My Advice for the Camera-Shy

“I hate being on camera.” I hear that just about every week. If you are getting anxiety just thinking about it, stop and breathe. First of all, you need to know that being on camera is NOT natural. TV stars make it look easy because they have done it thousands of times. But for the average person, it is a struggle.

#ProTip: It is the producer’s job to make you look good.

Secondly, be aware that it is the producer’s job — NOT yours — to make you feel comfortable and look your best. The producer should never abandon you; they should coach you through it and check the monitor to make sure your delivery (and your hair) looks good. I always take the time to make sure the person on camera feels comfortable. I will chat about unimportant topics to help them relax, or I’ll pass along acting tricks to help them feel confident. By the end of the shoot, even the most nervous people are telling me how much they enjoyed it. And the video is always dynamite.

Katie Rutter is the executive producer of Thing in a Pot Productions. She has received multiple awards for her videos and the overall quality of her work, including being honored as Video Producer of the Year in 2018 by the Catholic Press Association. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive our video Pro Tips in your inbox every month!