7 Steps to Capture Your Unique Essence with Personalised Portraits

Even If You Hate Being Photographed

Portraiture perfection

personalised portraits with shadows and lights for camera shy people

Welcome!


If you’re someone who cringes just at the thought of a camera pointing your way, you’re in the right place. In this blog, I’ll guide you through embracing the camera with ease and bringing out your unique spark in photographs. By the end of this read, you’ll learn how to:

  • Communicate effectively with your photographer for truly personalised portraits
  • Prepare yourself for the shoot to enhance your natural charm
  • Master poses that showcase your personality
  • Tackle camera shyness head-on

Ready to transform how you see yourself in photos? Let’s dive in and turn that camera anxiety into camera savvy!

Discover the Value of Personalised Portraits


Personalised portraits are more than just photographs; they’re a reflection of your essence and character. Unlike standard snapshots, personality portrait photography delves deep to capture the real you. Here’s how you benefit from a session focused on personalised portraits:

  • Reflect Your True Self: Express who you really are, beyond the surface.
  • Capture Key Moments: Freeze time during significant life events with a style that tells your story.
  • Boost Your Confidence: See yourself in a new light and feel good about being in front of a camera.
black and white portrait photography

Choosing the Right Photographer for Your Needs


Selecting a photographer who can draw out your personality isn’t just about skills but also about connection. When looking for a personal portrait photographer, consider these points:

  • Experience and Style: Does their portfolio reflect the style you’re looking for?
  • Rapport: Can you be yourself around them? It’s essential for capturing genuine expressions.
  • Understanding Your Vision: They should be keen to grasp and execute your personal vision.
choosing the right portrait photographer

Preparing for Your Portrait Session: Top Tips


Preparation is key to a successful portrait session. Here are some tips to get you ready and confident:

  • Outfit Selection: Choose clothes that feel like ‘you’ and complement your style.
  • Discuss Ideas: Share your likes, dislikes, and any anxieties with your photographer beforehand.
  • Visual Inspirations: Bring examples of portraits you love.
Monochrome personalised women portrait for an anxious person

Mastering Natural Poses to Reflect Your True Self


Posing doesn’t have to be stiff or unnatural. Here are some simple poses that can help you look and feel more relaxed:

  • Lean Slightly: Find a wall or a piece of furniture to lean on. It’s casual and comfortable.
  • Use Your Hands: Hold onto something, play with your hair, or adjust your clothing.
  • Laugh a Little: Nothing beats a genuine smile. Think of something funny or ask your photographer to crack a joke!

Techniques to Ease Camera Shyness


Camera shyness is common, but it’s not insurmountable. Enhance your confidence with these strategies:

  • Practice in the Mirror: Get comfortable with your expressions and how you look when you smile or pose.
  • Breathing Exercises: Calm your nerves with deep breathing before and during the session.
  • Focus on the Outcome: Imagine how great you’ll feel when you see your expressive portraits.
camera shy professional personalised portrait with a man

Enhancing Your Photos While Keeping Them Authentic


The magic doesn’t end at the click of the camera. Post-processing can enhance the beauty of your portraits while keeping them true to life. Discuss with your photographer how they handle editing to ensure it aligns with your vision of keeping things natural and authentic.

authentic personalised portrait photo session outdoors

Real-Life Success Stories: From Camera Shy to Portrait Happy


Meet Adam, who transformed from camera shy to stars in front of the lens. Adam used to avoid cameras at all costs, thinking she never looked good in photos. Through personalised coaching and a relaxed session, we captured stunning shots that showcased his vivacious personality. Adam was nervous about looking stiff, but with some easy-going poses and engaging conversation, his session resulted in lively and expressive portraits that he proudly shares.

camera shy man is posing with his hand on his head during a corporate headshot session

Congratulations on making it through this guide on turning camera shyness into portrait confidence! By now, you should feel equipped with practical tips to prepare for a photo session, communicate with your photographer, and embrace natural poses that showcase your true self. Remember, the goal of personalised portrait photography is not just to take a good photo, but to capture the essence of who you are.

Do you have some questions?

Let me answer them!


I hear you! So many people feel this way, and that’s totally okay. I’ll guide you through the session with gentle direction, giving you plenty of time to relax. It’s all about having fun, keeping things light, and focusing on you. We’ll take it at your pace, and I promise—no awkward posing or forced smiles here!

No worries at all! During our session, it’ll feel more like hanging out rather than a formal photoshoot. You’ll receive clear instructions, but we’ll keep things natural and easygoing. My goal is to capture authentic moments, so expect lots of laughs and genuine interactions. The result? Expressive portraits that reflect your real personality.

The best advice is to wear something that makes you feel like you. Choose outfits that you’re comfortable in and that match your personal style. If you’re unsure, I’m happy to give some suggestions based on the look and feel you want for your photos. Don’t overthink it—keep it simple and true to your vibe.

Absolutely! It’s super common to feel unsure about posing, but that’s what I’m here for. I’ll guide you with natural, easy poses that don’t feel forced. We’ll keep things relaxed and candid so you can just be yourself. By the end, you’ll feel like a posing pro without even realising it!

Great question! The secret to personalised portrait photography is making sure you feel at ease and comfortable. I like to have a chat before we begin to understand who you are and what makes you you. We’ll use this to create images that reflect your true personality—whether it’s playful, calm, or somewhere in between.

Yes! Many of my clients feel the same way when we start. But don’t worry—this is all about making the process enjoyable. With some tricks to overcome camera anxiety and by focusing on authentic moments, you’ll be surprised by how much you love the final photos.

This depends on your style! Whether it’s outdoors, in your home, or a place that holds special meaning, the location should reflect who you are. Nature photography poses can feel very free and relaxed, while indoor shots can be more intimate. We can discuss what feels right for you.

Feeling nervous about being photographed is completely normal, but there are ways to overcome it! A few deep breaths, visualising the outcome, and keeping the session relaxed can really help. We’ll chat and laugh through the process, and before you know it, you’ll forget the camera’s even there.

First of all, I’ll work closely with you to ensure you love how you look by capturing natural, authentic expressions. But if you’re still not happy, we’ll review the photos together and see what adjustments can be made. Your satisfaction is the priority!

Definitely! Once your personalised portraits are ready, I can offer ideas for prints, albums, or even creative display options to showcase your portraits in a way that’s meaningful to you. They’re more than just photos—they’re a reflection of who you are!

feel comfortable during a personalised portrait photosesssion

Ready to

Step in front of the camera and see the real you come to life?

Contact us to book your session and start your journey to stunning, personality-filled portraits! Don’t let camera shyness hold you back—let’s create something beautiful together.

BECOME An Emerald VIP

How about joining our exclusive VIP club? It’s our way of saying thank you for your loyalty and trust. As an Emerald VIP, you’ll get priority bookings, exclusive discounts for seasonal photo sessions, and a lot of tips on getting prepared for your session. Ready to elevate your journey? Let’s do it!

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