Get Your Head in the Game to Create Images of You and Your Art

We know that as artists, we need to share images of ourselves and our work with the world. But for many of us, this is a stumbling block! There are technical challenges as well as mental challenges to be overcome. Today I want to focus on the mental challenges, so that whether you’re having a professional photo shoot or you’re embarking on an Instagram Live video, you’ll be able to move forward.

Discover What Appeals to You
I suggest that you create a private Pinterest board showing images of art and artists that appeal to you from a styling perspective. When you pause and reflect on the content of your board, what do you notice? You may realize that you favor symmetrical layouts, where everything is completely balanced. Use this to inform the way you want to show up in your own photos.

Eliminate the Excess
When I take part in a photo shoot, I usually end up removing about half of the contents of the space. Be sure to get rid of things that you need when actually painting but won’t look good in photos of your studio. I have a pet peeve about paper towel rolls and garbage cans. They've just always bugged me when they're in my photos because they stick out like a sore thumb. I don't know, maybe I'll get more used to them over the years but I always find myself wishing I had grabbed them to take them out of the shot while styling the space before taking photos.

It's totally up to you. You may decide to leave everything in or style the space with it but just know that most of the images you see online have been styled or curated in some manner and it's perfectly ok to do that. You're telling a story, you're not saying ''Hey, here's a completely accurate assessment of how I am today!" It's part of the visual storytelling we do online as artists. So go ahead and style it, don't feel weird, everybody does it. And I think it actually contributes to our vision that we are trying to communicate!

Speaking of eliminating the excess, what outside opinions are stressing you out and making you feel inadequate when it comes to this photo shoot? Whether the opinions are from the pro that you’ve hired or just a negative voice in your head, jettison these opinions so you can get this done.

It can be pretty confronting if you are not used to seeing photos and videos of yourself. But know that it's weird for all of us, but it's just like anything else, it takes practice and you'll get more and more used to it over time. Remember, this is how you are in the real world. Your voice, your face, whatever it is, that's your ticket to this lifetime. And I implore you to learn how to be fond of it and be willing to let people see you as you are. Yes, you can totally style yourself and do whatever you need to do to feel awesome. But know that the way you show up in photos and videos is how you walk in the world and we all love you and are excited to see you so try and give that same energy to yourself. It'll transform the whole experience for you!

Set Parameters Around Your Process
The common advice is to wear more makeup than normal when you’re being photographed. If this completely goes against your personal style, then just appear as you are! Your energy will show through, which is more important than any makeup.

Most of the photos you see here are from four or five photoshoots per year. It's not like I'm all dolled up every day in the proper headspace to take my photograph... although if you follow my daily project, I'm currently exploring that space on Instagram! This article is about how to really put together a photoshoot that's a little bit more styled with a degree of preparation.

These Are Not the Final Photos of You
Some people get wrapped up in the investment of time (and money) that it takes to create images. Do I need to get my hair cut and colored? Shop for a new outfit? We start hyperfocusing and thinking that these images will be how people see us for years! That’s not the case at all.

Think about Lisa Congdon: Over the years, she has had a multitude of hair styles and colors. And yet she remains recognizable.

The photos you create or the videos you take are quite literally a snapshot of you at one moment in time. You can look any way that you choose and change your looks or clothing at any time in the future.

Get Prepared
Do what you can ahead of time to feel good while shooting your video or taking the photos. Have a good meal, play music that energizes you, and wear clothes that are comfortable.

I hope that you will push yourself to take photos and videos more and more often—not only is this critical content to put out into the world, but the more you do it, the less intimidating it will be!

What is your biggest hurdle when it comes to creating images or videos about you and your art? Email me, let me know!