4 Practical steps you can take today to find confidence in front of the camera
As business owners we all wear multiple hats at any one time. Subject matter expert; Accounts; Operations; Customer Service; Marketing; Content Creation; Design; Sales; Enquiries; SEO; Website maintenance… the list goes on. We juggle a lot!
What’s more, as business owners we also have to put ourselves out there and that can feel a little daunting. It’s one thing being the expert in your field, but also being the PR team for it too? I can tell you until the cows come home that you’re going to be brilliant in front of the camera, that I know how to use the light and gentle posing to capture your warmth and talents. But sometimes taking some practical steps for yourself can be a better way of building your own confidence in front of the camera and realising just how capable you are!
Actionable steps to help you find that camera confidence
So here I am sharing 4 of my best actionable tips that you can do today to help you find confidence in front of the camera!
- Find 3 accounts you admire. They could be competitors or from completely different industries. Why are you drawn to them? Is it because they are relatable? Do you feel you have got to know the person behind the account a little? Are you invested in their story? Reflect on what it is that they do that has enabled you to build that relationship with them.
- Think of 3 ways that a personal branding shoot could benefit your business. If this feels too big, then go back to your ‘Why’ – why do you do what you do? How do you help your clients? What are your obstacles right now that are holding you back from being where you want to be? The answers to these questions should lead you towards the benefits of a branding shoot. For example:
- Increased visibility, leading to building relationships and earning trust amongst your target audience. People are more likely to invest in a trustworthy business.
- Making your brand relatable – customers are drawn to people and brands they share something in common with.
- Helping you to stand out from the competition.
- Professional, polished images for PR and media opportunities.
- Gives your website an instant, authentic refresh – customers need just 3 seconds to make a judgement on your website. Make it count!
- The benefits to you might be different to these suggestions – how would a Personal Branding shoot help you build your confidence and benefit your brand?
- How do you want your brand to look and feel? Create it! You are in control of your brand and the direction it goes. Identify what you want to achieve and do the work to make it happen! What a glorious feeling! Create a Pinterest board and start to plan how you want to represent your brand. I will help you to translate this into your branding shoot every step of the way.
- Find a photographer you feel comfortable with. This is key in allowing you to relax in front of the camera!
- Do your research. Look at their Instagram, get a feel for their style, but also read their website. Any photographer worth their salt will have designed their website to help you get a feel for their personality (as well as their work) and to know whether you’d be a good fit. It’ll also inform you of their packages and price point, and whether this is a session that you can invest in right now or whether it’s one you want to save towards.
- Does the photographer offer a chance to chat? I offer a free 15 minute Zoom call before you book so that you can get a feel for me and if we’d be good together!
- Once you’ve found your photographer, tell them how you feel. 99% of my clients tell me they don’t feel comfortable in front of the camera lens. And neither did I used to either – until that is I found the right photographer for me. Finding someone whose style you adore and who you trust takes away a lot of the anxiety of being in front of the camera. And it’s when you’re relaxed that you allow your personality to come to the fore.
My Personal Branding Packages
Free 15 min Zoom
I offer a free 15 minute Zoom call to all clients before you book. This gives us both the chance to make sure we are the right fit and it’s an opportunity to ask questions.
Planning
For clients booking a half day (my Signature package) or the full day (my Bespoke package) we will delve deeper into their business and brand in our consultation, ensuring I have a clear understanding of their brand, their challenges and what they want to achieve. Together we will plan all the details for the shoot, from location to outfits, props to stories you want to tell.
Shoot day
On the day we will come armed with a shoot plan which we’ll have designed together based on our conversations and consultation.
Receiving your images
2-3 weeks later you will receive an online gallery bursting full of creative and beautiful images which tell the story of your brand. From candid portraits to hands at work, website banners and About Me images. You’ll walk away with a library of images that will serve your brand and clients and help you to grow your business.
If this sounds good have a look at my portfolio, and you’d like to arrange a free Zoom chat, get in touch with me here – I’d love to hear from you and help you find confidence in front of the camera!
Emma x