Camera Shy? This will Help

“Common looking people are the best in the world: that is the reason the Lord makes so many of them.”
Abraham Lincoln

Good old Abe was correct in saying this.  We live in a  world of plastic surgery, anorexic models, and those “good looking people” we are bombarded with on the media and even at the grocery store when waiting on line.  Those magazines really can depress us. There was a survey that if a woman took 15 minutes in her day to glance at a magazine, or watch TV, she would get depressed about the way she looked.  Well folks, its all camera and lighting!  True there are many “beautiful” people in the media, but I’ve seen them without the lights, camera, makeup, etc.  They are as ordinary as you and I.  Yes, I can testify to this, but cannot tell you who they are because I cannot breach the confidentiality of my clients.

We are all common looking when you think of it.  What really makes us shine?  Is it the hairstyle, makeup, clothing?  No, not at all, but the spirit within us that shines through.  That special gift we all have inside that makes us unique is what people really see when they look at a picture or video of us.  Think about it the next time you view someone on Youtube.  Women especially get caught up in this.  We are the ones that society dictates must have no wrinkles or grey hair, but must have plumpy lips (although, lately I think it is going out of style) and a size 3 body.  That my friends is so NOT a true look.  We tend to get down on ourselves for trying to live up to this lie.

Hey, let me tell you a little story about myself and overcoming this problem.  A few years ago, I had a photo shoot for a postcard to send to my clients.  There I was with a beautiful natural waterfall behind me.  I had so much make-up on I felt it hanging on my face!  But when I received the cards and looked at myself, I threw a hissy-fit.  I actually cried and thought I was the ugliest human on the planet.  That’s Me?  So I kept those postcards down in my basement for a year.

One day, I said “to hell with this!”  I took them up and sent them out.  My campaign was more than successful.  People were calling me just to say how wonderful I looked.  I learned then not to be so uptight about myself.  What I really want passionately is to run my business.  Who cares if I’m self-conscious!  No one read that through my picture.  The response was that I looked so peaceful and happy.

SO HERE IS THE TRICK

Do Not think of how you look when you are speaking into your camera.  Pretend that the lense is your best friend.  Put that image in your mind and see your friend there.  Talk to your friend as you would normally.  And send your message out just like you were explaining it over a cup of coffee.

I’m sure you looked in the mirror before you sat in front of your camera.  You are just fine – so go for it.  Know that what people will really see is your sincerity; what they hear will be your content.  You are there to teach them about something and that is why they are pressing that play button.  Don’t be discouraged.

If this doesn’t work for you, try acting.  ACT AS IF YOU DO NOT CARE!  It may take a few takes, but the more you do it, the more comfortable you will be.  Ever see the bloopers?  If trained professionals make mistakes, so can you.  And by all means … laugh at your bloopers!

Practice Practice Practice.  Just get in front of that camera as much as you can and eventually it WILL become second nature.

Hope this helps you out.

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• Blogging Magic

Donna Merrill

Donna is a well known blogger and creator of "Blogging Magic" - an intensive guide to blogging. "Blogging Magic" is for beginners who are trying to figure out how to bring their blogs to life with tons of visits, comments and social media interaction. It's even for advanced bloggers looking to reach new levels of authority and engagement with their audience.