As a Sussex professional photographer and a business owner wearing many hats, I have been reminded (again and again) to take a deep breath!
I sometimes get so caught up in my photoshoots that I’ll notice I’m holding my breathing fully.
But that’s not good.
That makes you stressed and uptight. So I remind myself and my clients to breathe fully to calm the nervous system.
During the outdoor brand photoshoot with Kimberley, UK Mentrepreneur, life and business coach specialising in breath work, I learned:
Breathe! Take a deep breath before and during the photoshoot or filming and exhale slowly.
As cheesy as it sounds, it really works.
A simple breathing technique can do magic.
Trust me.
Deep-breathing is the fastest way to balance and relax before facing the camera and pressing the record button. You want to make sure that you’re taking in deep breaths, and not breathing in a shallow way.
I see so many of my clients holding their breath during the photo & filming session and one of my roles is to gently remind them to pause and take a deep breath.
When you’re experiencing a lot of nerves in front of the camera, you’re stuck in your head. If you can relax and bring yourself into your chest and your heart it helps you become more peaceful, less anxious and much more relaxed.
Benefits of taking deep breaths when you are facing the camera:
By taking a deep breath you relax not only your nervous system but also all muscles around your face, neck and shoulders. This will help us to capture your relaxed and happy micro expressions.
It helps to be more grounded, centred and present on the day of the photoshoot or filming.
By slowing down your breathing pattern, you’re actually going to slow down your heart rate. This will give you a little bit more control over what you’re doing, helping you to feel less nervous.
Deep breathing reduces anxiety, reduces tension, and relieves stress.
box breathing method & exercise:
Here is a simple breathing exercise I share with my clients before we start a photo session:
Inhale in for four seconds,
Hold for four seconds,
Exhale for four seconds,
Hold for four seconds.
Repeat for a few minutes. It will calm your nerves.