How to Always Feel Good on Camera and Why It’s Important Not to Be Self-Conscious
Being on camera can be a nerve-wracking experience, especially if you’re not used to the spotlight. But as an actor, it’s crucial to learn how to feel confident, natural, and relaxed in front of the lens. The camera can be an unforgiving medium—it captures every subtle movement, every glance, and every nuance. So, how do you maintain that feeling of ease and confidence on screen, no matter what?
1. Understand the Power of Self-Awareness, Not Self-Consciousness
The first step to feeling good on camera is recognizing the difference between self-awareness and self-consciousness. While self-awareness is about being in tune with your body, your movements, and your emotions, self-consciousness focuses on judgment and fear of making mistakes. As an actor, you want to cultivate the former, not the latter.
Being self-conscious can lead to stiffness, awkwardness, and unnatural performances. You might overthink every move, every gesture, or every word you say, which will ultimately make you less authentic on screen. Instead, embrace the idea of being present. Focus on the character you’re portraying and the world around you. Don’t worry about how you look or whether you’re doing things “perfectly”—the goal is to immerse yourself in the moment.
2. Comfort in Your Skin Comes with Practice
The more you practice, the easier it becomes to feel at home in front of the camera. The only way to truly get comfortable with being filmed is to spend time doing it. This is why acting classes are such an essential tool for any aspiring actor. The practice you get from taking professional acting classes gives you the tools to relax and trust your instincts.
In acting classes, you’re often filmed performing scenes, which helps you build familiarity with the camera. With time, you’ll learn how to move and react in ways that feel natural to you, which allows you to drop the fear of being judged. Whether it’s through improvisation, monologue work, or scene study, acting classes provide a safe space to experiment with your on-camera presence. And over time, you’ll develop the confidence to shine in front of the lens, no matter how big or small the role.
At Southside Performance Studio, we offer tailored acting classes in Glasgow to help you do just that. We focus on building your confidence and teaching you the techniques to embrace your natural self on screen. You’ll gain the tools to overcome self-doubt and replace it with empowerment and ease in front of the camera. To find out more, check out our acting classes Glasgow page.
3. Focus on the Story, Not on Yourself
One of the main reasons actors become self-conscious on camera is because they start to focus on themselves too much. They worry about how they look, how they sound, or whether they’re delivering their lines correctly. But the key to a successful performance is always focusing on the story and the character, not your own appearance or performance.
When you’re deeply engaged with the character and the storyline, your energy naturally shifts away from self-doubt and toward the art. Instead of thinking, “How do I look?” you’ll be asking, “How can I make this moment real for the audience?” This shift in focus helps you feel more comfortable, both with your character and with the camera. The more you invest emotionally in the story, the less room there is for self-consciousness to creep in.
4. Breathing and Relaxation Techniques
When you’re feeling tense or self-conscious on camera, the first thing that happens is your body tightens up. You may even notice your breathing becoming shallow or irregular. This leads to a lack of energy and an unnatural performance. But by learning how to control your breath and relax your body, you can regain composure and feel more at ease on set.
Before stepping in front of the camera, take a few moments to focus on your breathing. Deep breaths help reduce anxiety and prevent tension from creeping into your performance. Try grounding exercises, like feeling your feet on the floor, to reconnect with your body. A relaxed body means a more natural and believable performance, allowing you to feel confident and free.
5. Trust Your Preparation
Another major factor that contributes to feeling good on camera is trusting the work you’ve put in before the shoot. Whether it’s memorizing lines, developing your character, or rehearsing the scene, the more prepared you are, the more confident you’ll feel in front of the lens.
Preparation is the bedrock of any great performance. If you know your material inside and out, you won’t be as distracted by the fear of forgetting lines or not being “good enough.” You’ll be focused on delivering an authentic performance. Remember, even seasoned actors experience nerves, but those nerves become manageable when you trust in your preparation.
6. Let Go of Perfectionism
One of the biggest barriers to feeling good on camera is the pressure to be perfect. Many actors—especially beginners—feel like they need to deliver a flawless performance to succeed. However, acting is about truth, not perfection. It’s about showing up, being vulnerable, and expressing emotion authentically.
When you focus on perfection, you limit your ability to fully express yourself and connect with the audience. Instead, embrace imperfection. Accept that you’ll make mistakes and that it’s okay to not have every single moment rehearsed to the letter. In fact, those unplanned moments often become the most memorable parts of a performance.
7. Be Kind to Yourself
Finally, don’t forget to be kind to yourself. The journey to feeling comfortable on camera is an ongoing process. There will be times when you feel nervous or self-conscious, and that’s okay. The key is not to let those moments hold you back. Instead, embrace them as part of the learning process and give yourself grace. Progress takes time, and every time you step in front of the camera, you’ll feel a little bit more at ease.
In conclusion, learning how to feel good on camera is a skill that takes practice, patience, and the right mindset. By embracing self-awareness, focusing on the story, and trusting in your preparation, you can overcome self-consciousness and deliver powerful, authentic performances. Acting classes in Glasgow can provide you with the structure and guidance you need to improve your on-camera confidence. If you’re looking to build that confidence and hone your craft, visit our acting classes Glasgow page and take the next step in your acting journey today.