The 5 Most Common Fears Before a Photoshoot & How to Overcome Them
So you’ve thought about booking a photoshoot. Maybe for your birthday, expecting a baby, or just because it’s time you were in the photo for once.
But then the doubts creep in.
You’re not alone. As a portrait photographer, I’ve heard it all—and felt it myself too. Here are the five most common fears I hear before a session, and a few calm, practical ways to move through them.
1. “I don’t know how to pose. What if I look awkward?”
The fear: You’re worried you’ll look stiff and unnatural.
The truth: Most people feel this way until I start guiding you the whole way. You don’t need to know what to do with your hands or where to look. That’s my job :)
What helps:
Think of it as a conversation, not a modelling job.
I’ll give you gentle direction, then encourage movement and micro-moments that feel natural.
You might even forget the camera is there (it happens more often than you'd think).
I have created a Free Posing Guide to study before your session. It has lots of practical tools on how to feel more at ease when being photographed. It is all about angles and posture, super simple…
2. “I don’t feel confident in my body right now.”
The fear: You’re not at your “ideal weight” or you’ve been putting off photos until you feel better in your skin.
The truth: Your current self is already worthy of being seen and celebrated. This is the only version of you that exists right now. She’s enough.
What helps:
Choose clothes that feel like you and also compliments your body.
Let’s photograph the energy, not just the outfit.
My sessions are designed to slow down and honour your season of life in a flattering way. Even if you want to hide something, we will use light and shadow to achieve the result you want.
3. “What if I don’t like how I look in the photos?”
The fear: You’re worried you’ll feel disappointed or pick yourself apart.
The truth: That voice of self-criticism is loud for many of us. But when you’re photographed with care, you often see something different: softness, strength, presence.
What helps:
You’ll get to be part of the selection process.
I only deliver photos that show you at your best—no awkward ones make the cut.
I will also edit out all possible imperfections you don’t want to be there. We will create a fine art of you!
4. “I don’t have the right clothes / hair / makeup.”
The fear: You feel unprepared, or that you have to look ‘put together’ in a way that doesn’t feel like you.
The truth: The best sessions come from feeling comfortable, not polished. You're allowed to show up just as you are.
What helps:
Keep it simple. Choose one or two outfits you feel good in.
Hair and makeup can be minimal or none at all.
If you need guidance, I’m happy to help you plan.
I also work with amazing hair and make up artist, who can elevate your look.
5. “What if it feels too vulnerable?”
The fear: You worry it’ll bring up emotions, or feel too exposing.
The truth: Yes, it can feel vulnerable and that’s not a bad thing. It means you're showing up fully.
What helps:
My sessions are paced and calm. We have 2 to 3 hours together and we wont rush it.
We’ll ease in, check in, and I’ll gently hold space for whatever comes up.
Many women walk away not just with portraits, but with a sense of release and grounding.
In the end…
You don’t have to wait for the perfect time.
The perfect version of you isn’t out there somewhere… it’s already here!
My job is to help you see it.
And if you’ve got other fears? Send me a message. I’ll walk you through it, no pressure.
Sometimes just talking it out helps.