How to Show Up Boldly in Life (and on Camera)
Confidence doesn’t always mean being the loudest in the room or having it all figured out. Sometimes, it simply means choosing to try. It’s raising your hand when your voice is shaking. It’s stepping into the room when your brain is screaming “sit this one out.” It’s giving yourself permission to be seen, even when it feels uncomfortable or scary.
If you’ve ever held yourself back because of fear, doubt, or comparison, let me tell you something right now: you are NOT alone. And, you don’t have to stay stuck there.
As a boudoir and branding photographer here in Westminster, CO, I’ve seen firsthand how transformative it is when someone finally allows themselves to be seen. My clients often walk into the studio nervous, telling me they’re “not confident enough to wear this” or “not photogenic.” But the magic happens when they choose to show up anyway and by the end of the session, they’re glowing with a confidence they didn’t know they had.
Confidence is not a secret gift reserved for “other people.” It’s a skill. A muscle. Something you build over time through small, intentional steps. And I’m here as your photographer, expander, hype-woman, and biggest cheerleader to remind you that you are more capable, radiant, and powerful than you realize.
This blog is your guide to glowing up so you can show up, not just in front of the camera, but in every part of your life.
Confidence Is Built, Not Bestowed
To be honest, nobody wakes up one day magically confident. Confidence doesn’t just “arrive.” It’s built through repetition, just like lifting weights.
Every time you take a small brave step, whether it’s showing up for a photoshoot, hitting “post” on that video, or simply looking yourself in the mirror and saying, “I’m proud of you”. You’re stacking evidence. Evidence that you can do hard things. Evidence that you are enough.
Action → Builds Belief → Creates Confidence → Fuels More Action.
That’s the cycle. And it works every single time.
The Real Glow-Up Happens Inside
Sure, a new outfit, a bold lipstick, or a fresh hairstyle can make you feel fabulous (and I am 100% here for that). But the real glow-up? It’s an inside job.
It’s when you stop apologizing for existing.
It’s when you stop waiting for “perfect” to show up.
It’s when you let your authentic self shine without shrinking.
That inner glow is what I capture during boudoir and branding sessions. The most breathtaking photos aren’t the ones where you posed perfectly, they’re the ones where you allowed yourself to be fully present, fully you.
Step Into Power: Poses That Shift Your Energy
Your body is a powerful tool. Science has shown that the way we hold ourselves physically can impact how confident we feel mentally. That means you can “hack” your brain by choosing body language that sends signals of strength.
Try these before your next big moment:
- The Wonder Woman: Stand tall, feet apart, hands on hips, shoulders back, chin lifted. Two minutes here and you’ll walk in like you own the space.
- The CEO Lean: Sit with intention, lean forward slightly, knees wide apart, hands relaxed on knees, eyes steady. This says, “I’m here and I’m in charge.” We are often given the message explicitly or implicitly as women that we need to shrink or be more palatable. In this pose focus on taking up space!
- The Victory V: Throw your arms overhead in a big “V” like you just crossed the finish line. Do it in your bathroom mirror, in your car, or in the studio bathroom before your shoot. This one not only boosts your mood but actually lowers cortisol (stress hormone) levels.
Tip: Try these poses in private before stepping in front of a camera or into a high-stakes situation. You’ll be surprised at how quickly your nervous system responds.
Soundtrack Your Confidence: The Empowered Playlist
Music is magic. It bypasses your doubt and drops you straight into your power. That’s why I always tell my clients: make a hype playlist! Play it while you get ready for your shoot, your meeting, or even just your Monday.
Here are some of my go-to anthems (and some client favorites):
🎵
“Rise Up” – Andra Day
🎵
“Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” – Kelly Clarkson
🎵
Anything Queen Herby -nearly any track, but
“My SZN” and
“Check” are high-vibe standouts
🎵
Taylor Swift – “Shake It Off” + “The Man”
🎵
Beyoncé – “Run the World (Girls)”
🎵
Lizzo – “Good as Hell”
Press play, and feel the feelings you need to feel to meet the challenge of the day, dance it out, and watch your energy shift in minutes.
Ask-ffirmations: Unlock Confidence with Better Questions
You’ve probably heard of affirmations, but if you’ve ever felt like you were lying to yourself when you said, “I am confident,” you’re not alone.
That’s why I love ask-ffirmations. Instead of making a statement, you ask yourself a powerful question that prompts your brain to search for evidence. This creates curiosity and possibility instead of resistance.
Try these when doubt creeps in:
- Why am I so special and unique?
- What if this could actually be easy?
- Why am I the right person to give this message?
- What if I am no longer interested in the fight?
- Why am I so hot in this outfit?
Write them on sticky notes, keep them in your phone, or whisper them in the mirror. Curiosity creates confidence.
Practice Showing Up Imperfectly
Confidence doesn’t come from waiting until you feel ready. It comes from choosing to show up while you’re still nervous.
- On Camera: Record 10 practice videos and don’t post them. Just get comfortable seeing yourself.
- In Conversation: Share your opinion in a meeting, with your family and friends, even if your voice shakes. The more you do it, the more natural it feels.
- In Life: Publish that blog post, share that photo, launch that idea. Apply for the opportunity. Share the story. Wear the outfit. Done is better than perfect.
Done is always better than perfect. Every rep builds the confidence muscle.
Daily Confidence Builders
You don’t need hours of mindset work — small habits compound.
Small, consistent habits are the secret to long-term transformation. Here are mini practices you can weave into your routine:
- Mirror Moments: Each morning, look yourself in the eye and say one kind thing. It could be, “I love how resilient you are” or “I’m proud of you for showing up today” or “damn girl! Those arms are #goals!”
- Micro Bravery: Do one small thing every day that makes you a little uncomfortable — start a conversation, wear the bold lipstick, pitch yourself for an opportunity.
- Celebrate Evidence: Keep a “confidence journal” where you jot down each win, big or small. Over time, you’ll create a library of proof that you
are capable.
Confidence isn’t a destination. It’s a muscle you keep strengthening, it's a journey.
Permission to Be Seen
This is your permission slip. You don’t need to wait. You don’t need to earn it. You don’t need to fix yourself first. Confidence is about granting yourself permission:
- Permission to be seen, even when you’re not polished.
- Permission to take up space, even when you’re not certain.
- Permission to pursue joy, even when others don’t understand.
You are worthy of being seen right now — as you are, not as you think you “should” be.
And if you need a safe, supportive space to practice that? That’s what I create in every boudoir and branding session at Sabrina Harrison Photography. My job isn’t just to take photos — it’s to cheer you on, help you remember your power, and capture the confidence you’ve been building all along.
Final Hype from Me to You
Your glow-up doesn’t start when you hit a milestone or when you feel “ready.” It starts the moment you decide to stop hiding.
You’ve already got the glow inside you, and I’m just here to remind you to let it shine.
Each small act of courage is part of the transformation.
Each time you silence doubt and take the next step, your inner glow shines brighter.
Each time you choose action over fear, you prove to yourself that you can.
So, whether you’re pressing record, walking into a photoshoot, or simply choosing to believe in yourself again, remember this:
Confidence isn’t about perfection. It’s about presence. It’s about deciding that your voice, your story, your energy — all of it deserves to be here.
Glow up. Show up. The world is waiting for you.
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