The Introvert’s Guide to Portrait Photography

If you’ve read any of my previous blogs or seen any of my YouTube videos, I often describe myself as being a recovering introvert. But what exactly do I mean by that? Well, I suppose it stems from the fact that my natural resting state is to be most comfortable in my own company and not feel the need to interact with the masses.

Not a cranky recluse…

It’s not that I’m a cranky recluse who doesn't like people — but I do hate crowds. I don’t like large parties because I loathe small talk. I much prefer meaningful interactions, intimate gatherings where you can have discussions that have some tasty meat on the bone.

A Recovering Introvert

Where the “recovering” part comes in, is that throughout my professional life, I’ve held positions that require me to be either public-facing or authority-centred. Whether that was in retail management or numerous other supervisory positions, I’ve had to put my own insecurities aside and step out of my comfort zone.

So how does an introvert successfully navigate the world as a public facing portrait photographer? Well, I suppose that’s where my desire to be an actor finally came into play. You see, I had to learn to create a more outgoing version of myself — a fictional character, if you will — one that wasn’t held captive by my social inadequacies. Somebody who could be more confident and assertive.

The irony is, that in time, that alter ego has become so much a part of my psyche, that I’m not even sure where the line between the two is — or even if the line still exists. I’ll leave that diagnosis to the queue of therapists who’ll no doubt be reaching out to me after they read this blog.

So what does all this have to do with my portrait photography? Well I know that there are a lot of you out there who feel just like me, who shrink into the background whenever a camera comes out or who, quite literally, shy away from the spotlight. And that can make having your portrait taken a real chore at best, or a social nightmare at worst.

Turning Anxiety into Authenticity

This is where I come in. Because I’ve been there. I know what it feels like to not want to be the centre of attention. And I know what it takes to ease that discomfort, to decrease that anxiety, and to effortlessly step outside that cocoon of introversion.

Whether you’re looking for a simple business headshot for your LinkedIn profile, a more complex branding photoshoot, or a creative editorial session that will showcase your authenticity to the world, I will help you feel relaxed enough in front of the camera so that you can be the star of your own show.

And fellow photographers, take heed: whether you, yourself, are an introvert, or have clients who might be, pay close attention to how I cope with my own insecurities, and how you can use my same techniques to work your way through to a successful photography session.

There’s No Pressure To Perform

My process starts with a simple conversation — just two people learning about one another as if we were casually chatting over a coffee. You’ve more than likely had coffee before, and I’m guessing you’ve also had a conversation with someone at some point in your life. So there’s no pressure to perform, no pressure to be perfect. And it’s through that no pressure conversation that your guard will hopefully ease up and you can just be yourself.

For me, the pressure is off because I’m genuinely interested in getting to know who you are. If you’re a business person, I want to know what led you down your career path, what drives you to succeed, and how you measure that success. If you’re an actor, I want to know who or what inspired you, who your favourite performer is, what role you’d love to see yourself playing in five years. If you’re an author, I want to know where you get your inspirations, and how many characters live in your headspace at any given moment.

Connecting with the Camera — and Yourself

Every person’s journey is different. Every person’s story is as unique as their fingerprints. And it’s through my gentle, sincere, empathetic approach that I hope to draw that story from you. I will help you connect to my camera in such a way that you’ll no longer see it as a mechanical device, but as your friend, your confidante, your partner in crime.

I’ll encourage you to connect with your eyes, to tell your story with your expression, and embody your emotions from the inside out. You’ll form a bond with the camera so intimate, that I will probably start to feel left out.

Not Just a Photoshoot — a Transformative Experience

My technique isn’t a cold, calculated formula, or a generic exercise. It’s an intentional discovery process that will help me seek out that spark, a spark that I believe lurks in even the shyest of subjects. Because I think that deep down, whether you want to admit it or not, everyone has a desire to be seen.

And I will help you be seen. Because I’m not selling a photoshoot. I’m inviting you to take part in a transformative experience. And the results will be something pure, and honest, and authentically you. We will create a series of images that will stop people scrolling in their tracks. Future customers will be drawn in by your sincerity. Potential employers will be captivated by your confidence. Talent scouts will be mesmerized by your charisma.

But above all, you will be amazed that the person who you thought wasn’t photogenic, or who takes rubbish pictures, will finally get their time to shine in the spotlight.

Your Turn to Step into the Spotlight

It all begins with a simple step: a phone call, an email, or fill out a short questionnaire on my website. So what are you waiting for — let’s make some magic!