It’s taken nearly three years, but I’ve finally found my groove in front of the camera.
Yep, that’s right – three years. Sure, in the first year of blogging, it wasn’t awful – but I constantly felt the stares of every person around me like they were boring into my skull, and it was incredibly awkward. I’ve gotten to a place where those stares barely phase me and I can confidently be as quirky or silly as I want! This topic pairs particularly well with these photos because during this photoshoot, my friend, Lindsey, and I experienced some unusual (and uncomfortable) gawking as we posed. In the onlookers’ defense, we were in a hotel lobby. However, this specific lobby is one of the most popular in my city, and there are bloggers aplenty who grace its pink, velvet couches for their photos. It truly wasn’t so abnormal for us to be there … and we had to ignore their gaze and act natural.
It’s easier than it sounds once you’ve had some practice, but I constantly receive questions asking how I look so natural in my photos. Someone recently told me that my photos actually look candid, and that was a massive compliment. It made me think about it a little further, and I wanted to share some of my best tips for feeling confident in front of the camera – whether that’s a video or a photo!
Outfit Details
dress | shoes | necklace | earrings | similar bag
Make sure to wear something comfortable.
When it comes to being a fashion blogger, I never want to share items of clothing that I wouldn’t comfortably wear in person. Take this dress, for instance: the midi length is my jam. I appreciate the adjustable strap. Mostly, the tie front doesn’t completely expose my chest, so I can wear a bra (which is what I prefer). I felt 100% comfortable, so I was at ease in front of the camera, not worried about pulling my top up or my skirt down or thinking about being too cold or too hot or anything else!
Have a friend there for the awkward moments.
If Lindsey hadn’t been with me, I would not have had anyone to laugh with over the awkwardness of the situation. Since I wasn’t alone, the focus wasn’t entirely on me. Plus, when you’re laughing, the photos look way more natural!
On that note, make sure you’re comfortable with the photographer.
One of the worst experiences for me was when I took photos with someone who didn’t make me feel comfortable in my own skin. If I can’t be me then I don’t want to be around you. I typically take photos with other blogger friends or photographers I’m already friends with. It helps when you can be relaxed, rather than feeling the need to be someone you’re not in order to impress a stranger.
Forget about the stares.
Most likely, the people staring will never see you again. If they do – you’ll already have a rocking photoshoot or video under your belt to help you feel more confident in front of them. “You can be the ripest, juiciest peach in the world, and there’s still going to be somebody who hates peaches.” – Dita Von Teese. Truly, people will always find a reason to hate, but just keep in mind that in the long run, holding your head high and being confident will take you further.
Smile until your cheeks hurt.
I smile so much that I have a permanent wrinkle by my mouth and every day my makeup sinks into it, no matter what I do. I guess that’s not a bad thing though because it means I’m trying to be cheerful all the time. It shows in my photos. I think about something funny and make myself laugh, or I have a friend to giggle with. Once you’re smiling, a lot of the other insecurities melt away!
Remember why you do it.
Personally, my blog and my social media channels are why I take photos and videos. My readers and followers mean everything to me, and I wouldn’t have those friendships if I didn’t stand in front of a camera 90% of my time. So when I’m feeling nervous about being the center of attention, I think about what killer content I’m creating and who I’m creating it for. It puts everything in perspective!
Be yourself.
Cliché, but totally true. I think this one speaks for itself. I have never tried to be anything other than myself online. The best part about that? When I finally meet someone in person, and they tell me that I am The Espresso Edition. There’s nothing that’s hiding in the shadows because I’m just me! It’s such a great feeling knowing that I’m staying true to myself and always being authentic and real!
Cathy says
Great tips and love your dress! It took me a long time to be comfortable in front of the camera. I always feel good when my kids take my pictures. They make me smile and people on the street think it’s cute instead of vain. haha If my husband is snapping my photos I get laughs, sneers etc, but I have learned to tune them out.
XOXO
Cathy
Rach says
It has taken me a long time to feel comfortable in front of the camera. Until now, I still get camera shy (especially when I see other people walking by haha). You have some great tips and I definitely will need to try it out. I also think through time, it helps to get comfortable because it feels ‘normal’.
http://www.rdsobsessions.com
Julia Comil says
Such great tips!! Love them!!
Nailil says
Great tip girl. That dress is so pretty. I am loving the polka dots trend – which never really goes away.
