Why You Should Get in Front of the Camera (Even If It Makes You Cringe)

Apr 22

I totally and wholeheartedly understand when I hear people say that the thought of being in front of the camera makes them “dry heave”, “cringe”, or is “worse than going to the dentist”. It can feel incredibly uncomfortable for some people, so much that the thought of it might even put their stomach in knots. If this resonates with you, the words, “I’m just not photogenic” have probably come out of your mouth more times than you can count on both hands.

But I’m here to say it’s never too late to change this story. Humor me for one minute what it might feel like when being photographed. That instead of hiding, you fully embrace the situation or might even get excited?! There is something so GREAT and VALUABLE beyond those few moments of awkwardness.

I’ll say this until I”m blue in the face. You deserve to be in photos and to have a record of you at this moment in your life. A catalog of sorts of your entire lifetime.

You. As you are right now. Not ten pounds from now. Not when your schedule eases up. Not when you’ve had more sleep or a better haircut or a different season of life. Right now.

Photos are like time capsules. They’re little windows we (and the people we love) get to peek into years from now. Sure, I’ve had clients say, “I almost didn’t do this,” only to cry tears of amazement when they see the final images. Because what they expected to see was every insecurity they've ever carried—but what they actually saw was themselves, beautifully, honestly captured.

You’re not supposed to look perfect in photos. You’re supposed to look like you.

And here's the thing—your loved ones don’t see you through a critical lens. They see your warmth, your energy, and feel comforted seeing your eyes crinkle when you laugh.

We so often underestimate the power of being seen. And not just seen, but celebrated in photographs.

So if the idea of getting your photo taken makes you cringe a little, that’s okay. You’re not alone. But I hope you’ll do it anyway. And I hope you’ll do it not just for your family, or for future generations, but for yourself.

Let’s tell your story.

With love and photographic support,
-Steph

Stephanie Ewens https://www.stephanieewens.com