How to Overcome Your Fear of Taking Brand Photos in Public | Sunscorched Australia
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How to Overcome Your Fear of Taking Brand Photos in Public: Two Girls, a Dream, and an iPhone
When I decided to start my brand, Sunscorched Australia, my sister immediately worried. We both knew I didn’t have the budget to hire a professional model, and stepping in front of the camera myself was out of the question. At gunpoint (metaphorically), I convinced her that the only way we’d get any content was for her to bite the bullet and step behind the lens.
Why Taking Photos in Public is Hard
Taking brand photos in public is intimidating. Every passerby seems to be silently judging your every move. People assume vanity, and the anxiety of being watched can make even the simplest photoshoot feel impossible.
For us, this meant sitting on the shoreline, facing away from the mangroves, while my sister’s eyes constantly scanned for onlookers. We stopped every time someone walked by, and we were repeatedly interrupted by dogs, kids, or curious strangers.
Our Struggle With Beach Photoshoots
Each photoshoot was a mini adventure and a little nightmare. I would loudly announce to any passersby, “We’re just shooting for our brand, Sunscorched Australia! Made in-house!” My sister cringed every time. By the end of each day, we’d scroll through our photos and shrug: “This is just two girls, a dream, and an iPhone.”
We went out five times before getting a single usable shot for the website. It was stressful, awkward, and exhausting, but we kept going.
What We Learned About Confidence and Purpose
What finally settled my sister wasn’t suddenly facing her fear perfectly. It was realizing that we were two girls with a dream and an iPhone, and that dream mattered more than a little embarrassment.
The short-term pain was worth the long-term gain: building Sunscorched Australia, a brand dedicated to handcrafted, Australiana-inspired jewelry. When my sister connected with our purpose, her confidence followed and suddenly, posing in public didn’t feel so scary.
DIY Brand Photoshoot Tips
If you’re nervous about taking public photos for your brand, here’s what helped us:
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Start small: Choose quiet locations or times of day with fewer people.
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Bring a friend: Someone supportive behind the camera helps you feel less exposed.
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Use what you have: Your iPhone or smartphone is enough to get beautiful photos.
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Have fun with it: Laugh at interruptions, stray dogs, and awkward stares. It makes for authentic shots.
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Remember your purpose: Focus on why you’re building your brand. That drive outweighs temporary embarrassment.
Final Thoughts
Taking public photos for your brand isn’t easy, but it’s worth it. You don’t need expensive equipment or professional models to create beautiful, authentic content. Sometimes, all you need are two girls, a dream, and an iPhone.
Check out our Sunscorched Australia collections to see how our DIY photoshoots bring our handcrafted, ocean-inspired jewelry to life.