Being in front of a camera does NOT come naturally for most people! And it shouldn't - we don't live our lives in front of a camera. But, we do live our lives in front of other people. If you haven't had the opportunity to take any acting or film classes, don't worry. I have some advice on getting comfortable in front of the camera. Your level of camera comfort will be equal to the amount that you PRACTICE! As often as you can, get in front of the camera and film yourself. Set the camera up in your room, the family room, the garage, or wherever you have some space. You will need to watch the footage and be observant of anything that is distracting to the potential viewer. One common uncomfortable move is fidgeting. Another, is the old head bob. Shifting weight continually from one foot to another is also a no-no. Film yourself in full frame (from the ground to the top of your head) or frame yourself from the waist up. Some people are very different with their reads when they are framed close up versus full body. Another way to increase your camera comfort is to recruit someone to help you - someone whom you feel totally at ease with, like a best friend, sibling, parent or family member. Have them stand behind the camera and you talk directly to them. Pretend the camera isn't there and just have a conversation. Review that footage and compare it to footage of you reading a script. You want your audition to be as comfortable looking and sounding as your conversation with your best friend. Have fun with this - be silly, too! Speak differently, try an accent, try different emotions - step outside your comfort zone - that's what acting is all about! Being someone different than who you are but not losing yourself in the process.
