By Starla Fortunato
Do you dread having your photo taken? You’re not alone. After more than 30 years behind the lens and over 3,000 portraits, I can tell you this with certainty: there is no such thing as an unphotogenic person. There are only people who have never been photographed in the right light.
Camera shyness has nothing to do with age, weight, or how you look. It’s learned — built from bad snapshots, harsh lighting, rushed sessions, and years of seeing yourself misrepresented.
Today, your image isn’t decoration. It’s your handshake, your credibility, your first conversation with the world. When you hide behind outdated photos — or no photo at all — your message disappears with you. In a crowded marketplace, poor imagery quietly places you last in line.
Confidence doesn’t come before the camera.
It comes because you finally allow yourself to be seen.
In this age of selfies and social media, visibility is vital to our brand. Who would have thought we’d need professional photos to establish ourselves as authorities in our industries? This can be a real problem for your business if you dread having your photo taken. Here are four proven tips to finally take the impressive photos you need and will love.
1. Hire a professional photographer
A professional photographer will partner with you and have a plan in place to help you step into your best light on your shoot day. All of us need guidance and direction. Even with their experience in front of the camera, A-list Actors need Directors to guide them on set, and so do you. We’re not meant to do this alone.
2. LOVE how you feel in your clothes
Choose two to three outfits you feel fabulous in to give your self-esteem a boost. Be sure to clean and accessorize your wardrobe from head to toe well in advance of your photo shoot. If you have gained or lost weight, gently meet yourself where you are and shop for new clothes that fit your body.
Ask your photographer for a wardrobe stylist referral if you’re having a difficult time.
3. Relax On Camera With One Question
When your photographer points the camera at you, look into the lens and silently ask,” how can I be of service?” It’s a wonderful question connecting us to our mastery — taking us out of fear and into our “why”.
4. Don’t hold your breath
Do you hold your breath when someone points the camera at you? You’re not alone. Many people from celebrities to business owners hold their breath when I pick up my camera.
I ask my clients to gently inhale, exhale and repeat. If we are breathing, we are staying present, and this establishes an authentic energetic connection to our audience and opens our world to new possibilities.
You got this. The world craves the real you. Fascinate them, that’s why you’re here.
Starla Fortunato
Starla is a sought-after Los Angeles–based portrait and advertising photographer known for creating iconic, high-caliber imagery. Her portfolio includes striking portraits of legends such as Morgan Freeman, Ben Affleck, Jane Lynch, Snoop Dogg, and Tom Hanks, and her work has been featured in Vanity Fair, Glamour, Teen Vogue, The Guardian, The New York Times, and the LA Times.
Renowned for pushing beyond the mainstream, Starla brings a refined, intentional approach to every shoot and works exclusively with clients who have done the deep branding vision work required to create truly unforgettable images.
