Five Tips for Looking Confident in Front of the Camera
5 Simple Tips to Look Confident in Front of the Camera
(Even If You’re Not a Model)
If you run a business or personal brand, your photos aren’t just pictures—they’re a powerful tool to help people connect with you. But if the thought of standing in front of a camera makes you freeze, you’re not alone. As a London-based personal brand photographer, one of the most common questions I hear is:
👉 “How do I look confident in photos?”
The camera has a way of picking up every hint of nervousness, folded arms, stiff shoulders, that “deer in the headlights” stare. Just before you get triggered, the good news is that confidence isn’t something you’re born with on camera. It’s something you can learn and embody with the right techniques.
Whether you’re prepping for a brand photography shoot, new headshots, or creating content for your website, these five simple tips will help you look relaxed, authentic, and confident.
1. Discover Your Best Side
Everyone has a side or angle that naturally photographs better. Taking a few minutes to find yours is a game-changer for posing.
* Stand in front of a mirror and experiment with turning your head and body slightly.
* Use your phone to take quick snaps from different angles.
* Notice which side feels more “you” and looks natural.
When you know your angles ahead of time, you’ll feel less awkward and more prepared on shoot day.
2. Build a Confidence Mood Board
Before your personal branding photoshoot, spend some time gathering inspiration.
* Create a Pinterest board or save Instagram posts that reflect the vibe you want.
* Look at how people hold themselves, their facial expressions, and the overall energy of the images.
* Practise a few of those poses in front of the mirror; it might feel odd at first, but it builds muscle memory.
This not only helps you visualise what works for your brand but also gives your photographer a clear sense of the look and feel you want to achieve.
3. Let Your Eyes Lead
Your eyes tell your story before you even say a word; they set the tone, build trust, and communicate confidence.
* Make direct eye contact with the camera to appear present and engaged.
* Slightly narrow your lower eyelids; this subtle change makes your gaze stronger and more intentional.
* Practise your expression in the mirror so it feels natural, not forced.
4. Lift, Lengthen, and Own Your Posture
A few small tweaks to your posture can instantly transform how confident you appear. Cameras can sometimes compress features, so try this;
* Imagine a string gently pulling the centre of your forehead upwards.
* Extend your neck slightly forward and down, and relax your shoulders.
* Keep your chin lifted, not tucked in.
This technique sharpens your jawline, opens up your posture, and gives you a composed, self-assured presence on camera.
5. Shake It Out and Have Fun
Confidence isn’t just in the pose, it’s in the energy. If you’re stiff or nervous, it’ll show. Before your shoot:
* Shake out your arms, hands, and shoulders.
* Play your favourite upbeat playlist.
* Do a quick dance, laugh, or even chat with your photographer to loosen up.
When you’re relaxed, your personality shines through and that’s exactly what helps your audience connect with you.
Ready to Feel Confident in Front of the Camera?
Looking confident in photos isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being present, prepared, and yourself. Whether you’re updating your LinkedIn headshots, planning a personal branding shoot, or creating new website imagery, these small steps make a huge difference.
📸 If you’re ready to step in front of the camera with ease, working with a professional who knows how to guide you can transform your experience. My personal branding photography sessions in Kensington are designed to help you look confident, approachable, and aligned with your brand without the awkwardness.
👉 [Get in touch](to book your shoot and let’s create images that truly reflect *you*.