How does Natasha Nicholes manage photography anxiety during photoshoots?

I manage it by admitting the anxiety is there and then giving myself something concrete to focus on.

I remind myself I’m a “tinkerer,” not a perfectionist. I play with angles, light, and settings, knowing they’ll get better over time, not in one session. I also lean into my humor and “bougie Black girl” persona a bit—it helps me show up, even when I’m tired inside.

On the hardest days, I use photoshoots as structured distraction: planning outfits, props, and shot lists so my brain has a job besides spiraling. I remember that the photo doesn’t have to be perfect to be powerful; it just has to be honest.

Are you dealing with photography anxiety yourself, or are you asking about my process for a project or article?