Lack of self-esteem and confidence is one I hear more often when it comes to reasons (khm… excuses) for not doing a photoshoot.

I hear you. I get it. It’s not easy to get photographed.
It’s scary. And vulnerable.

So apart from reassuring you that I can help you feel relaxed comfortable to capture your beautiful self…

I thought I’ll give you some recommendations on books to read to help with your confidence.

I am a huge bookworm myself, and loved all five of these books. Even though I’ve read them for different reasons (setting up business, being a confident networker etc), they are all more about the ‘why’ and the ‘how’ rather than the ‘what’ so the skills they teach can be easily transferred no matter the reason you’re anxious about.

Feel the fear and do it anyway [Susan Jeffers]

Whatever you’re afraid of (like being photographed in your underwear or bikinis), Susan is going to give you insight and practical tools and exercises to improve the way you handle any situation, get a control over your worry and anxiety.
“You will learn to live your life the way you want – so you can move from a place of pain, paralysis, depression and indecision to one of power, energy, enthusiasm and action.”

Daring greatly [Brené Brown]

I’m sure you have heard Brené’s amazing TED talk on The power of vulnerability – she claims that vulnerability is NOT a weekness. It is strength and when we shut ourselves off from vulnerability – from revealing our true selves – we distance ourselves from the experiences that bring purpose and meaning to our lives. What I like most about this book is there is no preaching about what you need to do to be ‘better’, it is much more about trying things out, making mistakes and being imperfect.

You are a badass [Jen Sincero]

This is such a fun and authentic book! It’s got a ton of amazing wisdom, delivered in a very relatable way. “Stories that will help you understand why you are how you are, how to love what you can’t change, how to change what you don’t love, and how to be a badass all the time.” You will learn how to reconnect with yourself to bring greatness into your life.

Playing big [Tara Mohr]

Tara’s book is about you finding and creating your biggest self, whatever that means for YOU. It has many exercises and much wisdom that will get you beyond yourself and your hesitation/fears. It’s written in a very respectful and empathetic voice, but at the same time encouraging and non apologetic for going after your dream.

The happiness project [Gretchen Rubin]

While not strictly about confidence, I thought I would include this here. Gretchen’s book is the documentation of a year long journey to discover what really brings contentment – and similarly to discover that some things just might not be that important after all. It’s a vulnerable, very relatable book. She doesn’t claim to have all the answers, but gives an example to how to incorporate small changes into your everyday to overall live a happier life.

 

You feel READY?

Let’s have a chat, I would love to photograph you!
Click to schedule in your personal consultation to get the ball rolling.