We’ve all been there — standing in front of the camera, suddenly forgetting what to do with our hands, how to smile, or why we thought this was a good idea in the first place.
Here’s the secret: every single person feels awkward at first. Even the ones who look totally effortless in their photos. The difference? They give themselves a quick mindset shift before the camera ever clicks.
At Debbie Leanne Portraits, we call it the 3-Minute Confidence Boost Trick — a little ritual that turns “Oh no, everyone’s looking at me!” into “Let’s do this.”
Step 1: Power Pose (Yes, It Actually Works)
You’ve heard of it — the “Superwoman” stance. Shoulders back, chin up, hands on hips. Science actually backs this up: standing tall for just a couple of minutes signals your brain to release confidence-boosting hormones.
Take a deep breath. Roll your shoulders. Feel your energy shift. You’re not “pretending” to be confident — you’re reminding your body what it already knows.
Step 2: Say Your “Why” Out Loud
You booked this session for a reason. Maybe it’s to celebrate yourself, mark a milestone, or create heirloom portraits for your family. Whatever it is — say it out loud.
When you reconnect with your “why,” you stop worrying about how you look and start remembering how you feel.
Step 3: Shake It Out (Literally)
Before you step in front of the camera, shake out your hands, do a little spin, or laugh on purpose — even if it feels silly. Movement releases tension and instantly softens your expression. (Trust us, this trick works every time — we use it in the studio constantly!)
By the time the session starts, you’ll already be glowing with energy that no pose can fake.
Confidence Isn’t About Perfection — It’s About Presence
Feeling confident doesn’t mean loving every single photo. It means showing up fully as you. When you let go of trying to be “perfect,” you open the door to being authentic — and that’s where the magic happens.
At Debbie Leanne Portraits, our job isn’t just to take your photo — it’s to help you see the incredible person everyone else already sees.
Your Turn to Shine
Try the 3-Minute Confidence Boost Trick before your next photo (or even your next mirror selfie!). You’ll be amazed at how quickly your energy shifts.
And when you’re ready to step in front of the lens for real, we’ll be here — hair, makeup, laughter, and all — to make sure you feel as beautiful as you truly are.
Ready to see yourself the way everyone else does? Let’s create something beautiful together.
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