When actors are first diving into the world of TV and Film, they are often confronted by the sight of this piece of technology that sits upon a tripod called a camera which intimidates the hell out of them.
Know this is normal.
The camera can bring up a number of emotions from anxiety to nervousness and even a sense of dread. These feelings are often deeply rooted somewhere in the actor's psyche and yet the actor more often than not isn't even aware of this; let alone the specific feelings that are being brought up. All they know is that there's a flurry of emotions whirling around them that's overwhelming.
Know this is normal.
This is due to the actor often projecting their insecurities to this piece of technological equipment. The bare fact is, the camera is a contraption made up of metal and plastic - no different to your phone, your couch, the door of the roof above your head; and yet it has so much power over the actor. Why? Because we're projecting our insecurities onto the camera, imbuing it with strength and therefore it holds power over us bringing us to our knees begging for mercy.
The function of the camera is to watch. Yes it records, yes it plays back - but it's function is to watch. The irony is actors, models, performers of all kinds are meant to be watched and yet somehow when we are watched, we freak out. The question we have to ask ourselves is why? Why are we afraid to be seen? Why are we not comfortable being watched? What is it about someone/s observing us in our space/ environment/ emotions.
For some it may be self esteem issues. Others, it could be body image, mental illness, abuse or fear. No matter what the issue is, it's generally something that's unresolved that's triggering the fight, flight, freeze or pray response that is innate in every single one of us.
Essentially, whatever the root cause is - this is what needs to be resolved in order to fix the issue at hand which takes time, energy and the ability to be vulnerable with one's self. This means exploring one's shame. Because without shame, there's no vulnerability as realised in Brene Brown's research of shame and vulnerability. Meditating, journaling, seeing a therapist are a few ways to explore both shame and vulnerability - it's your job to figure out which is best for you.
However, for now, I can provide some mindset shifts that will act as a bandaid temporarily while you work on the deeper issues at hand.
Understand that the camera is a piece of furniture. It's no different to the art hanging on the wall, the kitchen sink or the bathtub. These objects do not judge, they just are.
The power of the camera comes from you. So if you have the ability to give it strength, you also have the ability to take it away.
The insecurities that are being projected onto the camera are a reflection of your fears. When you face them and work on them, these projections will slowly dissipate.
The camera's job is to watch. There's no difference from the camera watching to a fly on the wall watching or your neighbours outdoor cat or a friend's child watching you go about your everyday. Because remember, when we're acting, that is our character's everyday. So why is it any different for us the actor, when putting a tape down is part of our everyday too?
Please know that even these simple mindset shifts will take time however work on working on the deeper stuff and know the feelings you are feeling are valid and you're allowed to feel that way. When you're ready, start the work slowly, and surely in no time, you'll be on your way to a fear free taping session.