Almost every single one of my clients tells me they hate having their photo taken. And almost every single one forgets about it within the first ten minutes.
Here’s what helps.
1. Build a Playlist That Makes You Feel Invincible
Music genuinely changes your mood – and your energy in front of the camera. Before a shoot I always have something playing that makes me feel like I can do anything. I’ve put together my personal go-to playlist on YouTube – songs that make me stand taller, move more freely and stop worrying about how I look.
Try it in the car on the way to your shoot. You’ll arrive in a completely different headspace.
And here’s something worth knowing: you might feel nervous and awkward before we start – most people do – but it can be genuinely surprising how empowered you feel after. Keep reading for what one client said when she saw her images for the first time.
2. Choose a Photographer You Actually Like
This sounds obvious but it matters more than almost anything else. A photographer you trust, who builds you up and makes you laugh, will make all the difference to how you feel and how you look in the final images.
Talk to your photographer before you book – ideally on a video call so you can get a real sense of who they are. Do you want to spend a few hours with this person? Will they make you feel good? Will they push you gently in the right direction?
I’m not for everyone – I’m colourful, enthusiastic and I’ll probably end up as your friend by the end of the day. If that sounds like your kind of photographer, we’ll get on brilliantly. If you need someone quieter, that’s completely fine too – just make sure whoever you choose is someone you genuinely click with.
3. Wear Something That Makes You Feel Great
It doesn’t have to be new. It doesn’t have to be expensive. But it does need to be something you feel completely comfortable in – because the moment you start tugging at your clothes or worrying about how you look, it shows in the photos.
If you have a strong brand colour, try to incorporate it somewhere – even just an accessory. A scarf, a necklace, a mug, a notebook. The details matter more than you think.
I love helping clients plan their outfits before a shoot – they often send me photos of what they’re thinking and we talk through what will work together, what will work for different setups, what to avoid. I’ve even been known to bring along some of my own accessories when something fits a client’s brand aesthetic perfectly. (I had an accessory addiction in my lifestyle blogging days that has since expanded into a notebook habit.)
Take Connie – a GP, coach and hypnotherapist. We planned her outfits around her brand colours of greens, neutrals and copper tones, making sure we had fun joyful looks alongside more professional, trustworthy ones to suit the range of topics she covers. The variety in her gallery is partly down to those outfit choices.
And then she saw her images.
“Oh my gosh! Bex, I love it! To think for years I was so fearful of being seen without my wig on, which makes this photo even more special. Thank you for capturing my joy.”
I cried reading that. I’m not ashamed to say it.
You can read Dr Connie Kerali’s full testimonial here.
4. Get a Little Pampered
Do whatever makes you feel good beforehand. A blow dry. A facial. Your nails done. A make-up artist. Whatever works for you.
In the week leading up to your shoot, drink plenty of water, try to get decent sleep and give your skin the best chance to glow. And why not book a nice lunch after the shoot too – so you’re looking forward to the whole day, not just the photos at the end of it?
5. Choose a Location That Feels Right for Your Brand
The right location makes such a difference – not just to the photos, but to how you feel in them. When you’re somewhere that feels like you, it shows.
If you work from home, don’t rule it out. Your own space is where you’re most comfortable, and as I wrote in this post about home shoots, it doesn’t need to be Pinterest-perfect for us to make it work. I’ve climbed out of windows and rotated furniture to find the right angle – and the results are always worth it.
If you’d like something with a bit more drama, I love hunting down brilliant venues with great light, interesting spaces and real character. The variety we can create across different spots within a single shoot is always surprising.
The Thing That Ties All Five Together: Planning
The more prepared you feel in the days leading up to your shoot, the more confident you’ll feel on the day. That’s why every Spectrum shoot includes a full planning call – outfits, locations, props, shot ideas, timings – so that by the time we actually meet, you already know exactly what to expect.
On the day you just need to show up in your first outfit. I’ll take care of everything else.
Curious what that experience looks like? Let’s have a natter.
