Stop Feeling Camera Shy- Read this instead.
We’ve all experienced that moment where we’re having a good time, and then all of a sudden a camera is put in front of your face… and you freeze up.
Perhaps you are really feeling the moment and want to capture the candid nature of your experience, and yet when you pull up the lens, you look stiff and uncomfortable and not at all what you had envisioned .
The moment passes and you’re left frustrated, wishing you knew how to take those beautiful Instagrammable pictures of yourself that you know and love.
Not to worry friends, I’ve got you. Here are some easy tips to follow to get camera ready and less camera shy. This applies for both recording a video and taking pictures.
Tip 1: Relax like you would around friends
When posing or speaking on camera, act as if you’re with or talking to friends and not the lens itself. It’s far more daunting to feel like a crowd is going to be seeing the result than believing you are having a friendly conversation amongst loved ones.
Tip 2: Prep With Feel Good Activities
Whether it be taking the time to do your hair and makeup, picking out your best outfit, or even playing some ugly-sing-at-the-top-of-your-lungs tunes, there’s nothing like a good glam session to pamper yourself up to feel your best. When you feel like you’ve put effort into your look, your mood will translate onto camera.
Tip 3: Get Your Blood Flowing
Kickstart that camera-ready energy with an active body. Low energy also translates onto camera and therefore you may lack “camera presence”- this is key to an engaging video/ photo. Do some exercise or dance to your favourite songs to shake off the sleepy mood to set yourself up for the camera.
Tip 4: Be Shameless And Forgiving
You can’t be afraid to look like a fool! When you don’t take yourself too seriously, you’ll come off a lot more natural in front of the lens. Forgive yourself for not being an instant model and for feeling awkward, and just remember to have a good time. Chances are you’re shooting with a digital camera, so if you don’t like what you see, delete it and try again. Everyone starts somewhere, this is your starting point.
Tip 5: Practice, Practice, Practice!
Most people aren’t naturally photogenic. It takes a lot of experience to know your best angles, faces, postures…etc. The more you experiment, the more you’ll understand your favourite looks on camera. Don’t let the ‘gram fool ya!