Building Confidence As A Photographer
Putting yourself out there in any industry is hard, including photography. While I’ve built up an amazing career with confidence along the way, I didn’t always feel that way. In this blog post, I’ll take you through some of my top tips on gaining the confidence you need.
Offer Free Sessions
Now, I don’t usually recommend taking on work for free. But when you’re a photographer building your portfolio and confidence, sometimes you have to! I’ll be the first to admit that I offered way too many free sessions when I was first starting out, but it helped me become the successful photographer I am today.
I'm generally a very confident person overall, but working with clients can be rather intimidating. Taking free photos can make this a little easier. It takes some of the pressure off and gives you the chance to experiment and practice.
You have to practice! If you're looking to become a photographer or just improve your photography skills, my best and really only advice is to just get out there and shoot!
Work with Someone You Know
Working with clients can be pretty nerve-wracking when you're first starting out, which is why I am so grateful to have had Steph and Harper to capture to help me build my photography confidence and skills! Steph and I have known each other since we were just young kids in primary school. She is actually my youngest's sister's age and friend, so I have known her through my sister. As we grew older, we remained friends and stayed in touch, mainly through social media. When she moved back home after spending 8 years living and working in Asia, I reconnected with Steph and by this time, she had a little one of her own, Harper!
Because I was such good friends with Steph, working with her just felt like two friends catching up, and less like I was trying to capture a stranger and her daughter in a photograph. Because I was able to photograph them in 2021 when I first started photographing, I was much more eager to photograph them again in 2022!
“My favorite photos have come from Janelle. She makes the atmosphere fun, calm and enjoyable while taking your pictures. Janelle takes pride in her work and will go to any length to get you the best photos. I have a toddler and Janelle is patient and understanding when it comes to taking my little girl’s photos! I’ve never had such a positive, upbeat and fun time having my pictures taken. I highly recommend having Janelle take your photos - she won’t disappoint.”
Step Out of Your Comfort Zone
These photos were taken at 1pm - right in the middle of a summer day when the sun was its highest in the sky and brightest! Although I usually don't recommend photographing at this time of the day (I always recommend golden hour either during the morning or the evening!), Harper's naptime fell right before 1pm meaning she would be alert, awake, and super energetic for the timing of the shoot! It’s always important to take your client’s schedule into account.
This worked great for me because it meant I could practice photographing in harsh sunlight. Steph and Harper were more than up to the challenge! With future shoots that may occur during the middle of the day when the sun is super bright, I know exactly how to position my clients to ensure I get the best photo results!
Give It Your All
Even if you’re trying something new or offering free photos, that doesn’t mean you can slack off. Offering free work doesn't mean you don't give it 100% at shoots. In fact, I think I tried even HARDER at these shoots because I saw these shoots as such a great opportunity for me to hone my skills as a photographer so that down the road I could begin to charge for my photo sessions. Every shoot matters, especially to the client, so you have to give it your very best.
