From Nervous to Natural: 3 Steps to Being Comfortable on Camera

Whether you’re a YouTuber, a TikToker, or someone who occasionally has to jump on a Zoom call, we all have to face the camera at some point. 👀

As a video editor, I see every day how being comfortable on camera makes a huge difference in the final product. This is why I think:

Being comfy on camera makes you instantly more magnetic.

People can’t help but be drawn to you. But here’s a secret you already know deep down, so just a reminder: the person who seems the most confident on camera didn’t start that way.

Being comfortable on camera is actually 99% of the time, a learned skill.

Step 1: Set yourself up for comfort

First, make sure you’re in a spot that’s comfortable for you.

I know it sounds simple, but trust me, if you’re squirming around in a chair that’s too hard or too soft, it’s going to show in your video. Lighting and background can also make a huge difference in how you feel too.

Here are a few ways to make yourself feel more “you”:

• Wear comfy clothes and/or pick things you love to wear and feel great in!
• Do your hair and makeup in your favorite way.💅🏻
• Choose a place to film that feels like “you.”
• I always think the best lighting is sunlight, so filming in front of a window is not only cheery AF, but it also creates a beautiful, natural glow.

Step 2: Positive self-talk (mirror work)

This is something I’ve found super helpful before hitting record: A little internal pep talk can go a long way in building, and then reinforcing, your confidence.

Here are a few good affirmations to practice:

• “I am natural and at ease on camera, and my audience can feel it.”
• “I am worthy of being seen and heard.”
• “I embrace my uniqueness and let it shine through on camera.”
• “I am grateful I get to share my message with others.”

Use these affirmations as-is or tweak them to fit you. Repeat them to yourself before pressing record, or even write them down and place them somewhere you can see them frequently!

Step 3: Practice, practice, practice

Perhaps the most important step of all: practice.

The more you’re on camera, the more comfortable you’ll become. And it’s not just about being comfortable on camera, it’s about being yourself on camera.

The last secret: You build confidence as you go. Don’t wait until you feel ready at the beginning, just start. And your confidence will grow.

I think true comfort on camera comes from a deep understanding that we are all meant to share our unique perspectives and experiences with the world.

If I could go back and start YouTube all over again, I would give myself this advice: Be good to yourself in the process, try to make it as fun as possible, and give it lots of time.