Embracing Your Unique Beauty Through Photography by Veronica Kucherov
How do you stand out in a world saturated with images? As business owners, we have to navigate the strange digital space where young girls eating spaghetti on camera go viral while we struggle showing up in a professional and engaging way. For many of us who are used to be behind the camera, the prospect of putting ourselves in the spotlight can be downright daunting.
As a seasoned portrait photographer specializing in headshots and glam portraits for camera-shy women, I'm in awe of the transformative power of embracing one's unique beauty. Time after time I watch people going from shaking at the idea of being photographed to standing up a little taller, a little more confident at the end of the process. At the risk of sounding pretentious, I’ll say that professional photography can truly change your life.
So what’s the significance of capturing individuality in headshots and how it can be a game-changer for those who prefer to stay behind the scenes?
IMAGE: Melissa Pancini - Nutritional Consultant - Metabolic Balance
Finding Your Superpower
In headshots and personal branding portraits, the goal is not to conform to societal expectations but to celebrate the unique features and qualities that make you one of a kind. From the subtle lines etched by time and every gray hair to the captivating stories reflected in the eyes, the confidence of embracing these distinctive elements is what sets you apart.
Personal branding journey is a long one, and it takes both time and money to nail it down. When you’re ready, hiring an expert to help you discover your USP (unique selling point) is a great investment. If you’re not ready yet, you can simply ask your friends: what am I really good at? Why do they like being around you?
People might have different answers and different perspectives, but it will surely give you some food for thought. You can get clarity on what qualities to focus on, and how to bring them forward through imagery and copy.
The Power of Individuality in Personal Branding
Your personal brand is an extension of who you are – your story, your values, and the essence of what makes you you. Capturing individuality in portraits for your business goes beyond showcasing a polished exterior; it's about conveying authenticity, relatability, and the genuine essence of your personality.
Figuring out your USP can be a revelation – especially if you don’t like being on camera. Knowing you don’t have to act or pretend to be someone you’re not is liberating. When you’re aligned with your authenticity, showing up online – and on camera – suddenly becomes fun instead of a burden. You can see personal branding portraits as an opportunity to step into the spotlight on your own terms. It's not about conforming to a preconceived notion of beauty; it's about boldly asserting one's identity and owning every facet of it.
IMAGE: Jennifer Beale – Connector, Community Builder, Award Winning Networker
The Reasons Behind Camera Shyness
As a logical thinker, I always try to understand the underlying reasons behind people’s feelings and actions. As a photographer, understanding why some individuals shy away from the camera is crucial in creating a comfortable and empowering photography experience. At the end of the day, not liking photos of oneself is rarely just a matter of personal preference – more often, it’s just the tip of the iceberg.
Here are some common deep-seated reasons that contribute to camera shyness.
Distorted Self-Perception: Many people struggle with their self-image feeling like they don't meet societal standards of beauty. Comparing yourself to others and the fear of being judged can be difficult to battle if one struggles with their self-esteem.
Perfection Paralysis: We can be unnecessarily hard on ourselves trying to live up to unrealistic expectations of being perfect. Then, we get caught in a trap of excuses that we’re waiting for the perfect moment that is unlikely to come. “When I will lose a few pounds…”, “When I’m less busy…”
Negative Reinforcement: Sadly, many of us grew up in less than perfect environment where we were made to question our looks and self-worth. A random mean comment made in high-school can be more detrimental than we realise – something to unpack and to deal with. If not for photography, then for your own well-being.
“Cheese” orders: please don’t make your kids smile and say “Cheese!” when they don’t want to! Parents forcing their kids to perform on camera is one of the most common reasons for people to develop a distaste for being photographed in adulthood.
The Outdated Beauty Standards Conundrum
For two years, I’ve been running a photography campaign – the 40 Over 40 project – where I photographed women 40+ of all backgrounds, shapes and sizes. As a part of the process, I took interviews asking about their experience of being over 40 and how they felt about the societal beauty norms.
The answers I got were unanimous: the outdated beauty standards have plagued society for far too long. The cookie-cutter expectations of what is considered beautiful have left countless people feeling inadequate and uncomfortable in their own skin. The tide is shifting, albeit ever so slowly, to embrace beauty in a more inclusive way, accepting that it does not exist in any specific shape or size. As a photographer, I see my mission to help the change, challenging the outdated norms and redefining beauty through my lens.
Provoking Change Through Professional Portraits
As a photographer who has worked extensively with camera-shy individuals, I've witnessed the profound impact that embracing oneself can have on self-esteem and confidence. It's not just about taking a pretty picture; it's about sparking a transformative journey towards self-acceptance.
In a world that often values conformity over individuality, personal branding portraits serve as a visual rebellion. It's a statement that says, "I am more than meets the eye, and I refuse to be confined by outdated beauty standards." By taking sides against societal norms, we can provoke a positive change in how beauty is perceived and celebrated.
IMAGE: Hilda Gan – RN, MHSc, CHRL - President and Chief People Officer of People Bright Consulting
The Empowering Experience of a Photo Session Done Right
So, how does one go from camera-shy to camera-confident? The answer lies in the collaborative and empowering experience of a professional photoshoot where your X factor – your USP or your superpower if you will – takes the central stage.
If there is one important thing that will truly determine the success of your photo session, it’s your confidence and trust in your photographer. Everyone’s process is different. I personally believe that the factors below are essential pieces of the puzzle, where the photo session itself is just one part:
Consultation: a planning session before the photoshoot to discuss your personal brand, your story, and your vision sets the tone for a personalized and meaningful photography experience.
Wardrobe styling: your fashion choices help expressing your X factor, however not everything that looks good photographs as well. It’s a big relief to know that the outfits you’ll bring will help you look your best.
Hair and Makeup: for camera-shy people, it’s a gamechanger. Natural or glammed up, it’s all about making you feel more confident and camera-ready.
Guided selection: a step often overlooked, the process of selecting your images is a critical part. Being able to compare images side by side and having a second opinion from the artistic perspective ensures that you will make the best choices.
IMAGE: Nancy Gordon and Fredene Plouffe, Real Estate agents with Royal LePage
Final Thoughts
In a world where individuality is often overshadowed by societal norms, personal branding portraits offer a unique opportunity to reclaim one's narrative and capitalize on your X factor.
To those who shy away from the camera, I invite you to challenge the status quo. Step into the spotlight, not as a conformist to outdated beauty standards, but as a trailblazer redefining what it means to be truly beautiful. Your story is waiting to be told, and through the lens of professional portraits, you have the power to tell it authentically, boldly, and unapologetically.
Veronica is the owner of Vongue Art Photography - a full-service portrait studio in Toronto specializing in headshots and personal branding. Veronica's mission is to help camera-shy professionals look and feel their best in photos, and capture you the way you want to be seen. You deserve to have portraits that make you feel beautiful and proud!
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