Yes, I know, you're probably looking at the title of this post, scratching your head and wondering, "how on earth does this have ANYTHING to do with photography?"! I guess really it doesn't but then again it does so I'll show both my reasons!
So, back in September a friend and myself went to Crabtree Valley Mall to do a little shopping and went into a store called Bare Escentuals. I had never really heard of this store but my friend said that her mom used the makeup and that you could get a free "makeover" if you went in so I was very game! It's free, so why not?!
I got in there and was Impressed! The saleslady did one half of our face and then instructed us on how to do the other. It was super easy and what I liked best about the makeup was that 1) it didn't feel heavy on my skin like other (liquid based) makeups did, 2) it totally reduced the redness in my skin and 3) it didn't make me look like a corpse and didn't crease in my wrinkles (I'm only 26 but I do have a few).
I looked at the price tag for the initial setup and I didn't have the funds to get it but Christmas was around the corner so I added it to my Christmas list =).
My mom got it for me and I put it on tonight to go out with my best friend and cousin. Let me tell you. I haven't had a good day. My sinus/allergies have been bothering me so I've lounged in my PJ's ALL day. Really haven't done ANYTHING except surf the net, sleep, clean a little and play with my bunny.
When I put the makeup on, I felt SO MUCH BETTER. Like I was a different person, literally. I felt confident, pretty and ready to go somewhere! That's what makeup can do for you.
No, how does this post have ANYTHING to do with photography? Here's my application. In order to feel good with clients, feel proud of your products/services and feel comfortable behind a camera you need one invaluable thing. CONFIDENCE!!! Looking your best, whether you're at a session, meeting up with a client for the first time, or selling your product is essential to being the best business person you can be. If you're not looking your best, I can guarentee you that you're not feeling your best and if you're not feeling your best, more than likely you're going to lack confidence (I speak from experience here).
So, that, for me is how makeup relates to photography.
The next time you're not feeling in a great mood and you have a session to go to, go put on some makeup! I guarentee you it'll pump you up in no time flat!!!
Give me feedback. Do you have any experiences you'd like to share when makeup helped you reclaim your confidence?
Sara
*Disclaimer: Please don't think I'm saying that you HAVE to wear makeup to have confidence. That's not true. All the makeup in the world isn't going to help you if you don't have confidence coming from somewhere deep inside, or if you don't like to wear makeup (I'm normally in the latter catagory fyi). But for those of us who do wear it it can help tremendously!!
8:53 AM
I lack confidence. That's a scary confession but it's the truth, so why not admit it?
I have been an aspiring photographer since I can remember but I began my business in April 2009 (www.saravogtphotography.com). When I had my first session, I was extremely nervous. Questions and doubts surged through my mind: "Will these people click with me?" "Can I really take a good picture of them?" "What if they hate the photos I produce of them?"....And on and on it went.
I prayed before every session. I still do. Even though it has gotten a little easier meeting and shooting new people (and those I know but don't really know) over the past 2 years and 8 months, I still lack confidence. A LOT.
When I'm at a session and I switch to Manual Mode, man, does that feeling of nervousness, doubt and inadaquacy fill my mind! I forget the things I new, I forget poses I'd like to try. All I can think of is, "can I produce work that these people will love? Me, Sara Vogt, a small-town southern girl with one year of college and a southern drawl...." and then I begin wondering, "They'll think I don't know a thing about what I'm doing because I'm fiddling with these dials and telling them to wait while I get this right...." Yup, I do that.
I guess in a sense it's not a bad thing. At least if you're wondering if they'll like something or if they'll think you're stupid you see there's room for improvement. That's one way of looking at it..... But I typically don't look at it thru that rose-colored filter. I typically see it as, "I really don't know what I'm doing and I'm shooting these people for money!!!"
Really though, in all honesty, unless those you're photograping are photographers themselves, they don't really see all those things that you're worried about. They just see you as a Photographer who knows about their camera and who is trying to create the perfect photo for them!!
That should ease my mind (and yours), right? It doesn't really help. But that's where having and building confidence comes in.
Lately, before each session I go into, when I hear those doubts and insecurities tapping down the drive to the front door of my mind, I begin reminding myself of all the other sessions (successful ones, I might add) that I've held. I remind myself of all the new people I've met and connected with (there really isn't ANY client I've had that I haven't connected with in some way) and all the positive feedback from those clients. I remind myself that I did it last time, so I can do it again! And then, I pray. For wisdom, for understanding of my client's needs, for strength, creativity of thought and for remembrance of the things I've learned.
I'm working on my confidence. It's not always in place but it's coming along. And as Phillipians 4:13 says, "I can do all things thru Christ which strengtheneth me". I can do EVERYTHING thru Him.
If you're new to photography, or even an old hand at it and still have days where you lack confidence, I hope this helps you to know it's not just you and that you can create confidence by remembering what achievements you've made in the past and practicing being proud of the images you create for others.
Sara
