Camera Shy? How to Show the People Behind Your Business (Without Feeling Awkward)
For many brewery and hospitality owners, the thought of being in front of a camera is about as appealing as warm, flat beer; you’d rather be deep in the mash tun, pouring pints, greeting guests, or perfecting your latest recipe than posing for photos. But here’s the thing, people-focused content consistently outperforms product shots. In fact, posts with faces get 38% more likes and 32% more comments on average.
At Barscapades, we help venues bridge the gap between “I hate having my photo taken” and “our brand feels personal and approachable” without making you feel like you’re auditioning for a reality show.
Why People Pics Work
Humans are hard-wired to notice faces. In the endless scroll of social media, a smiling bartender, a brewer mid-pour, or a chef adding the finishing touch to a dish is far more likely to stop someone in their tracks than a perfectly lit pint on the bar. It’s about more than just stopping the scroll. Faces create emotional connection, customers see the real people behind the brand, which builds trust, and in hospitality, people aren’t just part of the process, they are part of the product.
That friendly welcome, that infectious laugh, that attention to detail, these are the moments that turn a first-time visitor into a regular.
The Camera-Shy Dilemma
Of course, knowing that faces work doesn’t make it any easier to step in front of the lens. Plenty of business owners fall back on excuses: “I’m too busy,” “I’m not photogenic,” or “It feels vain.” The truth? Most of us are far more comfortable behind the scenes, getting on with the job, than we are being the centre of attention.For some, it’s about confidence. For others, it’s the worry that a posed shot won’t feel authentic.
The key is reframing the whole thing, you’re not taking a staged glamour shot, you’re letting customers peek into your world.
Easy Wins for the Camera Shy
If the idea of a full-on portrait makes you want to hide in the cold store, here are some low-pressure ways to start showing your face:
Wide shots or group photos – Share the attention with your team.
Action shots – Pouring a beer, prepping a dish, garnishing a cocktail.
Hands at work – A brewer stirring the mash, a chef plating food, a bartender shaking a drink.
Back-of-head or over-the-shoulder POVs – Customers see the work without the direct gaze.
With customers (with permission) – Natural smiles and interaction sell your atmosphere better than any posed shot.
These options keep things authentic and in context, which is far less intimidating than standing in front of a blank wall trying to look “professional.”
Making It a Habit
Like anything in business, consistency pays off. The easiest way to keep people-focused content flowing is to plan it in:
Batch shoot once a month – Dedicate an hour to capturing a mix of action shots and team moments.
Keep a shared photo folder – Give your team access so they can add snaps from busy nights or special events.
Rotate the spotlight – Spread the camera time across your staff so no one feels overexposed.
Once it becomes part of your routine, it won’t feel like an interruption, just another part of telling your brand’s story.
If you’re camera shy, you don’t need to force yourself into a role you hate. Start small, use action shots, and let the focus be on what you do rather than how you look. The more you share the people behind your business, the more customers will feel connected to you.
This week, try one “people” post, even if it’s just a quick snap during service. It’s about connection, not perfection.
And if you need help planning content that’s authentic, approachable, and never forced, Barscapades can help you get comfortable in front of the lens (and in your customers’ feeds).
