How to Get Over Your Fear of Being Photographed: A Guide for Moms

As a motherhood photographer, I get it. You’re usually the one behind the camera, capturing the beautiful, messy moments of your kids’ lives. But when it comes to stepping in front of the lens yourself? That’s a whole different story. You might feel nervous, self-conscious, or just plain uncomfortable and have a fear of being photographed. But here’s the thing: you deserve to be in those photos, too.

It’s almost second nature to be self-critical. We nitpick at our hair, our nails, our figure. The truth is that we’re hardest on ourselves, and others very easily see the beauty in us even when we have a hard time seeing it ourselves. Unfortunately, this often means that we put off taking images until we’ve lost those “last pounds” or until our teeth are perfectly white, or until, until, until…

The problem with waiting until everything is “perfect” is that, well, you might be waiting for a while to finally get those pictures taken. There’s always an excuse not to if you have that mindset. I might be a little biased, but indefinitely postponing portraits means you’re missing out on meaningful photographs that you and your family will ultimately treasure as the years go by.

Motherhood is fleeting. Your children will want to remember you as you are right now, in the midst of all the chaos and love. So how do you overcome the fear of being photographed? Here are a few tips to help you embrace the experience and capture those moments that will mean so much down the road.

1. Remember Your ‘Why’

Why do you want to be photographed in the first place? It’s not just about getting a picture-perfect shot for social media. It’s about documenting your life as a mother, capturing the love you share with your children, and creating memories they’ll treasure forever.

Think about how meaningful it will be for your kids to have photos of you at every stage of their lives. When you focus on that “why,” the fear starts to fade, replaced by a sense of purpose.

2. Let Go of Perfection

One of the biggest hurdles to getting in front of the camera is the pressure to look perfect. We all have insecurities, whether it’s about our hair, weight, or a thousand other things. But here’s the truth: your kids don’t see any of that. They see their mom—the person who loves them unconditionally, comforts them, and makes their world a better place.

Let go of the need to be flawless. Embrace the beauty of your real, authentic self. The way your toddler’s arms wrap around you, the laughter in your eyes, the tender moments in between—it’s these details that make your photos powerful, not perfection.

3. Embrace the Experience

Instead of thinking about the final image, try to focus on the experience itself. The joy of being present with your kids, the fun of interacting with them during the shoot—those are the moments that will shine through in the photos.

When you embrace the present, your natural beauty and connection with your children will radiate through the lens.

4. Practice Makes Perfect

If you’re really nervous, it might help to practice in front of the camera. Start by taking a few selfies or have your partner or a friend snap some candid shots of you with your kids. Over time, you’ll start to feel more comfortable with the process, and it won’t feel so intimidating.

You don’t have to wait for a professional shoot to start getting in the frame. The more you do it, the more natural it will become.

5. Celebrate Your Role as a Mother

Motherhood is one of the most important and beautiful roles you will ever play. When you allow yourself to be photographed, you are celebrating that role. You’re honoring the love, patience, and strength you pour into your family every single day.

These photos are not just for you—they are for your children and future generations. They are a way to say, “I was here, I loved, and I lived.”

6. Find a Photographer You Trust

Working with a photographer you trust is key to feeling comfortable in front of the camera. Choose someone who understands your fears and who will take the time to make you feel at ease. A good photographer will guide you through the process, helping you relax and just enjoy the experience.

Before the session, have a conversation about your worries. Let them know if there’s anything specific that makes you anxious. When you feel heard and understood, the whole experience becomes much more enjoyable.

To help you feel more comfortable during your next photo shoot — whenever it may be — here are some ways I will help:

I’ve Got the Right Lenses and Light to Make You Feel and Look Amazing
As a professional, I not only have the best equipment to make you look amazing, but I also know my way around lenses, light, and angles.

I’ll Tell You Exactly What to Do
I also have vast knowledge regarding how to pose you. So many people come to me before they book a session and say something to the effect of, “I don’t know how to pose! I’m always so awkward! I hate every photo of myself!” Trust me when I say that you won’t have to think about how to pose, what to do with your hands, or how to tilt your head the entire time that you’re at your session. I will walk you through it all, and you’ll look incredible.

Treat Yourself — You Deserve It
They say that a good outfit can elevate your self-esteem, and I’ve seen it enough times to verify that this one’s the truth. Go shopping — with a friend or otherwise — and treat yourself to an outfit that you look and feel amazing in. Even better- I have a client closet with several dresses you can choose from to borrow! AND my sessions include hair and makeup! These tiny tweaks can make a major difference in how confident you feel in front of the camera.

Conclusion

Getting over the fear of being photographed isn’t easy, but it’s worth it. Your presence in your family’s story is just as important as anyone else’s. One day, your children will look back at these photos and see the love and joy you brought into their lives.

You’ll Be So Glad You Took Them Years From Now. You’ll look back on the day and think about how much fun you had and get nostalgic about what that period in your life was like. Your family and friends will treasure those images, too. If you still feel like you don’t want your picture taken, do it for future you and those you love.

So step in front of the camera, embrace the moment, and know that you are capturing something priceless: the beauty of motherhood.

If you’re ready to capture these moments but need some extra reassurance, I’m here to help. Let’s make some memories together that you’ll treasure forever.

xoxo,

Kristine