Free advice on conquering your camera-phobic fears

Most of the time, people just want nice looking pictures of themselves. But instead, they stress about what to wear, their hair and meeting a stranger with a camera in their hand. Sometimes it’s easier to let the photographer do all the hard work. Like using my eBooks to help your session:

• style guide [check],
• on the day magazine [check]
• and session guide [check].

All written with you in mind so you feel supported and validated ahead of time.

Just ask for yours.

Because my goal is to handle each and every person with dignity and grace (even if you decide to hire another photographer).

I know it can feel really scary to book a photographer and ask for help in creating a portrait you’re not embarrassed to use on social media. You might think, “Ugh, I don’t want people to laugh at me!” or “They’re going to think I’m showing off,” or “Do I look desperate,” or “Mandy only photographs real models, I’m just wasting her time.”

Take a deep breath. Try and calm those niggling doubts and negative hate-talk chattering in your mind. Those types of projections are assumptions conjured up to self-sabotage. And they are lies. Great big, fat lies. There are plenty of people who felt the same way, tentatively reached out to me and privately shared that they were really, really nervous before they met me.

Look around you, plenty of your friends and family nurture and support you. Even if you’re a shy, private and slightly introverted kinda of gal (just like me). I’m sure you have 3 close friends that could help: ask one to go clothes shopping, another to join you in a spa and perhaps even ask a friend to join you for a mini-makeover photoshoot with yours truly (my price includes a shoot for two).

Mandy’s a brilliant photographer and her personable personality makes me feel very comfortable working with her. Very professional and passionate photographer who have done numbers of amazing works. She is very easy going and friendly. It’s such a great pleasure to work with her. Highly recommend!

And when you ask for help, know that you can photograph beautifully, the women on my website aren’t models but slightly nervous, insecure people that wanted a nice photograph of themselves. Just like you.

Hoping for a flattering photograph of yourself is a perfectly lovely treat to experience. Wanting to celebrate an exciting event in your life with a new business headshot, actors profile or model portfolio is something to be proud of. Friends and family will be delighted to hear your great new and share your beautiful photographs.

Stand up tall. Be proud. Respect yourself. And get in touch. You might be pleasantly surprised by the support you get in return.

Amanda Herbert is the premier headshot photographer in Ryde and the Isle of Wight. Known for the genuine expressions she captures in her portraits of camera-shy women and small business owners looking for expressive portraits. Contact her Seaview home studio to book a session.

Amanda Herbert | Isle of Wight
Email: [email protected]