How I help clients feel at ease in front of the camera
“I’m not good in front of the camera.”
It’s one of the most common things I hear when someone first gets in touch about a brand shoot. And I completely get it. Having your photo taken can feel exposing, especially if you’ve had an experience in the past that left you feeling awkward, or with photos you didn’t want to use.
Putting people at ease is the part of my job I care about most. Great photos don’t start on the shoot day – they start with feeling safe, prepared and understood. Let me show you what that looks like, through the story of one of my clients.
Meet Corinne
Corinne is a somatic mind-body practitioner, and she needed new brand photos for her website and marketing. But she was nervous about booking another shoot.
She’d had brand photos taken before and come away with only a handful she felt she could use. Corinne told me she was autistic, and it was clear that feeling comfortable with her photographer mattered enormously to her, and so did finding someone who would really listen to her creative vision.
She had very clear ideas about what she wanted her photos to convey, and she needed to know they’d be heard.
Taking our time
We started with a long discovery call, so Corinne had plenty of space to talk me through her brand and her vision for the shoot, and to get a feel for how we’d work together. Once she’d booked, she filled in my client questionnaire, which helps me take a deep dive into a client’s business, their audience and the story they want their photos to tell.
Corinne also created a Pinterest board to capture the look and feel she was after. We went through it together on a clarity call, talking about what she loved and why.
Getting on the same page
From there, I put together a detailed shoot plan, covering the locations, outfits, shot list and props, and shared it with Corinne for feedback.
Corinne still had some questions and things she wanted to clarify, and that was exactly as it should be. We kept talking things through and refining the plan until we both felt 100% confident we were working towards the same creative vision.
This stage can feel like a lot of preparation, but it’s where the magic really happens. When you know exactly what to expect – where we’ll be, what you’ll wear, what kinds of shots we’re getting and why – there are no surprises on the day. That’s not to say there’s no room for creativity on the day, but it frees you up to relax and be yourself.
We held the shoot at my home, which I style as a calm, welcoming space for my clients.
Afterwards, Corinne said: “I really enjoyed the shoot day, Sarah was so friendly and really put me at ease, and it was a great experience. She also has a beautiful home! I am over the moon with the photos and they fit perfectly with my brand and website, I am sure they will do wonders for my business.”
Same person, different experience
Nothing about Corinne changed between her first brand shoot and her second. What changed was the experience – feeling heard, feeling prepared, and feeling comfortable with the person holding the camera.
And it’s why I don’t believe in the word “unphotogenic”. Photos can be flattering or unflattering for all of us. Getting ones that feel authentically you, and that you’re proud to share, comes down to how relaxed and seen you feel – and the skill of your photographer.
The shoot day
I know how much the right preparation matters, especially for neurodivergent clients, and for anyone who finds a shoot daunting (which I’d say is a solid 90% of us!). There’s no one right way to do a brand shoot, and I’m always happy to shape the process around what works for you.
I offer shoots at different price points, and all of them start with a free call before you book. Below is the approach I take, from first chat to shoot day. The clarity call and detailed shoot plan are part of my Brand Story shoots, which are a great option if you’d like the deepest level of support and collaboration.
A conversation first. A free call before you book, so you can ask questions and see whether we’re a good fit, with no pressure.
Getting to know your brand. My questionnaire helps me understand your business, your values and the story you want to tell.
Clarity and planning call. This is where we work through all the details around locations, outfits, styling, vibe and shot list.
A clear plan. A detailed shoot plan, shaped with your feedback, so you know exactly what to expect.
Gentle direction on the day. You don’t need to know how to pose – that’s my job. I’ll guide you throughout, and we’ll take things at your pace.
A beautiful setting. Whether we’re at my home or a location we’ve chosen together, I pay attention to every detail so the environment feels right for you and your brand.
Working in a way that suits you. Everyone experiences a shoot differently, and I’m always happy to adapt. Whether you’re neurodivergent, anxious about being photographed, or simply have a way of working that helps you feel your best, just let me know. That might mean more time to prepare, a detailed written plan, regular breaks, a quieter location, or anything else that helps.
Ready to feel at ease in front of the camera?
If you’ve been putting off brand photos because you feel awkward or nervous, I’d love to help you have a different experience.
Book a free call with me and we can talk about your brand, your worries and what a shoot could look like for you.
How I put my clients at ease
If you’re looking for some new brand photos full of soul and personality and want it to be a joyful experience then please get in touch at sarah@sarahoughton.co.uk
