If you’ve ever hovered over a gallery link and felt your stomach flip, you are so not alone. Lots of brilliant business owners feel the same. Maybe you worry about your tummy, your chin, your arms, your age. I get it. I've been a brand photographer for over two decades.... But still, when I look at photos of myself, my eyes go straight to my three-baby tummy, then my chin, then my arms. That’s my default. So I’ve learned to build that into how I prepare to look at my photos - and I’d love to help you do the same.

This is a gentle guide for business folk who don’t love being in front of the camera. It’s kind, practical, and completely human. By the end, I hope you feel calmer, supported, and ready to choose images that serve your work.

First, a little truth-telling

• Everyone else sees you through the lens of care, respect, and your impact. They think you are wonderful.
• It’s normal not to love every photo. Especially if you have long-standing body image wobbles or you’re making peace with ageing.
• Acceptance takes time. Sometimes it takes therapy. Progress counts. Perfection is not required.

Why so many of us dislike our own photos

Very briefly, because understanding helps:

• You know your face from the mirror. Cameras show it the other way around. That unfamiliarity can feel “wrong.”
• Your brain has a negativity bias. It scans for flaws to keep you safe.
• We compare ourselves to unrealistic images we see online. Hello filters and perfect lighting.

If you’d like to dive deeper, I have a short talk on YouTube which goes into why we dislike seeing ourselves in photos.

Before you click: create a kind viewing ritual

You are about to look at tools for your business. Not a referendum on your worth.

1. Set the scene. Make a cuppa. Sit somewhere calm. No rushing between emails.
2. Set your intention. Say this out loud if it helps: “I am looking for images that help my clients feel trust and connection.”
3. Remember your why. You did this to serve your clients, show your personality, and make it easier for people to choose you.
4. Anchor in compassion. Everyone else thinks you are beautiful as you are. Borrow their eyes for a moment.

Your step-by-step for opening the gallery

Step 1: First skim, no zooming
Do a quick pass through the whole gallery. Let your nervous system settle. Notice any you instantly like. Pop a little heart on them. Then close the gallery. Yes, really.

And here’s a little tip - often the last photos in a session are the very best. By that point you’ve usually relaxed into it, forgotten about the camera a bit, and even started to enjoy yourself. That natural ease shines through. So don’t be discouraged if the first images don’t feel like “you” yet… keep going, because the gems are often waiting at the end.

Step 2: Pause
Give it a night. Sleep resets the alarm bells.

Step 3: Second look with a brand brain
Reopen the gallery and ask only brand questions:

• Does this image feel like me?
• Would my ideal client feel welcome and safe with this?
• Does it show the qualities I want to be known for - warm, expert, approachable?
• Can I clearly see how to use it? Website hero, LinkedIn, speaker bio, press, email header, thumbnails?

Collect anything that answers yes. Do not delete the rest. Not yet.

Step 4: Tame the inner critic
When your brain shouts “my arms,” try one of these:

• Name it. “Thank you, brain, for trying to protect me.”
• Reframe it. “Does this photo do the job for my clients?”
• Crop it. Sometimes it’s a framing fix, not a you problem.

Step 5: Phone-a-friend
Ask one trusted person who knows your brand. Give them the brand questions above. No body talk. Keep it about impact.

Step 6: Shortlist by job, not by self-judgement
Group your yes pile into uses:

• Website hero
• About page
• LinkedIn profile and banner
• PR headshots
• Speaking or workshop promo
• Email signature
• Social media post, story, and reel covers

Aim for a small, mighty set that covers your needs. You don’t need to love every photo. You just need enough that work hard for you.

Step 7: Request easy tweaks
Photographers can often help with small adjustments that keep things real:

• Exposure and colour balance
• Crops for different platforms
• Removing small distractions in the background
• Natural skin tidying, flyaway hairs, lint on a jacket

If you have preferences, say so. You’re not being fussy. You’re being clear.

Step 8: Use them in gentle waves
Start with the least scary place. Update your LinkedIn headshot. Swap your email signature. Schedule one post. Confidence grows with action.

A quick personal note from me

I’m a recovering photo-avoider. When I open my own gallery, I know my eyes will jump to the bits I fuss about. So I follow the same ritual I’ve just given you. I set my intention. I skim, then step away. Next day I choose with my business hat on. I pick the images that show my warmth, my competence, my approachability. Then I put them to work.

If you still feel wobbly

• Try viewing on a smaller screen first. Less detail can feel kinder.
• Ask me to curate a mini set for specific uses. I’m happy to do that.
• Talk it through with a therapist or coach if deeper stuff is coming up. You’re doing brave work.

Keep this little mantra handy

I am loved. I am already enough. My clients want to see the human behind the business. These photos help them find me.

If you’d like a calm pair of eyes on your shortlist, or you want me to suggest which images fit which platform, just ask. I’m in your corner.