A lot of people think that they can’t be a creator because they feel awkward on camera. Maybe they don’t know how to pose or they just don’t like the sound of their voice on video. Feeling awkward on camera is normal. And trust me, there were times that I didn’t know what to do with my hands either. But feeling more comfortable in front of the camera is going to take some work. To help get you started, here are 8 tips on feeling more comfortable in front of the camera.

1. Wear what makes you feel good

Whether that is makeup, no makeup, high heels, jeans, a bowtie – whatever! Wearing something that you don’t feel comfortable or confident in will only result in a picture that you look uncomfortable in. I have completely changed my outfits for photoshoots specifically because I wasn’t comfortable with what I was wearing. And it definitely showed in the pictures I was taking. If you feel uncomfortable then you will look uncomfortable – trust me.

The same goes for video. And is actually more important for video. Because for photo, if you’re uncomfortable, you could fake it until you can change. But a video takes longer to shoot which leaves you feeling uncomfortable for longer. Or worse – filming everything and realizing afterwards that you hate the way you look. Do yourself a favor and start with an outfit that already makes you feel good. And always try that outfit on before shoot day!

2. Look up posing references to feel less awkward on camera

Sometimes it’s hard to know what to do with your body – especially your hands! But by looking at what other people are doing, it can give you some direction. Save posts on Instagram from people who give you pose or style inspiration. Or look on Pinterest for help too.

For example, I looked up ‘corn stalk model photography’ on Pinterest for inspiration on this photo:

This tip will come in handy especially when it comes to getting photo content for a brand partnership. It can be harder to imagine how to pose with a product or style a look when there is a little more pressure to perform. And finding a natural pose is a hell of a lot better than just holding a product next to your face.

3. Don’t try to pose

This is a disclaimer for the above point. Everyone eventually develops their own personal style of posing for what feels natural to them. In other words, the posts you are saving or the models you are referencing have already developed their own comfortability on camera. Don’t go in front of the camera trying to mimic EXACTLY what someone else did. Instead, use their poses as a reference. You’re you! Act and react as YOU would, otherwise it may look fake. Sooner or later you will develop your own natural way of posing that looks and feels 100% you.

Pro tip: Sometimes the wind IS a paid actor. Which makes your job easier than ever.

4. Play music to help you feel less awkward on camera

Honestly, I still play music when I have the chance to without disrupting other people in public. I play music that makes me feel fierce, invincible, and what puts a smile on my face. Playing music will help loosen you up and it will help you have something to react to. Pose-wise and facial-wise. Make a playlist on Spotify for yourself that has all of your favorite songs. Play a song or two while taking pictures to get you out of your nerves.

5. Get your photographer involved

If your photographer is having fun with you, you’ll find that you don’t feel so uncomfortable. It will feel less like they are taking your picture and more like they are just hanging out with you. My husband, Cody, loves doing this by saying things like “oh girl, get it. POSE POSE WORK IT!” Having someone like this behind the camera definitely brings a smile to your face. And that smile will be so natural that it just radiates beauty for miles. Not to mention that your pictures will come out looking stunning!

6. Don’t be afraid to dance

This goes hand-in-hand with the music tip. It’s easier to pose when you’re not thinking about it. And by moving your body, you can have your photographer just hold down the button. What results are some more natural looking, non-posed pictures! Dancing will also help you loosen up your shoulders. If you’re tense, nervous or just generally feeling awkward on camera, it will show in your shoulders.

Additionally dancing or moving around frequently will break you out of a “stand-and-pose” routine. This is best described as the hand-on-one-hip-opposite-leg-popped-to-side pose. It’s a classic pose, don’t get me wrong. But you want variety, don’t you? You don’t always need to be strictly facing front. Try side angles, not even looking at the camera at all, a twirl, leaning on a railing. There’s so many options when it comes to not feeling more comfortable with your photos!

7. Wear sunglasses to make you feel less awkward on camera

I found it much less intimidating to be in front of the camera when I was hiding my eyes. Especially because you can look down or to the side, and the pictures still look like you’re looking at the camera. Sunglasses help to hide shy eyes and can help your pictures come out looking a little more confident!

8. If all else fails, liquid courage helps (if you are of legal drinking age)

Let’s be honest, alcohol does help in confidence levels sometimes. Not only that, but if you’re nervous on camera, you’re probably stiff. An adult beverage can help you feel a little bit more loosey-goosey and not so stiff. It’s literally called liquid courage for a reason! Pair this with wearing sunglasses and playing music if you’re still feeling awkward on camera, and see the difference.

Please drink responsibility. Your health and safety should never come before getting pictures or videos for fun.

Feeling comfortable on camera takes practice

It takes some time to feel comfortable on camera whether it’s a picture or video so give yourself time. Change does not happen in one single photoshoot. And your progress will always be tested in new situations. When you feel comfortable in one setting, it means you’re ready for the next step forward. For some that will mean filming videos in public. Or simply just getting used to the sound of their on voice on camera.

It’s not so scary and it’s not that intimidating once you get used to it because practice makes perfect! Work past those uncomfortable feelings because once you get past that, you will start to glow on your own. Better yet, it means your content is expanding. And who knows what brands will be watching you then.