Why do we hate being photographed?
And how to overcome the fear of being in front of the camera
If you’ve ever cringed at the idea of being photographed and showing up as the face of your business, trust me, you’re not alone. In fact, it’s something that came up very loud and clear in a recent poll on LinkedIn. I asked a simple question: “Why do you hate being photographed?” The answers gave me some real insight into the common fears and frustrations people feel in front of the lens.
Here’s what the majority said:
67% of people don’t like how they look in photos.
25% feel awkward or stiff the second the camera points their way.
8% worry about being judged by others or by themselves.
While it’s normal to experience these feelings, they don’t have to define your relationship with the camera forever. In this blog I take a closer look at why these emotions come up, and how we can move past them together.
“I Don’t Like How I Look in Photos”
This was the overwhelming winner, and it’s no surprise. We see carefully curated social media feeds and glossy magazine covers, it’s easy to feel like you don’t measure up. We also tend to judge our own photos more harshly than anyone else would. We zero in on our perceived imperfections: a bad hair day, something we don’t like about ourselves, or an angle that doesn’t flatter our features. Suddenly, that snapshot becomes a magnifying glass for every insecurity we’ve ever felt.
Photos freeze a single moment in time. You have to remember, we don’t typically walk around pausing mid-laugh or mid-conversation, so when we see ourselves captured like that, it can feel unfamiliar. Lighting, posture, and camera angles also play a huge role in how the final image appears. A poorly lit, quickly taken snapshot rarely shows anyone at their best.
As a professional photographer, I’ve spent years learning techniques that help you look and feel your best in front of the camera. This includes finding the most flattering angles, using natural light to highlight your features, and guiding you through simple poses that feel natural rather than forced. Before every shoot, I also take time to understand what makes you feel confident and what doesn’t. Maybe you love your smile but worry about the shape of your nose, or perhaps you’ve got a favourite side. We talk through it, and I’ll focus on capturing images that highlight what you love most about yourself.
“I Feel Awkward or Stiff”
Feeling awkward in front of the camera is incredibly common. For many years, that was me as well, I would turn into a deer in the headlights as soon as a camera was pointed at me. But I got over it, and so can you!
Most of us aren’t models or actors; we don’t spend our days posing or practicing our best angles. It’s completely normal to wonder, “What do I do with my hands?” or “Am I smiling too much?” And all of a sudden, just standing in front of a camera can feel like a performance you never rehearsed for.
It often boils down to a lack of direction and feeling overly self-conscious. We’re used to living life in motion, laughing, chatting, moving around without a second thought. When a camera is introduced, people tend to overthink their every move. Without guidance, you may end up feeling stiff, uncomfortable, or just plain weird.
My approach is to make the whole experience fun. Before I even pick up the camera, we chat about your goals, your comfort level, and the kind of vibe you’d like the images to have. During the shoot, I give you plenty of direction, gentle prompts, simple poses, and movements. Sometimes it’s a small prompt like, “Look out the window and think about your favourite place,” or “Give me a little laugh like you just remembered something funny”. These cues help shift your focus away from the camera and onto something that feels genuine.
“I’m Worried About Being Judged”
This feeling can cut deep. Being photographed can feel like stepping onto a stage where everyone’s eyes (and opinions) are on you. The worry might stem from past negative experiences, from our culture’s unrealistic beauty standards, or from comparing ourselves to the filtered and edited images we see online every day. But comparisonitis is the thief of joy!
We’re all conditioned to some extent by what society sees as beautiful or acceptable. When we don’t see ourselves represented, or when we spot a trait, we’ve been taught to dislike, it’s easy to imagine others see it as a flaw too. However, in my experience, most people are far more focused on their own insecurities than they are on yours. In reality, we are rarely judged as harshly by others as we are by ourselves.
My role as your photographer isn’t just about lighting and composition; it’s about helping you feel seen, respected, and comfortable. We’ll review some shots as we go, so you can see how great you look and feel reassured. You have a say in what we capture and how we capture it. My ultimate goal is for you to look at your images and think, “Wow, that’s me, and I look fabulous, no matter what anyone else thinks!”
The biggest takeaway from this poll and these conversations? You are not alone. Many of us experience the same fears and doubts, sometimes we just don’t talk about them. Here’s the good news: You do not have to stay stuck there. Being photographed doesn’t have to be an exercise in self-criticism, awkwardness, or anxiety. It should be a positive and empowering experience.
But how do we make that shift?
It’s okay to dislike having your picture taken. Acknowledge that feeling, and let’s work through it.
When you book a shoot with me, we discuss your comfort zone. Are you nervous about profile shots, or would you prefer more action-based images where you’re doing something you love? Together, we design a session that feels authentic and comfortable to you.
Instead of focussing in on what you dislike, let’s play to what you love. Maybe you have a smile that lights up a room or eyes that sparkle when you talk about your passion. We’ll capture that energy and show it off to the world. I’ve seen people come in dreading the camera and leave feeling like they’ve had a fun, confidence-boosting day out.
Perfect symmetry and airbrushed features aren’t what make someone beautiful. Your personality, your laugh lines, your freckles do! These are the things that give a photo depth and tell a story. Embrace the traits that make you stand out.
I want you to know that you deserve photos that make you smile, feel proud, and say, “Yes, that’s really me.” If you’ve spent years avoiding the camera, maybe now is the time to change that. My superpower is helping even the most camera-shy individuals relax and enjoy the process. No forced smiles, no awkward poses, and absolutely no judgment.
Let’s connect and make your next photo session something to look forward to. Because once you see what’s possible, you just might find that you never truly hated being photographed, you just hadn’t found the right way to do it.
Lots of Love,
Iska
xx
Not convinced yet? Head over to my blog on why it’s a great idea to invest in brand photography, or get in touch.