THE JOURNAL OF A CONFIDENCE COACH & PHOTOGRAPHER

Stories, tips, and reflections on confidence, photography, and being truly seen.

Welcome to the Journal! Part confidence coach, part photographer’s diary. Here you’ll find stories, insights, and practical tips to help you feel more comfortable in front of the camera and more confident in yourself.

Katie Kaars Katie Kaars

Why My Fashion & Music Background Gives You an Edge in Branding Photography

When I first started as a photographer, I worked in the fashion and music industries — two worlds full of creativity, personality, and a little chaos. I photographed artists, stylists, models, and musicians who all had one thing in common: they wanted to be seen in a way that matched who they truly were.

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Katie Kaars Katie Kaars

The photos we choose to forget.

How often do we edit out parts of our history because we feel embarrassed by how we looked? How frequently do we erase versions of ourselves — the ones that don’t fit the image we want others to see?

The truth is: our photo albums, our camera rolls, our framed memories — they’re rarely complete.

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Katie Kaars Katie Kaars

Why Camera Angles Matter

Recently, I was on a call, and one person had his camera angle so low that he was overlooking everyone. It was like he was the overlord and we were his minions, and I'm sure it was an accident, but it inspired me to delve into the reasons why camera angles matter.

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Katie Kaars Katie Kaars

Words Have Meaning, And So Does Preparation.

Your outfit should be something that makes you feel confident and comfortable, and your mindset should be one of self-acceptance and positivity. One without the other won't get you very far.

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Katie Kaars Katie Kaars

Why Do Our Faces Look Different on Each Side?

Facial asymmetry is natural, and research has shown that most people have a "better side." A study from the University of Wake Forest found that people prefer the left side of their face in photos.

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Katie Kaars Katie Kaars

Your Brain is Just Used to the Mirror

This is why many people feel they "never look good in photos"—it's not that you look bad; it's just that you're not accustomed to seeing yourself that way! Do you think you resemble your photos more or your reflection?

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Katie Kaars Katie Kaars

What I've Learned from Teaching Photography Tips

Over the past few years, I've transitioned from simply taking photos to teaching others how to feel confident in front of the camera. Sharing my knowledge has been a fulfilling, sometimes surprising journey, and it's taught me just as much as I've passed on to others.

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Katie Kaars Katie Kaars

How to Achieve Big Eyes in a Portrait

You can achieve those captivating big eyes in your portraits by using the right angles, mastering lighting techniques, and enhancing your eyes with makeup and expression. To make your eyes look bigger, try these tips:

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Katie Kaars Katie Kaars

The Art of Posing: Tips for Striking the Perfect Pose in Photos

The most common question is how to pose for a photo. Well, it depends on the image! For a group photo, you hug the waists of the group and stick to the middle if you feel conscious about your body size. For a corporate portrait, try sitting behind a table, standing confidently, crossing your arms, and using your pockets. Finding a pose that works for you and sticking to it is the fastest way to feel confident in front of the camera.

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Katie Kaars Katie Kaars

How to take a self-portrait with a DSLR.

Self-portraiture is more than just capturing an image; it's a personal and liberating journey. Owning a digital SLR camera can open the door to this creative exploration.

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Katie Kaars Katie Kaars

Why Professional Portraits Are Non-Negotiable for Every Business

I get it. When you’re bootstrapping and trying to make every penny count, splurging on fancy photo shoots might seem like a luxury you can do without. But trust me when I say this: investing in quality visuals for your website and social media is worth every penny and then some.

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