Xx, Nailil
http://thirtyminusone.com
Nora says
i’ve been needing to read a post like this, absolutely love it!! it’s 2018, i don’t get why people still gawk at others who are taking photos or videos of themselves?! i’m a fairly new blogger & i must admit i can be a little camera shy, so far i’ve only taken pictures of makeup/beauty products. i wanna step out of my comfort zone & start taking pics of myself!(yo & your pics are gorgeous btw!)
xo, Nora
http://simplymissnora.com/
Tonya Tardiff says
I absolutely love this post! It’s so easy to feel everyone’s eyes on you, but you put it into a whole new perspective!
Sarah Lagen says
Very cute post and I’m constantly reminding myself of this!! It’s not easy being in front of the camera alone…. like what do I do with my hands? my feet? where do I look…. lol, great tips and these photos are so cute!! I love the pink couch!!
xo, Sarah
Kim says
You look so confident and amazing in all of these pictures! I LOVE those pink sofas and would totally let people stare at me to get a shot! Thanks for all the great tips 🙂
xoxo,
Kim
lee says
You look so confident and happy in your photos, I absolutely love them! Such great tips for those feeling shy in front of a camera.
Lee
Lauren says
This is one of my biggest struggles!! Forgetting about the people staring at you is sooo important especially when I’m never alone while shooting in nyc :p These are all great tips, and you look stunning and so happy!!
Xx,
Lauren | lifestylesbylauren.com
Julia Comil says
Such great tips!! Love them!!
Nailil says
Great tip girl. That dress is so pretty. I am loving the polka dots trend – which never really goes away.
Xx, Nailil
http://thirtyminusone.com
Kim says
You look so confident and amazing in all of these pictures! I LOVE those pink sofas and would totally let people stare at me to get a shot! Thanks for all the great tips 🙂
xoxo,
Kim
Lauren says
This is one of my biggest struggles!! Forgetting about the people staring at you is sooo important especially when I’m never alone while shooting in nyc :p These are all great tips, and you look stunning and so happy!!
Xx,
Lauren | lifestylesbylauren.com
Kileen says
These are awesome tips babe and you are so cute! I love that your personality shines through your pictures!!
Kileen
cute & little
Kileen says
These are awesome tips babe and you are so cute! I love that your personality shines through your pictures!!
Kileen
cute & little
adriana says
Being yourself is the best tip! Those are the shots that come out the best 🙂 I love these pictures and the backdrop!
adriana says
Being yourself is the best tip! Those are the shots that come out the best 🙂 I love these pictures and the backdrop!
Tara Fuller says
these tips are so spot on! I think practice makes perfect!
Anna English says
These are all great tips! I think being yourself is the most important, always!
Tara Fuller says
these tips are so spot on! I think practice makes perfect!
Taylor Mobley says
This year I am my most comfortable in front of the camera. I totally get this.
Taylor Mobley says
This year I am my most comfortable in front of the camera. I totally get this.
Amanda says
Yes to all of this! I don’t care too much about stares anymore, what annoys me is the people who have 20 questions– what is this for? Who are you? Are you a model? Can I be in the pic? It’s always men too… creepy!
Amanda says
Yes to all of this! I don’t care too much about stares anymore, what annoys me is the people who have 20 questions– what is this for? Who are you? Are you a model? Can I be in the pic? It’s always men too… creepy!
Laura says
Such great tips!! Thankfully I’ve always been comfortable with my photographer because when I started I had either my mom or my husband taking all my pics. Now I’ve got a photographer who’s quickly turned into a friend making it super easy to shoot together.
xo, Laura
Jessica says
These are all such great tips! I think working with a photographer that you are comfortable with it very helpful!
xo Jessica
http://www.whatsfordinneresq.com
Jessica says
These are all such great tips! I think working with a photographer that you are comfortable with it very helpful!
xo Jessica
http://www.whatsfordinneresq.com
Sara says
Girl I feel you! I used to only take photos in my backyard or driveway haha but now I give zero effs about who is around or who is looking!
Laura says
Such great tips!! Thankfully I’ve always been comfortable with my photographer because when I started I had either my mom or my husband taking all my pics. Now I’ve got a photographer who’s quickly turned into a friend making it super easy to shoot together.
xo, Laura
Cathy says
Great tips and love your dress! It took me a long time to be comfortable in front of the camera. I always feel good when my kids take my pictures. They make me smile and people on the street think it’s cute instead of vain. haha If my husband is snapping my photos I get laughs, sneers etc, but I have learned to tune them out.
XOXO
Cathy