How To Feel Comfortable In Front Of A Camera

Do you feel comfortable in front of a camera? If so, you are definitely not alone. Lots of people feel awkward or self-conscious about having their photograph taken, as well as how the photos will turn out. The good news is that there are easy ways anyone can learn to help them feel more relaxed and confident in photos.

The small businesses I have mentioned in this article are brands I know and trust. I have paid for their services and have not been compensated by them in any way for this article.

Updated May 2026.

Over years of being photographed, including as a model during the 1980s, I have learned lots of little things that can help you feel more relaxed and confident in front of the camera. Today I am sharing some of my favourites. But first..

Why Is It Important To Put Yourself In The Picture?

Whether you are in business or not, it is incredibly important that we are visible. Not only is it lovely to look back on tangible reminders of special moments and everyday life, photos may become treasured memories for the people we love as well.

I know how much I cherish my photographs of family members who are no longer with us, and I really wish I had more of them, particularly of the important women in my life like my mother, grandmothers and aunts. It always reminds me how important it is that we put ourselves in the picture, even when we feel hesitant.

If you run a business, it is important to have photographs of you for your website, social media and promotional materials. Your clients want to see your face, not standard stock shots that they see on multiple websites.

How To Feel Comfortable In Front Of A Camera – Simple Ways To Feel More Relaxed And Confident

Work With A Photographer Who Makes You Feel At Ease

Whether it is a shoot for family photos, a headshot or brand photographs, be sure to work with a photographer who makes you feel at ease.

Always interview your photographer to be sure you are on the same wavelength. It’s okay to interview more than one person, and bear in mind that some photographers specialise in different areas. For example, wedding photography and brand photography are two very different things and while some photographers do both well, you would not want someone who specialises exclusively in weddings or newborn photography to do a brand shoot.

The person you choose should meet with you before the shoot (not just on the day) so you can discuss the finer details of what you would like and make a plan so the day runs smoothly. This is one of the reasons I work with Terry Joshi Images for professional shoots so regularly. I always find our pre-shoot meetings inspiring and encouraging, and it gives me confidence to know exactly what we are going to cover and in what order. On the day, Terry creates a relaxed and fun atmosphere that makes it a joy to work with her. 

Wear Something You Feel Good In

The old saying “when you feel good you look good” is still true today. Wearing clothes that reflect your personality and make you feel confident when you are being photographed can make a huge difference. If you are planning a brand shoot, consider working with a stylist who can help you choose pieces from your wardrobe that feel authentic to you and photograph beautifully.

I have been working with stylist Sarah van Dort for over ten years now. I have learned so much about both personal and professional styling from Sarah and it has made a huge difference to my wardrobe and my confidence.

Working with Sarah on photo shoots means I get several looks on each shoot, all of which resonate with me and my brand. We meet beforehand, and liaise with Terry to add outfits to the shoot plan. Sarah also helps with organisation and time keeping during our shoots, making sure they run like clockwork.

Consider Having Your Makeup and/or Hair Done

Having your makeup and hair done professionally for a photo shoot is one of the first things I suggest to anyone who feels nervous about being photographed.

Even if you are used to doing your own makeup, it can be much more challenging because make up for a photo shoot is different than makeup for everyday life. Having a little extra help with hair and makeup may also help you feel more relaxed.

A professional makeup artist is trained to take lighting and photography into account while still helping you look and feel like yourself. They can also keep your makeup looking fresh or give you different looks throughout the shoot if you are happy to pay them to stay throughout.

Similarly, having a hair stylist with you on a brand shoot can not only help you feel confident, it also means you can change your hairstyle part way through in order to give you a variety of looks.

If you are working with someone new, I always recommend a trial run first. It is an investment, but it means you can be sure that you are comfortable with each other and have the same idea of the image(s) you want to present.

Ali Oswald has been doing my hair and makeup on shoots for several years now and she always helps me look and feel my best. Sometimes she does one look for me that works for the whole shoot, others we start with a casual look and build up the makeup up to a more formal or evening look later on in the day.

Remember Others See Us Differently

Not only do most people look at us with much kinder eyes, they genuinely see us differently than we see ourselves. We often notice and are critical of things other people miss completely. For example, I am extremely self conscious about my nose (which I feel is a little on the large side) and my legs (I have prominent veins). Yet I have never had someone mention either of these things, even when I am wearing a dress. Other people rarely notice the things that bother you most.

Also, we are used to seeing a mirror image of our faces and bodies, so for us, the images we see in photographs are reversed. Because our brains naturally prefer what is familiar, it is common to be more critical of photographs of ourselves simply because this perspective is not one we see every day.

A Good Photographer Makes All The Difference

It makes me sad how many people avoid photographs because they feel self-conscious in front of a camera. A good photographer will help you feel at ease, use flattering lighting and guiding you with angles and posing so that your photographs are naturally reflective of you.

Check out my tips below on posing for photographs, and listen to your photographer on the day. They will guide you through the shoot and help you feel more relaxed and confident in photos.

How To Feel Comfortable In Front of a Camera – Simple Things That Really Help

Over the years I have learned lots of ways to look and feel comfortable in front of a camera. I hope they will help you too!

1. Breathe – Take a few deep breaths before you have your photograph taken, and remember to keep breathing when it is being taken. Not only will it make you look better, you will feel better too.
2. Put your tongue on the roof of your mouth to help tighten your facial muscles. It’s tricky to do this when you are smiling, but once you get the hang of it, it really works.
3. Be sure to smile with your eyes as well as your mouth. Smile lines are beautiful evidence of happy times in our lives so let the corners of your eyes crinkle a little for a less posed, more natural, approachable look.
4. If you prefer to avoid a big smile or need to look serious, imagine you are smiling without actually raising the corners of your mouth. It’s easier than you might think, and very effective.
5. If you aren’t super smiley, don’t feel you have to produce a big smile. Think about how you would look at a friend when they walk into the room and let be your expression.
6. Lift your chin slightly so that your neck looks longer.
7. Use a relaxed posture. You want to stand up straight, but not look stiff. Imagine you have a string gently pulling you up from the top of your head. It is okay to move around too!
8. Relax your shoulders. Or as my agent used to say “Don’t wear your shoulders as earrings”! My photographer Terry often encourages me to ‘shake myself out’ mid shoot and it really works.
9. Pressing your arms to your sides can create a stiff look. Allow for some space between your arms and your body to help define your shape and create movement in the pose (without any actual movement).
10. Use props. Terry often recommends “hugging a mug” with your hands for a relaxed shot that makes you look accessible and friendly. Holding a pen, a tea or coffee cup helps keep your brain focused more on the logistics of holding on to the object and less on any anxiety. It also means photographs can look less like formal portraits and more like little glimpses into your life and world.

How To Feel Comfortable in Front of a Camera – Have Fun

Whether a photograph is being taken by a friend or a professional, the person behind the camera wants you to feel happy with the results. Try to enjoy the experience so you can work together to create photographs that truly reflect you.

The beauty of digital photography is that you choose the images you love the most. The important thing is not perfection – it’s putting yourself in the picture!

Questions About How to Feel Comfortable In Front Of A Camera?

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