For my 40th Birthday party, the theme was Never Grow Up. I dressed up as cow girl Barbie with a pink two piece, boots, the works. As I looked around at my friends, I noticed that there’s something about dressing up that brings everyone out of their shells. It gives you permission to be a different version of yourself, to get into character, loosen up, and have fun. But it also reminded me of one of the best tools I use (and teach) when it comes to being in front of the camera, acting.
Not acting as in pretending to be someone else, but stepping into a version of yourself that’s confident, clear, and aligned with your brand. It’s a tool I use myself and often suggest to clients, especially those who feel like running the other way the moment a camera comes out. Here’s how it works.
Step Into Your Personal Brand Avatar
You don’t need to bring all of yourself to a shoot, just the version that represents your brand at its best. The one that’s focused, grounded, and knows what they stand for.
Think of it like stepping into a role. Not to fake it, but to highlight certain parts of yourself. Your energy, professionalism, warmth, boldness, or whatever it is your brand is built on.
That version of you gets the spotlight. The rest can stay behind the scenes for a bit.
Compartmentalisation Is Your Friend
Feeling awkward in front of a camera? You’re not alone. I’ve heard it hundreds of times, and I get it. It’s not something most people do every day.
The trick is to compartmentalise. Let the nerves exist, but set them aside. Give the confident, on brand version of you permission to step forward. Just for now. Just for the shoot.
Pre-Visualisation Calms the Nerves
Before the shoot, try visualising how you want to show up. What would that confident version of you wear? How would they carry themselves? What kind of energy would they bring?
This simple mental prep helps shift your mindset and makes walking into the shoot feel far more natural.
You Don’t Need to Know How to Pose
If you’re thinking, “Cool idea, but I still have no clue what to do in front of the camera”, that’s where your photographer (hi 👋) comes in.
You don’t need to know your angles or nail perfect poses. That’s my job. I’ll guide you into flattering light, give simple direction, and help you feel relaxed. Together, we’ll draw out that personal brand avatar so it feels effortless (or at least a little less traumatic!).
One of the best things someone can say after a shoot is, “It felt like hanging out with a mate.” That comfort shows up in every frame.
Final Thought
You don’t have to be naturally photogenic. You don’t need to feel 100 percent confident. You just have to act like the version of yourself your brand needs, and trust the rest will follow.
And hey, if it helps to throw on something fun and a little ridiculous, or sip back your fav cocktail before we start, go for it. It’s not about being someone else. It’s about stepping fully into a version of yourself that already exists.
Ready to meet your on-brand avatar?
If you're feeling camera shy but know it's time to update your branding photos, let's chat. I’ll guide you through it, help you feel relaxed, and capture images that feel like you, just the version your brand needs to show off. Get in touch here .✨
