Do you love taking pictures but feel anxious when walking into a brides getting ready room or feel extra quesy right before a client meeting? I have always been a introvert. The idea of doing anything in public that would make me the center of attention has always made me extremely nauseous. As a portrait and wedding photographer, you have to speak up in order to get the kind of results you want from a session or wedding day. You have to get the results your clients expect.

I love photographing people. I love what I do, but when I first started shooting weddings, I was terrified. I got nervous when Chelsea had to go and get something in the other room and I was left alone with the bride and her bridesmaids. Having six or more people completely focused on my was extremely overwhelming.

I soon came to realize that in order to do what I loved and in order to be a good photographer, I had to figure out how to beat my anxiety. My first piece of advice is to ask yourself, “Why?”. Why does ___ make me feel ___?

For me, I realized I was afraid of rejection and afraid of failing. I was nervous I would say the wrong thing or put the couple in the wrong type of light. By narrowing down my why, I was able to focus on things I could do to eliminate my fear of failing.

I have three main things I did to help with my anxiety.

01. Practice your craft and educate yourself. 

Early on, I didn’t know as much as I do today about posing, lighting, and editing. There is a learning curve to everything. Because I was feeling extra anxious, I put more extra time into learning as much as I could. The more comfortable I felt, the more confident I became when handling my camera and couching a couple into a pose.

02. Find a photography buddy. 

Even if you are a solopreneur, it is so important to have a photography friend. You need to have someone that can support you, learn with you, and someone who is not afraid to tell you what you need to do to improve on yourself and your business.

03. Pray.

There is nothing better for the soul than prayer. Every time I feel anxious I go to a quiet place, take some deep breaths, and pray.