“I Hate Having My Photo Taken” — Why That’s Normal (and Why It Doesn’t Matter)
If I had a pound for every time someone said,
“I hate having my photo taken,”
I could probably retire early.
I hear it from founders, consultants, creatives, entire leadership teams.
And almost always, it’s said with a bit of tension — like it’s a confession.
Here’s the truth: discomfort in front of the camera is completely normal.
It doesn’t mean you’re awkward. It doesn’t mean you’re “bad on camera”. And it definitely doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have professional photos.
Why almost nobody enjoys being photographed
Most people aren’t used to being observed.
In day-to-day life, you’re thinking, speaking, reacting — not analysing how your face looks from the outside. The moment a camera appears, that awareness flips inward. People stiffen. They try to “perform”. They overthink.
That’s human.
The problem isn’t the person in front of the lens.
It’s usually the experience behind it.
A good portrait isn’t about posing — it’s about direction
One of the biggest misconceptions about photography is that you need to know how to pose.
You don’t.
My job isn’t to put you in front of a backdrop and hope for the best. It’s to:
create a calm, unhurried environment
give clear, simple direction
know when something is working — and when it isn’t
read energy, not just light
When people feel looked after, they relax. When they relax, their expression changes. And that’s when images start to feel like you, not a version you’re trying to hold together.
Confidence isn’t forced — it’s built during the shoot
Strong portraits don’t come from telling someone to “look confident”.
They come from:
pace instead of pressure
trust instead of rushing
clarity instead of over-shooting
Confidence shows up when someone feels safe enough to stop performing.
That’s why people are often surprised by their images.
Not because they suddenly became photogenic — but because they finally recognised themselves.
Why avoiding photos holds your brand back
Whether you like it or not, photography is how people meet you now.
Before you’ve spoken.
Before they’ve read your website.
Before they’ve decided whether to trust you.
If you avoid being photographed because it feels uncomfortable, the story still gets told — just without you shaping it.
Professional photography isn’t about vanity.
It’s about clarity, credibility, and connection.
You don’t have to love the camera — you just have to trust the process
You don’t need to be confident.
You don’t need to know your angles.
You don’t need to enjoy every second.
You just need a photographer whose job is to make the process feel straightforward, human, and considered.
Most people leave a shoot saying the same thing:
“That wasn’t anywhere near as bad as I expected.”
That’s the goal.
If you’ve been putting it off because of nerves, you’re not alone.
And you don’t need to change who you are to get images that work.
You just need the right process.
