I don't like having my photo taken......

Are you the person who tends to melt into the background when someone pulls a camera out? Or maybe you have a professional take your children’s photos every year but avoid family photos? Don't worry - you are not alone. As a matter of fact, most of the adults I photograph have some anxiety and worries prior to their session. Scroll down to find five things to think about before having your photograph taken.

1 – You are always taking selfies

Unlike a photograph taken from someone else at a distance, selfies are just like mirrors that you can access at any time with the touch of a button on a mobile device. It is important to understand that your mirror (or selfie) may not be the best representation, but it is how you are used to seeing yourself.

2 - You've had photos taken you don't like

Chances are you've had some ropey pictures taken of you. Ones you would prefer to rip up, delete and forget that they ever existed. Most of the photos we have taken are candids and while candids are great, they often lead to unflattering poses and weird expressions. There is a whole lot that goes into creating a flattering portrait - lens distortion, distance, angle, clothing, light, composition, posing and understanding concerns all play a part. When hiring your photographer, make sure you view their portfolio. Find someone who other people recommend and bring up any concerns or experiences you may have had in the past. You need to be comfortable and satisfied with their answers before you hire them.

3 - You don't like your image

Confidence plays a very large part in the outcome in any portrait. Confidence is beauty, beauty is confidence. Don't underestimate this power. It is important to find a photographer who provides guidance when it comes to wardrobe, hair and makeup - this shows that they know and understand this concept. Many photographers even provide these professional services as part of their session. 

4 - You don't know what to do

Are you a professional model? No?  But guess what - modelling is no easy task. It's actually a whole lot of work and most people don't realize it until after spending some time in front of a camera. Models not only know a lot about posing and expression, but they know how to look amazing when a shutter is clicking away in front of them. But here's the thing - you don't need to be a model to have amazing photographs taken - but what you do need is a photographer who can confidently and clearly direct you into flattering poses and elicit genuine expressions from you. 

5 - You feel insecure

This is the big one. We all have things about ourselves that we don't like. Whether it's our nose, our profile, our knees. Trust me, even the most beautiful people in the world have something that they wish they could change. It's also probably the thing you focus on whenever you see a photograph of yourself. The best way to address this is to actually inform your photographer. A good portrait photographer will listen to your concerns and find ways to camouflage or disguise them. 

And finally there is a word for it – Scopophobia!