else unrelated to the photo shoot.
If you have a photo shoot planned, have music or a video loaded on a device that you can play during the shoot. Bring a friend or family member to talk to during a formal shoot. If someone brings out a camera while you are out, simply start talking to a friend. Find another event on which to focus. For example, if you are out at a park and your group takes out their cameras, focus on a dog going for a walk or an oddly-shaped cloud instead of the cameras.
