You Don’t Need To Feel Confident Before You Book The Shoot
Working at Candid has taught me something surprising: confidence rarely arrives first. A personal reflection on photoshoot nerves, self-doubt, and how spending time with our clients has changed the way I think about being seen and showing up for myself.
“Confidence isn’t always what people bring to the shoot. Sometimes it’s what they leave with."
- Elena
You Don’t Need To Feel Confident Before You Book The Shoot
You’d be surprised how many people apologise and “pre-warn me” when they first walk into the studio.
"I’m literally the most awkward person taking photos."
"I’m just really unphotogenic."
"I need at least 1 photo, let’s hope I get that"
I hear different versions of this almost every day. And honestly? I get it.
Working at Candid, I’ve supported people through everything from personal branding shoots to self-love sessions and I’ve watched so many clients walk through the door carrying nerves, self-doubt or the belief that they’re somehow “bad at being photographed” or “not beautiful enough”.
But here’s the thing I don’t talk about enough: I’ve felt that too. A lot.
There have been days where even taking the simple test shot of myself felt difficult. Days where self-doubt was way louder than confidence. Days where being seen felt superrrrrr uncomfortable.
So when someone tells me they’re nervous before a shoot, I don’t think they’re being dramatic or silly. I think: of course you’re nervous.
Because getting your photo taken can feel incredibly vulnerable and scary !!!
The pressure to already be “confident”
I think a lot of people believe confidence is the entry requirement.
That you’re supposed to book the shoot once you’ve reached some magical point where you love yourself, know your angles, feel completely comfortable in your body and suddenly know exactly what to do with your hands.
But I’ve realised that’s not really how it works.
People don’t come to Candid because they already have everything figured out.
Often, they come in because they’re working on it.
Because they’re building confidence.
Because they want to celebrate a version of themselves that’s growing, changing, healing, starting over, stepping into something new…or simply because they want to feel more connected to themselves.
And working at Candid has taught me something really important:
Most people don’t arrive feeling fearless.
They arrive human.
A bit nervous. A bit excited. A bit insecure. A bit unsure. Sometimes all at once.
The unexpected thing about working at Candid
One of the reasons I love working at Candid is because it’s such an open and honest space.
Of course we’re taking photos but there’s also so much conversation, connection and learning happening in the room.
I’ve had clients inspire me without even realising it. I’ve listened to people talk about career changes, heartbreak, confidence journeys, starting businesses, moving countries, grief, becoming parents, rediscovering themselves after difficult seasons of life.
And I leave so many of those conversations deeply moved and thinking: wow, that was so brave.
Not because someone walked in overflowing with confidence.
Because they showed up anyway.
Because they let themselves be seen.
Because they trusted the process, even when they felt nervous.
The funny thing is, spending time with our clients has actually changed my relationship with confidence too.
I’ve realised confidence doesn’t always look loud, polished or effortless.
Sometimes confidence looks like booking the thing even though you’re insanely anxious.
Sometimes it looks like showing up on a day where low self-esteem is kicking your butt.
Sometimes it looks like letting yourself take up space without apologising for it.
Watching people choose that again and again has genuinely inspired me to be kinder to myself too and to say F*** IT !!!! I can do hard things !!!
What actually helps
So, what actually helps when you’re nervous about getting your photo taken?
Not perfection. Not pretending you’re confident when you’re not. Not arriving as some upgraded “better” version of yourself.
Honestly? I think what helps is feeling supported. Feeling guided. Feeling understood. Feeling like you don’t have to perform. At Candid, creating that sense of ease, kindness and support is a huge part of our job. We want you to feel comfortable before we throw you in the deep end.
At the studio, the first few minutes are often exactly what you’d expect: slightly awkward, slightly overthought and uncertainty about how to hold the clicker.
And then once the curtains close and there’s space to settle into the shoot alone, something changes.
People laugh.
People relax.
People start singing along to the music.
People stop trying so hard to get it right and usually end up loving the more candid, in the moment photos.
And once that pressure softens, something wonderful usually shows up: personality, warmth, softness, playfulness, honesty.
The person who was there all along <3
That’s why I personally don’t think you need to wait until you feel fully confident before booking a shoot.
Because confidence isn’t always what people bring to the experience.
Sometimes it’s what they leave with.
And if you’re feeling nervous?
You’re in very good company. The Candid girls have got you <3
Love ya Icon & see you soon
Elena AKA Lenny xoxo
Thinking about booking your own shoot? Have a look around our studio or drop us a message - we’d love to meet you and support you through the process, nerves, confidence and all.
