Top Reasons Why People Avoid Getting Their Photos Taken and How to Overcome It

Not everyone loves getting their photos taken. In fact, many women feel self-conscious, insecure, and camera shy mainly because of body image concerns. It’s a common problem that prevents many from experiencing the benefits of photography, including letting go and expressing yourself. But with a few tips, and with the right photographer who can put you at ease and draw out your confidence during a shoot, you can learn how to overcome your insecurities and feel beautiful. Let’s discuss the top reasons why people avoid getting their photos taken and outline solutions so you can start documenting who you are as you are right now. 

Here are the 4 top reasons why people avoid getting their photos taken:

1. I’m not photogenic

Unfortunately, due to societal expectations, culture, and, of course, the media, women are taught to uphold an image of themselves. One that is always beautiful, wrinkle-free (god forbid), and poised. These concepts are ingrained in our identity, and if we see a photo of ourselves where we think we look ugly, old, or tired, our self-worth decreases. 

And if we see enough of these photos over time, we may believe we’re not photogenic. Or we might say, “I’ve never liked a photo of myself”. So, when we get in front of the camera, we may hide. We may hunch our body forward with our legs and arms pulled close, which changes the photo and how we look entirely. You have to have someone to direct and pose you to capture the best image.

So, if you’re like the millions of women who hate their photos because they feel unphotogenic, you’re not alone. It’s also not easy to jump from feeling insecure to confident overnight. But the right photographer knows how to draw out your confidence before a photoshoot. They also direct and guide you to show your best angles, use expert lighting (so important), and how to even smile with your eyes. 

Every resource is set in place to make you feel your best. Even better you’ll see yourself as you are instead of how you think you look (way more beautiful!). 

2. I need to lose weight

Body image insecurities are a universal problem. With blurred filters, “The ideal body type”, and expectations, it’s no surprise that everyone has insecurities about their image, particularly their weight. 

So, how do you improve your body image concerns, especially when taking photos? Small steps and a lot of internal work. Some strategies for accepting yourself include challenging your self-critic. Whenever it pops up, acknowledge its presence and focus on naming things you are grateful about your body - a body neutrality approach. 

This approach provides a neutral stance; some days, you may like your body, and some days you may not, and that’s okay. What’s important is focusing on what your body does for you rather than what it looks like. 

For example, maybe you hate how your legs look, but you love that they let you explore, swim, walk, or move from one place to another. Looking at your body from this perspective will help you love it a little more. 

And when working with your photographer, be open about how you feel. Your photographer will provide empathy and guide you through every step of the process - so you feel safer, more relaxed, and more confident. 

Avoiding photos because you haven’t achieved the “Perfect” body type will keep you trapped in a cycle of not loving who you are. Instead, embrace the body you have right now, and celebrate who you are. You are so much more than how you perceive yourself. 

3. I don’t feel beautiful 

This reason stems from the previous one - a mash-up of societal expectations, culture, and media. Can’t we catch a break? 

Here’s the thing: we all battle insecurities, no matter what we look like. That’s because external expectations are affecting us left and right. Every time we scroll on social media, we subconsciously compare ourselves to the highlight reel. “If only I had her abs, her shiny hair, their slender body”, or (insert wish here). 

But that is our self-critic speaking, not you. And you deserve a lot more self-love. So, how do you overcome not feeling beautiful in front of the camera?

Every reason in this article shares the theme of internal work. Before you get to the studio, complete some self-reflection and challenge yourself. What about you makes you feel unattractive? If you were to dive deep into the core of these insecurities, what information would be revealed? For example, are they based on past experiences of getting your photos taken? 

Unfortunately, not all photographers know how to create flattering portraits. And if you’ve had horrible experiences in the past, it makes sense why you are hesitant to get photos taken. You probably received photos that didn't accurately portray how you really look and may have even highlighted your insecurities. 

But a great photographer uses a lot of angles, lighting, composition, and posing to capture a beautiful, strong image. When hiring your photographer, look at their portfolio and discuss any concerns or past experiences. Your photographer should aim first and foremost to make you feel comfortable, confident, and beautiful. 

4. It’s how much??

Professional photography is an investment. And sometimes it’s easier to invest in others - your children, your family, your spouse, or images for your career - than it is to invest in yourself. Investment and body image are two of the biggest reasons why people avoid getting their photos taken. Yet, I’ve had people tell me that after a session they appreciate their bodies more and see themselves differently or that this experience and photoshoot gave them the confidence to leave their job and pursue their dreams. 

Not to mention, this is your legacy. When we go, the first thing we go looking for is images of that person. People will choose images of you to hold, to show, and to remember you by. People will look at these images and talk about who you were. 

The value of a portrait is invaluable. And, there is a long-term investment that stems from photography. 

For example, when you receive photos, you receive a day entirely dedicated to your well-being and confidence. Professional hair and makeup are included, which elevates the entire experience of receiving a day focused on serving you while capturing gorgeous images. The right photographer will always aim to make you feel wonderful before taking your photo. You, therefore, walk away with a memento that reminds you of your innate beauty, power, and confidence no matter how you currently view yourself. 

Within my work, I consistently see a ripple effect with my clients. After clients leave my studio, they feel empowered, confident, and ready to take the feeling from the studio to other areas of their life. The price of their memento that initially stressed them becomes a worth-it moment. 

They see themselves in a different light, one that feels enough as they are today. It reminds them that they can cultivate this confidence again no matter what obstacle or challenge they experience because they will see it reflected back at them. And this is what I love about my career. 

I’m able to help clients build their self-worth during the studio, and they learn to take it beyond the studio. This ripple effect is impacting their families, their communities, and their lives in the most positive way possible.  If you have questions about my pricing, including everything you receive when you book a session, please schedule an initial FREE consultation with me. I will walk you through the entire process from start to finish, and talk through pricing and product. You deserve to have a memento that reminds you of your self-worth no matter your budget. And everyone deserves a gorgeous image to cherish today and be remembered by tomorrow.

Let’s build your confidence

There you have it, four top reasons why people avoid getting their photos taken and solutions photographers use to help you overcome your insecurities and build your confidence. 

This month, I have an exciting opportunity for you. At my studio, I’m promoting “Power Portrait”, which is a portrait that will highlight your personal power and confidence. And I want to hear from you personally. What makes you feel powerful? What makes you feel confident? 

Photography is a wonderful art form that helps us see ourselves differently. When we receive the end result after a fun session, we see a woman who is herself. A woman without the layers of societal expectations or insecurities. A woman who is beautiful, confident, and powerful. 

I want to help you see yourself this way because I believe one session can create a ripple effect in your life. After you see yourself and complete a day designed to uplift and empower you, you will have a mindset ready to bring confidence to every area of your life. 

I can’t wait to give this gift to you. Please schedule a consultation with me. I provide detailed consultations where you can discuss your concerns, offer professional hair and makeup, and provide fun and memorable sessions that help you feel powerful and confident. 

Also, please take a moment and comment below about what personally makes you feel powerful and confident. I’d love to hear from you. 

With love, 

Judith