"Why I Struggle with Photos and What it Teaches Me About Authentic Leadership"

*Starkeeper Morton is CEO aka Keeper of The Haven in Stonehaven amongst many other things

I’ve never had a problem with public speaking or even navigating awkward, contentious meetings. But getting my photo taken - that’s something I absolutely loathe.

The reason is simple: when I see a photo of myself, I just want to make sure it looks and feels like me. Yet, I often find myself confronted with the stereotype of what a CEO, yoga teacher, or "whatever" I’m supposed to be, is meant to look like. There’s this unspoken pressure to fit into a certain mould, one that doesn’t quite reflect who I am.

If I turned up with professionally done hair and makeup, I’m pretty sure people wouldn’t even recognise me. And if they did, I imagine they'd be disappointed to see that the “real” me doesn’t match up to the polished image.

So, when I have to get in front of a camera, I really have to dig deep. I call on all the wellbeing tools and strategies I’ve learned over the years, and I engage in the most positive self-talk I can muster. It’s a process of reminding myself that it’s okay to be me—authentically and unapologetically.

And it’s not just about getting myself into the right headspace. I then have to bring others on board too. It’s about encouraging the people around me—whether it’s the photographer, my team, or whoever’s involved—to approach the situation with the same mindset. The aim is to create an environment where authenticity is valued over perfection, where we all feel comfortable just being ourselves.

Here are my top 5 tips for leader who don't want their photo take but have too for the greater good.

• Choose a Photographer Who Resonates with Your Values Select a photographer who understands and respects your desire for authenticity. It’s important to find someone who makes you feel at ease and creates a supportive atmosphere for you to express yourself naturally. I opted for a photographer I met who had a background as a Ukrainian refugee. While she typically focuses on family photography, her approach to capturing more natural, candid moments aligned well with what I was seeking. Additionally, choosing her allowed us to support someone whose talents we wanted to celebrate.
• Prepare Your Mindset with Positive Self-Talk Before the shoot, take a moment to remind yourself that it’s okay to show up as you are. Focus on self-acceptance and use affirmations like, "I am enough," to help you feel comfortable in your own skin.
• Choose an Outfit that Reflects Your True Self Wear something that makes you feel like you. Comfort is key—choose clothes that match your personal style and personality, rather than trying to fit an image or expectation of what you "should" look like. I wore my oldest yoga leggings because I wanted all the yoga classes I have taught to be with me in the photo. It also made me feel comfortable.
• Communicate with the Photographer Let the photographer know how you’re feeling and share your desire for authenticity. A good photographer will work with you to create a relaxed environment and capture your true essence without pushing you to pose in ways that feel unnatural. The photographer also reassured me "there was always photoshop!"
• Focus on Connection, Not Perfection Instead of worrying about how you look, focus on connecting with the camera or the people around you. For me I thought about all my favourite moments and people at The Haven. I approached it like a reflection practise. When you're engaged and present, your natural expressions will shine through, making the photos feel more genuine and authentic. At least I hope so!

After too many photoshoots this one really is my favourite because I felt I could really be me, my singing bowl, barefoot in my old clothes. When I saw the photos I asked the photographer how much photoshop and filters she used and she said "not as much as you think!"

It’s not easy, but it’s necessary. For me, the goal is to show up as I am, without the pressure of meeting some external standard. And in doing so, I hope I give permission for others—that it's okay to be who you really are, even in front of the camera.

#Authenticity #Leadership #Wellbeing #SelfAcceptance #CEO #YogaTeacher