Is the camera your enemy?

Ever feel like you can’t escape being on camera?

Ring cameras. Zoom cameras. Phone cameras. Security cameras. Cameras seem to follow us everywhere we go!

Most of the time, these camera might fall to the back of our minds – sure we know they’re there, but we still go about our days, one errand, meeting, and meal at a time. 

It’s not until we’re expected to present on Zoom, or be part of the company video, or get invited to be on a LinkedIn live that we’re suddenly very aware of the camera and feel judged by it. 

I have a little bit of blunt truth for you. And, then some encouraging, life-changing news. 

Little bit of blunt truth: Cameras aren’t going anywhere. No matter your workplace or lifestyle, at some point it’s likely you’ll have to get on Zoom or a livestream and say a few words. 

Encouraging, life-changing news: It’s not that much of a stretch to go from thinking of the camera as your enemy to thinking of it as your friend. 

Not only do I often work with my clients on how to be aware of the technical aspects of the camera, I also work with them to change their emotional relationship with the camera. 

I help them get from fearing, dreading, hating, or resenting the lens, to embracing all of the possibility that it creates.

And, let me tell you, the transformation is powerful. 

I have the privilege of watching these experts go from running from the camera to presenting with authenticity, poise, humor, and ease.

It’s amazing to watch their progress – it’s no small feat! And, I understand their discomfort.

When I was an actress, I started out in theatre. I got increasingly comfortable in that medium.

And then I started feeling curious about commercials, film, and industrials.

(Industrials are those videos you see in your workplace. They could be videos that explain how to correctly wear safety goggles or what not to say to your colleagues, things like that. One of the most incredible ones I’ve ever seen is this masterpiece, a musical training video teaching employees how to master serving hot drinks at Wendy’s.)

I quickly became aware that going from acting on stage to acting on set and speaking directly to camera were entirely different adventures.

To get more comfy and less self-conscious, I became determined to get on camera whenever I had a chance. I wanted the experience to be less precious and less charged for me.

Learning curves aren’t comfortable, but let’s be honest, progress feels great.

Once you become aligned with the camera, and connected to your material and to your audience, you will be unstoppable. 

No amount of accidental unmuting from your audience, wifi issues, or screen share delays can disrupt your focus!

Step into your power. Here.