How to Take Photos if You’re an Introvert

Being an introvert can make things like photography or getting your own photos taken, a nightmare. There’s no bones about it, the term “nightmare” is the most fitting since it’s horrifying to be so interactive with people as an introvert. However, it’s not impossible, you just have to know yourself and work around the fear of it all. Believe me, I know the feeling of running a business or getting people to take my picture as an introvert and it’s interesting. It can be done though, and here are a few ways on How to Take Photos if You’re an Introvert.

How to Take Photos if You’re an Introvert

Plan it Out

Having a basic plan of attack for your session is always a good idea, whether you’re an introvert or not. However, as an introvert, your brain kind of freezes in the moment, especially if you’re uncomfortable or nervous. This can cause you to forget everything you’ve ever learned and feel dumb, only making the situation worse. Have a basic written plan of attack and then forget it until the day pops up. You’ll want to overthink it and stress about it, but don’t – it’s unnecessary.

Always Have Your Camera with You

The more comfortable you are with your camera, the more photography sessions will feel comfortable. Make it a familiar feeling to always be taking pictures. You can also really face your fear by asking random strangers if you can snap their moment real quick. Of course, be sure it’s in a safe area, and they know you’re not charging just a photographer that liked the moment you saw. You can even have someone take a shot of you. Anything that stretches your comfort zone is good, because it makes you braver and more likely to do it again.

Be Obvious

In other words, don’t act shy, act confident even if you aren’t. Act like you belong in that position doing what you’re doing. The more seriously you take yourself, the more seriously everyone else will take you. You’ll want to be sly and blend in while taking photos, but don’t, unless it’s necessary. That confidence will get you noticed and land you more gigs/customers.

Find Someone to Work With

Often times, as an introvert, it helps to have someone by our side. They can help us remember things, calm us down, fill in the cracks, etc. Whether it’s a business partner or an assistant you hire, find what works best for you and allows those introverted tendencies to stay out of the way of your photography goals.

Overall, be spontaneous, try to photograph people more in the moment. If you do “real life” photography or take photos of someone in their environment and comfort zone, this makes your job of having to work with poses and such, much easier. That way, you can focus more on just snapping the photos and not worrying about your anxiety within the situation. When it comes down to it, you just have to make yourself move. That’s it, that’s the basis of every decision, just do it and you’ll grow and be thankful you did. Get out of your own head.