AnielaAs much as I love being behind the camera, learning about lenses, framing, lighting, and all the little techniques that make a shot beautiful, there’s something about being in front of it that truly gives me life. My first love has always been being in front of the camera, not in an attention-seeking way, but in a way that feels expressive, alive, and creative. Still, that didn’t come easily to me.
For the longest time, I was super nervous and extremely self-conscious about being on camera. I felt like my presence alone ruined the whole video. I’ve had many photographers reach out in the past, asking to collaborate on photoshoots, and I said no every single time. Not because I didn’t want to, but because I was terrified. The same thing happened with presenting. I loved the idea of being at the front and center, speaking to an audience, but my nerves always got in the way.
Joining the Broadcasting program was my turning point. It pushed me to face that fear. I used to think I sounded terrible, that my expressions were robotic, and that I looked awkward on screen. But what I realized over time is that confidence doesn’t come before practice; it comes from practice. And the very first step toward confidence is acceptance.
1. Accept What You Love
You have to accept what you love. I used to tell everyone, “No, I don’t like being in front of the camera,” when deep down, I really did. I loved it! I was just scared. Once I stopped hiding that from myself, things changed. I learned that it’s okay to be nervous. Every creator, every reporter, every anchor feels awkward at first. I still remember my first on-camera read in class; it was a mock news report about a fire in a building. I thought I was the only one sweating, but once that red record light came on, everyone was equally nervous. That’s when I realized it’s completely normal to feel that way.
2. Start Small and Practice Often
If you’re trying to get comfortable on camera, start small. Pick up your camera or even your phone, turn it on, and start reading something: a page from a book, a paragraph from a magazine, or even your own script. The goal isn’t to be perfect; it’s to get used to the feeling of being seen. When you play it back, it might feel dreadful at first and trust me, I’ve been there, but that’s how growth begins. Each time you record yourself, you’ll notice little improvements. With consistent effort, you’ll start to feel more natural and confident without even realizing it. In short, talk to the camera like it’s your friend. That’s one of the best ways to relax. The camera isn’t judging you, it’s simply there to capture your story.
3. Learn Your Angles and Lighting
Learn your angles and lighting. With practice, you’ll start to notice which angles flatter you most and how lighting can completely change the way you look on screen. Maybe natural light from a window makes your features pop, or maybe a soft lamp works better for you. Experiment with your setup: try different positions, distances, and backgrounds. You’ll slowly learn what makes you feel the most comfortable and confident in the frame.
4. Focus on Your Message
And most importantly, focus on your message. Instead of overthinking every detail about how you look or sound, shift your attention to what you’re actually saying. Your energy, tone, and authenticity matter so much more than having perfect hair or flawless makeup. Of course, look presentable, wear something that makes you feel good, tidy up your space, but don’t overdo it. The more you obsess over perfection, the less natural you’ll appear. People connect to honesty, not polish.
5. Watch Yourself and Learn Gently
Finally, watch yourself and learn gently. When you rewatch your clips, don’t pick apart every tiny mistake. Notice your progress. Maybe your smile looks more natural, or your pacing sounds smoother. Celebrate those small wins. Over time, you’ll realize that being on camera isn’t about being flawless: it’s about being real, confident, and unapologetically you.
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