How I Conquered my Fear of being too Dark for Photos + Tips for Your 1st Photoshoot
I’ve been very open about overcoming my fear of doing photoshoots. I would over analyze and think I can’t pose, I can’t smize, and I’m too dark. I realized this fear was a result of insecurities from my childhood due being bullied about my my skin complexion.
From childhood into young adulthood, I strongly disliked taking pictures. Due to my dark complexion, I would appear too dark in photos; either you couldn’t see my features, or all you’d see were white teeth. I used to believe I was an ugly person and also appeared ugly in pictures. If there had to be someone on the other end of the camera, in control of my image, I was always nervous at the outcome of the photo. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve taken plenty of photos, the only way to visually capture memories is through photography. In my mind, I always hoped there was proper lighting and someone wouldn’t bring up the fact that I wasn’t visible in the picture due to my complexion.
At Harlem Tavern 2013
This all changed when I moved to NYC at the age of 25 which propelled this journey in loving my complexion. Now at 31, I’m so in love with all of my features especially my complexion. My complexion allows me stand out; it’s a visual representation of my power and ancestors who’ve paved the way for me to be here today.
Makeup by: courtneysade.artistry@gmail.com | Photo by: domdigitalmedia@gmail.com
I’m learning to embrace my complexion more and more each day. It’s been a long journey in self-love, acceptance, and not focusing on people’s ignorance.
In 2018, I promised myself I’d complete one photoshoot a month, I ended up with 8 total photoshoots at the end of the year. This has been such a rewarding and fulfilling journey.
I’ve received so many beautiful and encouraging comments, along with messages from people that want to do a photoshoot but are afraid. We all have our own reasons, but in the end, we can’t let fear hold us back from sharing our beauty.
Here are some quick tips to help propel you to get in front of the camera:
Figure out your why
WHY do you want to do it. For me, being in front of the camera is part of my purpose and I just had to do it. I wanted to show people the beauty, power, and confidence of melanin. My ‘Why’ was to encourage people that resembled me with similar experiences to affirm their beauty and power by sharing my journey.
2. Be honest with the photographer
Ask your photographer for some tips while in front of the lens. Each time I’m in front of the camera, I tell the photographer I’m open for guidance and direction, its helped me each time to learn my angles and poses. The best advice I received from a photographer was to act very confident (like I’m that Bi+$h), because your confidence or lack of will always appear in your photos.
3. Invite a good friend that will encourage and help you out on set.
Invite people that see the beauty in you everyday and want to help bring it out in front of the camera. It’s always good to have a cheering squad that encourages you during the process.
4. JUST DO IT! All it takes is one time, JUST DO IT!
POINT. BLANK. PERIOD.
I still have so much growth to experience in this area but at least I can say that I’m not letting my fear hold me back from this purpose anymore.
-By Lady Adelaide