Learn to Overcome Nervousness in Portrait Photography — Part 1

Are you nervous when you have to do portraits or just photograph people? We know all about nervousness and uncertainty, both from our own experience as professional photographers and having taught hundreds of photographers, journalists and communicators.

Nervousness and uncertainty are natural and good, because it tells you that something is at stake, that it matters and it makes us do our best. But the nervousness must not take over either you or your model.

With our long experience in creating personal portraits, we have learned to harness nervousness and rein it in, creating peace, security and tranquility — both for the photographer and the model.

Because as you've probably experienced, most people aren't used to being in front of a camera. It may feel awkward and unnatural and your model may be uncomfortable with how she or he will now appear in the finished photos.

So here are a few of our best tips on how to approach your photography with more confidence and at the same time create confidence in your portrait model.

For 2 nervous people is not a good start to a successful photo shoot.

Tip 1: Prepare thoroughly before shooting — also mentally

Good preparation is the key to successful portrait photography. Make sure all equipment is ready before your model arrives:

Check camera, batteries, memory card or film ---- everything must be tested and prepared.
Give yourself five minutes before the photo shoot ---- sit in the room, relax and visualize the progress.
Imagine the perfect session ---- imagine that you create amazing images and that the model goes happy from there.

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Tip 2: Always keep your cheatsheet in your back pocket

Even simple photo shoots require structure. Write down your most important notes on paper or in a notebook:

Points to remember ---- What should you remember along the way? These can be important techniques or ideas for the session.
Timetable ---- A brief outline of how to allocate the time you have available.
Posing and lighting setup ---- what you want to try out.

It may never come into use, but it gives tremendous peace of mind to know that you have a plan if you get stuck.

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Tip 3: Don't be late

It seems obvious, but as a photographer you can't allow yourself to be late. Make sure that:

Meet in good time ---- Always arrive a little earlier so you have time to get ready.
Check equipment and lights - before the shooting starts.
Create a calm start for the model ---- everyone gets insecure and nervous if it all happens at the last minute.

If you have a hard time keeping up with times, that's something you need to actively work on.

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Tip 4: Expectation tuning

One of the major pitfalls that create unnecessary frustrations and bad experiences is the lack of expectation matching Both in relation to yourself and the person being photographed. Be sure to reconcile all aspects of photography

Time consumption ---- be honest about how long the session takes. It's no use that you say it only takes a quarter of an hour when you know it takes an hour.
Clothing, makeup and styling ---- give precise guidelines.
Purpose of the images ---- Remember to talk about need, not product. Talk to the model or customer about what the image will be used for. It's your job to translate it into the right kind of images.
Finances and delivery ---- Make sure you have precise delivery agreements that all parties agree to in writing.

Tip 5: You need to be empathetic and open — but also professional

Security is created in two ways:

1. By being professional and showing that you have mastered the technique.
2. By being empathetic, listening and appreciative.

Many photographers fall into one of two traps: Either they become too controlling and hide behind the camera, or they listen so much that they lose leadership. You need to be able to balance both roles — be both accommodating and the professional who sets the stage and creates results. Only in this way will you create true security and confidence so that your model will follow you.

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Tip 6: Keep track of time

Mastering time management is essential for a successful photo shoot. For example, if you have 45 minutes, estimate in advance how much time you will spend on the different stages and make a schedule.

Think about the things that can happen during the photo shoot. You guys need to talk, there needs to be time to get in and out the door and finish photography. There may also be unforeseen things, such as a toilet visit or having to change the light setting along the way. Getting used to thinking about how time is spent is one of the most important ways to get better photos. Time optimism and time blindness are one of the most dangerous pitfalls for both experienced and inexperienced photographers and at the same time an easy thing to get to grips with.

By structuring your time, you create a relaxed atmosphere and avoid stressful, hasty decisions.

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Tip 7: The psychogeography

The spaces we are in affect our emotions enormously. The space, the light, the temperature — everything around us can make us feel comfortable for fashion, safe and relaxed. Or stressed, insecure and nervous. And everything in between. Therefore, it is extremely important that you think about the mood you set, whether you are receiving people in your own portrait studio or doing work on location.

With simple grips and small means, you can tweak the mood with lights, furniture, carpets. Use music. Make sure there is fresh good coffee and cold water ready and think about how you and your model and any others present will move around and use the space. For example, make sure that there is room for personal belongings and a place to put your clothes, and that the place where you sit and talk is somewhere different from where the photo shoot is supposed to take place.

Read Part 2 here >