5 Tips To Overcome Your Fear of the Camera: Non Influencers & Business Owners Alike
If you're one of my camera-shy online friends, just know you are not alone. There's many of us that are terrified at the thought of stepping in front of a camera, forget getting to the point where you'll speak to it! But fret no more my friends, I'll give you a few tips to take the plunge, and never look back!
Embrace Your Inner Beyoncé
So okay okay…forget the gender aspect of Beyonce, the point is confidence! I feel pretty confident that as a fellow human, there are moments, when we are alone, and the version of us that is most confident comes to the surface. You know those singing in the shower moments or when you're in your car having your own concert. You want to tap into that, that person is definitely a part of you, and can help to give you the confidence boost you need.
Practice, Practice, and Practice More
The old saying of “practice makes perfect” can be thrown out the window and kicked across the street. We are not seeking perfection, we are seeking improvement, every time we show up, we want to be a little better than we were before. Emphasis on the “better than WE were”, no one else should come to mind when comparing ourselves.
Start by recording your voice with the voice recordings app on your phone…get used to the sound of your own voice and certain characteristics of it. Do you tend to take long pauses, do you ramble, do you make a lot of mouth sounds? Figure it out, work to improve what you think needs improvement, then work on recording yourself in front of the camera next. Repeat the process…spot the areas of improvement, then work on improving them. Once you get past this stage, you'll likely be much more comfortable with yourself and being in front of the camera.
Dress For The Part
We all love to look good. It's an instant confidence booster. Whether it's your hair, your clothing, or the whole package put together, show up presenting yourself in a way that makes you feel most confident. Accessorize if that's your thing and most of all, be comfortable! Nothing's worse than looking good, but you're also incapable of movement. No bueno!
Work Your Angles
We all have a preferred “good side”, find yours. Once you've made some progress with showing up, you'll be in the next phase of experimentation with improving your settings as well. Explore different camera angles, lighting to find what looks most flattering for you and the space you're in.
Don't Be Too Hard On Yourself
You may know this, but if not, come closer….listen up….everyone started somewhere. Find your favorite online personality, favorite celebrity, whoever, go back and look at their work in the beginning. You'll find that who they've evolved into or how their work has evolved over time is dramatically different from where they are and where they started. So embrace the imperfections, they make you human…work to make continuous improvements, and laugh at yourself instead of beating yourself up.
Now, go on my online friend who is no longer camera shy, happy recording. Maybe even tag us in your first or next video and tell us what improvements you've made since reading this blog!