How to Mentally Prepare for a Photoshoot

Let’s face it, getting in front of the camera is TERRIFYING. It’s likely that negative thoughts start racing through your head for a whole host of reasons, from anxiety to body image and a whole host more. That’s why I’m working with my girl, Lyndsay Gilson of Embody You – Mindset + Stress Coaching, to bring you three tangible tips that will show you exactly how to mentally prepare for a photoshoot.

Visualize What You Want To Be

Visualize yourself confident in your session. Take a few minutes to close your eyes and visualize yourself walking into the session feeling confident, empowered, and at ease. Picture yourself being natural and yourself in front of the camera, interacting with the photographer and feeling great about how you look and how the shoot is going. Will this exercise mean you won’t have any nervousness? No, but it WILL help you set the tone for a more positive experience to mentally prepare you to own your present moment. Never underestimate the power to visualize and manifest a more positive experience for yourself.

Strike a Power Pose

Strike a POWER pose beforeeee you go into the session. Literally, check out certain stances in the mirror that make you feel like you’re in charge (like Rebecca did in Ted Lasso) OR try out stances that you feel comfortable posing in. When you assume a “power pose” or prepare a few stances prior to the session, you’re boosting your self-esteem and getting in practice. And practice helps boost confidence!

Take Deep Breaths

Instead of trying to force carving out a “zen” moment of time before your session for breath work if you’re experiencing nervous energy, do it simultaneously while you’re getting ready. Elongate your inhales through the nose and exhales through the mouth while in the shower, while doing your makeup and while commuting to the shoot. When you do this, you’re telling your nervous system that you are safe so it can go into relaxation mode instead of survival/ready to fight or flee mode!

You’ve Got the Tools to Mentally Prepare for Your Photoshoot

All you have to do is put them into practice. Make sure you’re sprinkling these in throughout the time leading up to your session, not just the day-of. Doing so will ensure that you are calm, confident, and ready to rock your session like no one has ever done before. When you’re calm and confident at your shoot, we can have fun and you can let your personality shine through!