Are you camera shy? You want to ace that online interview or upcoming photo shoot, but the thought of being in front of the camera terrifies you! If that’s what happens with you too, don’t worry. You’re not alone!

Being camera shy is a common thing for many people, so if you’re one of those who feel uncomfortable about getting your picture taken, it’s okay! I have been in your shoes and know the exact feeling. Sometimes, you can not escape situations where getting your pictures clicked is not a choice, especially when it’s a part of your profession.

Here are a few tips which have worked for me like a charm, over the past few years.

Before we discuss the steps to overcome being camera shy, let’s first identify why you’re camera shy. Be honest with yourself and know what makes you feel uncomfortable on camera. For most people, it is one of the two things. Either they feel conscious about the way they look or the way they sound. Once you know the reason for the refusal of being in photographs, you can search for the exact solution.

#1 Be confident about your looks
If you feel self-conscious about your looks, know what actually troubles you. If it is something you can fix, maybe a certain hairstyle or a little make-up, then go for it. There are a few things that you can’t fix. In my case, it’s always been different features at different times. Sometimes, it was my nose that bothered me, other times it was my hair. The simple trick to tackle this is by giving yourself a compliment. Look at yourself in the mirror and see how warm your smile is, or how amazing your hair looks today. Don’t forget to appreciate your imperfections, be it a crooked tooth or a mole on your face. Your imperfections make you relatable. People appreciate it when you show them the real you. It makes them feel more connected.

#2 The sound of your voice
If it’s the way you sound, know what makes you annoyed. Well, rarely does anyone like hearing their own voices. And this makes us so nervous that we forget what we were talking about and divert our attention completely to our own voice. This results in broken words (‘like’, ‘ah’, ‘um’), which can be very distracting to the other person. I have been conscious of my accent for many years. Not that I picked it from somewhere, but it sounds unnatural sometimes. But what I have learnt is that people hardly care about your accent, they are more interested in what you are saying. And that’s what matters. So, be confident. Sometimes, we overthink to the point that we start doubting ourselves from all angles. Be easy on yourself!

#3 Dress for Comfort
Many of us feel that we need an outfit (close to runway ready) in order to show even a glimpse of ourselves online. Trust me, it’s completely untrue, and not very well accepted. Your blog is all about the real you, and the real you shouldn’t have to overthink how to dress online. Be real, and be raw. When it comes to camera time, select clothes that you feel confident and comfortable in! If you feel great on camera, you will look great on camera. Dress to impress: yourself!

#4 Practice in private
Become BFF with your phone camera. We are in the era where we don’t need only a camera to click pictures or shoot video, our phones are just capable enough of doing that. It’s your phone, nobody has to see the pictures you click or the videos you shoot until you feel ready. So, start experimenting with filming yourself and gradually getting comfortable with seeing yourself on video.

#5 Plan ahead
Undoubtedly, impromptu videos are the best, and also the best way of getting yourself comfortable. But, there are times when you need to plan ahead, before facing the camera. I have jotted down few steps, which would help you in planning:
i. Figure out the reason of shooting the video
ii. Know what message you want to convey to the other person
iii. Prepare the content accordingly and practice it
In addition to the above points, it would be great if you find a suitable place for filming the video (preferably the one with no distractions) and decide your outfit.
Once you get comfortable on camera, the people around you will become a part of the background.

Most importantly, Be yourself. The more natural you feel, the better you will look on camera. This may include using your hands when you talk (if that’s natural), standing when you talk (rather than sitting) or holding a pen in your hand. So, let’s welcome you again!

GOODBYE CAMERA SHY, HELLO VIDEO CHAMP!

Do tell me in the comments what tips and tricks work best for you.

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