Help Your Clients Feel Less Awkward & More Natural on Camera

"But I'm so AWKWARD in front of the camera..."

This is one of the most common fears I hear from clients as a brand photographer, and I'm guessing you've heard it too.

While this is a valid concern your clients may have, it ranks fairly low on the scale of things to worry about in a brand photo session. The whole point of brand photography is to capture and tell stories of your client's business and daily routines. So you get to have them carry on as usual while you document how real they are.

When faced with this concern, assure your clients that Awkwardness is real, endearing, and relatable. Authenticity draws people in. Truly.

The photos I share of myself always get higher engagement than the ones I share of anything else. That's because people crave a connection with the person behind the brand. The last thing your clients want is to drive someone mad, comparing themselves to a seemingly perfect life. No way - capture the messy, real, human side, and people will love your client all the more for it.

embrace the awkward

Remind your clients to be themselves. Have them take a deep breath and throw their whole self into the process. Feel free to show your awkward side, too, and make it comfortable and fun for them!

prep that playlist

I've found that playing my client's favorite anthems helps get them out of their head and into the groove. Music is POWERFUL. (Think of RuPaul's queens transform during drag race lipsyncs)

set the tone

I don't know what it is, but especially in England, I've run into so many women who deny themselves certain types of joy. They choose NOT to laugh at silly things. But laughter is powerful, and you, as the photographer, set the tone for this. I am playful during brand shoots, and I've found that it helps so much. Welcome the laughter for your clients (even if you have to fake it), embrace the enjoyment, and set a playful tone.

come with a plan

Work with your client to formulate a schedule and key shot list for the day. The simplicity of having a specific mission and working off a list can sometimes be all it takes to help your clients get into photo mode.

create a safe space

As a photographer, it is important that you not only relate to the awkward but can also help your clients shoot through it. This is vital in coming out of a shoot with images you and your client can be proud of!

boost your client's camera confidence

Here are a few tools to recommend to your clients to help them feel powerful and boost their confidence:

+ affirmations

+ breathing exercises

+ meditation

+ visualizations

+ embodiment

+ hair and makeup

+ killer wardrobe

Get more tips for your clients in my Ultimate Guide to Photo Confidence for Business Owners

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FOOD FOR THOUGHT:

If we all think we're awkward...are any of us actually awkward?

Sincerely,

Kayleigh

Queen of Awkwardtown.

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Are you looking to help your clients elevate your confidence & boost your brand?

I'm here to resource compassionate photographers like you as you guide your clients through fun and relaxed personal branding photoshoots.

Here are 16 ways to help your personal brand clients feel less anxious on camera

LEARN MORE +

It's ok (and very common) for your clients to feel nervous on camera.

Here are some tips that may help them with their camera confidence. 

Have a look at my FREEBIES to boost your confidence!

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