If the thought of having your photo taken makes your stomach turn, you’re definitely not the only one. Many of my clients tell me on first meeting that they hate having their photo taken.
Looking confident in photos isn’t about being naturally photogenic. And while posing can help, it isn’t the whole story.
What really matters is feeling relaxed, supported, and comfortable enough to show up as yourself.
So, how does that happen?
The Myth of Perfect Posing
If you’ve ever Googled “how to look good in photos,” you’ll know what comes up. Lists of rules: tilt your chin this way, put your hand on your hip, cross your legs at this angle.
That’s fine if you’re a professional model. But most business owners I meet aren’t looking to master Vogue cover poses. They just want to look like the best version of themselves.
The trouble with focusing on getting the perfect pose is that it usually makes you feel more self-conscious. Instead of being present in the moment, you’re busy wondering if your elbow looks odd or if your smile looks fake. That tension always shows in the photos.
Your clients and audience aren’t looking for perfection. They want to see the real, approachable you.
What Confidence in Photos Really Looks Like
Confidence in a photo doesn’t mean striking a power pose or a rehearsed smile. It shows up in much simpler ways, with natural expressions, relaxed shoulders, and genuine eye contact.
Think about the people you’re drawn to online. The chances are it isn’t because they’ve nailed their posing… It’s because they look comfortable in their own skin. That’s something anyone can achieve, even if the camera normally makes you want to run a mile.
‘I don’t look good in photos’, usually just means, ‘I’ve never had the right support.’
Gentle Guidance (Without Barking Orders)
This is where posing does play a part. Some people feel calmer with a bit of direction, while others prefer a looser approach.
I use a middle ground. I’ll guide you into flattering positions, suggest little tweaks like lowering your shoulders or softening your hands, and often show you what I mean so you don’t feel silly trying to guess. What I won’t do is bark orders or push you into something that feels unnatural.
It’s not about stiff poses. It’s about giving you enough structure to feel confident, while still leaving space for your natural personality to come through.
So if you’ve ever thought, “I just don’t look good in photos,” what you might really mean is, “I’ve never had the right support in front of the camera.”
Why You Won’t Be Walking in Cold
One of the main reasons my clients feel more relaxed on the day is because we’ve already built up a bit of rapport before the shoot itself. My process isn’t about showing up and winging it.
We’ll have spoken several times, and met up either in person or on a video call, to plan everything. (You can read more about how I prepare clients for their personal brand photoshoot here.) By then, I’ll already have a sense of your business, your goals, and how you want to be seen. I’ll also know if there are things you’d rather avoid, whether that’s a particular angle, or even a ‘look’ that doesn’t feel like you.
So by the time the camera comes out, you won’t be standing in front of a stranger. You’ll be with someone who knows you a little and understands what matters to you, and can put you at ease.
Simple Ways to Feel More Comfortable (Without Learning Poses)
A few small things that always make a big difference during the shoot:
- Wear clothes you actually like. Comfort looks better than trying to squeeze into something that isn’t you.
- Keep moving. Walk, adjust your jacket, chat. All of these create natural photos and keep nerves at bay.
- Breathe and reset. A deep breath and a shake of the shoulders works wonders. I really like the Headspace app for simple, practical breathing techniques. They have a great article here.
- Remember why you’re here. These photos aren’t about vanity. They’re about showing up for your business, connecting with your clients, and making your life easier in the long run.
The Payoff of Seeing Yourself Professionally
One of my favourite parts of a shoot is when I turn the camera round to show a client a preview. They don’t see the awkward version of themselves they were braced for, but the confident and professional version they hoped other people would see.
That’s the power of personal brand photography. It’s not just about the photos you take away. It’s about the change in how you see yourself, and how much more confidently you’ll show up in your business because of it. If you’d like to learn more about how I work with clients, you can explore my brand photography services here.
If you’ve been putting off a photoshoot because you “hate being in photos”, or you’re worried you won’t know what to do, you don’t need to. You don’t have to know how to pose. You just have to turn up. I’ll guide you as much or as little as you’d like, always in a way that feels easy.
