My number 1 tip on how to relax in front of the camera - Sussex brand portrait photographer
Magdalena Smolarska
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.
Breathing exercises are easy to learn.
You can do them whenever you want, before, during and after a photoshoot and you don't need any special tools or equipment to do them.
Kim is an expert in breath work and she holds a space for anyone who wish to explore different breathing techniques.
The impact of not breathing fully or properly can affect us on every level of our lives and Kim’s purpose is to help us to reconnect with our body and breath. And I will do my best to remind you to breath more during the photoshoot together.
Let’s keep breathing together during the brand portrait photoshoots.
Your eyes are sparkling with purpose. Your energy is illuminating . You are passionate about your vision, You follow your intuition. You are a woman on a mission.
You have a beautiful gift and a powerful message to be shared . Yet, when it comes to showing up and being visible, you are a little bit stuck.
That’s where I come in.
As an introvert and an empath. I excel at capturing emotions on camera. This happens because I take the time to truly understand my clients and their story before we shoot.
Blending my skills in photography, filming and gentle visibility coaching will support you during your visibility and empowerment journey.
Together we can tell your story through images which feel truly authentic and soulful.
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