Strike a pose, lift your mood
Illustration by Julia Zipporah
A picture is worth a thousand words — and also a spectrum of emotions. Feeling unsure about your looks is super normal, but did you know a photoshoot can help? When we like what we see, it helps us appreciate ourselves and our silhouette. While a self-love photoshoot isn’t a quick-fix (appreciating our physical make-up can be a journey for some), it can enhance our self-perception.
A study in Sage Journals analyzed both first- and third-person perspectives in photography and concluded that people attach deeper meanings to third-person photos (the ones with them in it). It also explains that when people’s perspective matches with the goals of third-person pictures, they like it better.
Becky Spelman, psychologist and founder at Private Therapy Clinic, said “Third-person pictures can boost confidence and stimulate loving feelings when they align with the individual's goals and perspectives because these photos allow individuals to see themselves from an external viewpoint. This can lead to a greater appreciation of one's own appearance or actions, and when the image aligns with their personal aspirations or self-image, it reinforces positive self-perception and confidence.”
The foundation of our identity isn’t rooted in our looks and photos, but a photoshoot session as a form of occasional self-love practice can be beneficial to our mental health. By helping us perceive something deeper and appreciable during the session, it can elicit positive emotions.
Aine Rock, certified life and psychedelic coach, said, “I went through a divorce, surgery, and a deeply personal awakening so the photoshoot was uplifting to my mental health. This photoshoot empowered me to trust my body again and embrace the unknown with confidence. The elevation of my mood and mental state was lasting, rooted in self-acceptance and love as I met a new me.”
When we play with different poses, it helps us notice positive things about our body and face that we might not have been aware of previously. It can make us realize that we don’t have just one “good side”-- we have many. A photographer who can discern various angles to accentuate the best aspects can make us discover the features we never knew we could adore.
“I had certain perceptions of myself and my body. Photoshoots allow us to step outside of ourselves and appreciate what we look like instead of constantly looking at others. I was able to see my aura that I carry as well as truly take the time to appreciate my image when I did a few photoshoots,” said Brittany Betts, CMO of Florida Panhandle.
A photoshoot can help us channel both our softer and stronger sides. It pushes us to strike diverse poses with our body, which is a vulnerable experience. Experimenting with how we move and express ourselves in front of the camera is a way of exploring different (maybe even new) sides of ourselves. It also amplifies self-love and confidence when we learn to make many facial expressions, which could amplify the experience. It can empower people to express themselves more freely and feel more comfortable in their own skin.
Just like a model who learns to loosen up, a professional photography session, if taken routinely, can remedy our stiff bodies to a more relaxed state in some measure, depending on individuals. Gradually, we can grow more comfortable in our own skin when we become less and less self-conscious. Niloufar Esmaeilpour, MSc, RCC, SEP, said, “A photoshoot can provide a temporary distraction/break from stress, worries, negative thoughts, and promote relaxation.”
Illustration by Julia Zipporah
For some people, the positive impact can be long-lasting, and isn't just limited to a few hours of photoshoot. It can coach us on how to appear more confident with our body language and expressions, even boosting how you feel about yourself and your whole vibe. “Regular participation in photoshoot sessions can boost self-confidence, assertiveness, and self-assurance. This can translate into a more poised and confident demeanor in various settings, including in the workplace or social situations,” said Spelman.
When we try to induce a particular feeling for a photo, such as love, attraction, happiness, boldness, comfort, and joy, the emotions on our face can transit back to our body and permeate it to some degree, even if it’s temporary. Which means it can have a reflective effect. Spelman added, “The act of expressing these emotions facially can influence the person's internal emotional state, leading to a genuine experience of these feelings, even if temporarily. This phenomenon is related to the feedback effect of facial expressions on emotional experience.”
These sessions can also act as positive reinforcement. Compliments from photographers, friends and social media followers can be empowering (to a degree) and have a positive impact on people’s self-image and mood. It’s a type of creative outlet that can make us realize that it’s empowering to be the person we are. “Through posing, choosing outfits, and selecting settings, individuals can convey aspects of their personality, style, and emotions. This creative outlet of self-expression can foster a sense of empowerment and fulfillment,” says Esmaeilpour.
Author Mitzi Perdue, highlights Saskia Keeley’s work in Psychology Today to explain how phototherapy can transform a marginalized person’s self-image. Keeley, a professional photo facilitator conducts photography sessions where people take dignified portraits of each other, leading to empowering photo sessions that help people with difficult pasts feel seen and valued. Keeley has worked with individuals who have traumatic backgrounds, including people in war conflict. Keeley told Mitzi how her program has helped women and young girls see themselves as more than just a “marginalized person.”
In the age of digital connections, there are tons of ways to explore this new medium for self-expression. Even using your phone with a timer or mirror setup can spark joy and self-love.
The internet offers experts to collaborate with, and many are even budget-friendly, free, or on a barter basis. Many professionals do these shoots as free collaborations in exchange for the rights to use pictures for commercial purposes. One such photographer is Mila Supinsakya, who does free collaborations and uses those shots for her ShutterStock and Adobe Stock accounts. Professionals who are up and coming can also be looked into for these collabs.
So whether it’s with your phone, your bestie behind the lens, or a local photographer — your glow deserves to be captured. Of course, safety is paramount, so be sure to check references and have a trusted adult supporting you along the way.
From our archives: “Young people have the power to challenge outdated beauty standards and make room for mental health advocacy in the mainstream. From self-compassion practices to youth-led movements, there is an opportunity to reshape how society views beauty and mental health.”
On Instagram, search for #yourlocation+photographer to find local photographers. It’s a good idea to not limit oneself only to photographers as other related experts in the industry such as makeup artists, fashion designers, stylists etc. are also looking for models to market themselves. After finding a relevant Instagram account, tap on the “suggested accounts” icon to discover more such people.
Then location-specific Facebook groups such as Beginners Photography Groups and makeup groups are also good options to start with. Non-related groups where one can find relevant experts such as digital nomad groups, travel meet-ups groups, and freelancing groups for creatives can also be explored as these kinds of experts are more likely to do unpaid collaborations and feature diverse talent/people on their socials.
“Photographers near me” or “portrait photographers” are some keywords to look for relevant experts on Google. Searching for blogs such as “self-love photoshoots” and “photoshoots to boost self-esteem” can help find an expert match as usually photography sites publish these topics.
Self-portraits at-home can also be done if one finds that more comfortable and has access to the necessary resources. There are countless videos on YouTube titled “how to take self-portraits” that can help guide your next self-empowering photoshoot.
Vartika Puranik is a journalist, social media expert, copywriter, content strategist, and writer.
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