One of the things that most people don’t consider is how they appear on camera. Some people are more natural with it, however, most are not. Whether you are having your photo taken or taking a photo or video yourself, there is an adjustment needed to appear natural. However, when most people try to ‘act natural’, they usually come off as anything but.
Act like you’re alone
There’s a reason for the phrase ‘dance like no one’s watching’ and that is because it is difficult to be vulnerable in public settings. It sounds counter-intuitive, however, you may need to act like you’re the only one at the party. When you can pretend that you are alone or at least, that things are candid, then you have the ability to be far more relaxed. Cathyrn Hart of Backstage (2021) actually remarked that allowing your body to “slob out” will make the task far easier. Bringing someone in to shoot a photo session for you, it’s not easy to relax entirely. Filming yourself is much of the same experience. Planning your talking points, rehearsing, and making sure the angle is flattering is how to make that process far smoother (Knott, 2023). Pictures are no different. Having a vision for the shoot and being able to execute it will be majorly beneficial.
Actions over poses
Actions are far easier to appear natural rather than posing and presenting yourself as something else. Posing is the act of “behaving affectedly in order to impress others”, which implies something that is not natural. But when you are doing something - skipping, running, or walking - it makes the job of the photographer far easier. Looking back and forth from the camera will also make the end result easier (Cavazzana, 2023). Even talking with other people can make it appear far more candid (Casey, 2019). No matter what activity you decide on, it can make things feel so much more relaxed.
Using props
As I alluded to in the prior segment, having an activity to participate in makes things far more relaxed. The use of props can do the same thing. Whether you are holding a tool, a book, or an instrument, the process becomes photogenic, especially the more invested you are in the activity. Musicians have in many ways perfected this art. While performing, they are capable of managing their own stage presence in order to put on a good show, which leads to naturally impressive photos. Occasionally, some of those musicians can also bring additional props depending on the size and scale of their performance, which makes the photos appear even more grandiose. But as far as natural images, there is typically no more natural image than someone who knows exactly what they are doing and executing it flawlessly.
This apprehension is perfectly natural and common. It’s the same as stage fright. People have difficulty with public speaking, performing in front of others, and other public acts. Why would it be less difficult to appear natural on camera? In any case, I hope that perhaps I have added something to your next session and that you have a great week.
All the best,
Logan Clark
Works Cited
Casey, Colleen. “How to Look Natural on Camera: Advice from a YouTuber.” Empower Writing, 30 January 2019, https://empowerwriting.com/look-natural-on-camera/. Accessed 5 June 2024.
Cavazzana, Leonardo. “20 Tips to Be More Photogenic (Works for Anyone!).” Shotkit, 8 August 2023, https://shotkit.com/be-more-photogenic/. Accessed 5 June 2024.
Hart, Cathryn. “3 Tips for Being Natural on Camera.” Backstage, 21 May 2021, https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/tips-natural-camera-9024/. Accessed 5 June 2024.
Knott, Ryan. “How to Get More Comfortable on Camera?” TechSmith, 7 June 2023, https://www.techsmith.com/blog/get-comfortable-on-camera/. Accessed 5 June 2024.