Body Dysmorphia Survey

Thank you so much for being here and sharing your experience.

Your voice is incredibly valuable. My primary goal is to ensure that every client—regardless of anxiety level, background, or body confidence—feels completely safe, seen, and empowered in front of the camera. To do that, I need direct feedback on what helps, what hurts, and what makes you feel vulnerable.

This questionnaire is designed to gather specific, actionable information on body image issues, anxiety, and fears surrounding photography. Your responses will be used directly to refine my studio environment, posing techniques, and client communication practices.

Your Anonymity is 100% Guaranteed: Please feel free to answer openly and honestly. We do not collect names, or any identifying information. Your responses are confidential and will only be used to enhance the safety and effectiveness of the client experience.

Who Should Complete This Survey? Anyone who struggles with body confidence, body image issues, or BDD—whether you have successfully completed a photoshoot or if the struggle is what's currently holding you back from booking one.

Thank you for helping me make every session amazing.

Have you ever had a professional photoshoot?

Yes (Please answer questions based on your experience.)
No (Please answer questions based on your expectations and fears.)

Email (this is only for software purposes and I cannot remove it but it will not be used, make up a fake one)

What is the primary feature of your body or face that Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) causes you to focus on the most? (e.g., Stomach, nose, arms, skin, hair, asymmetry, etc.)

On a scale of 1 (rarely) to 5 (constantly), how often does BDD interfere with your daily life or confidence?

How prepared did you feel (or would you want to feel) emotionally just before your session started?

When you look in the mirror, what feeling or emotion is most dominant?

What ultimately made you consider (or book) a professional photography session, even with your struggles with BDD?

Which part of the photography process causes you the most anxiety (or would cause you the most fear)? (Check all that apply)

The wardrobe/outfit planning
The fear of not looking good enough for the camera
Seeing yourself in the changing room/mirror at the studio
Being touched or posed by the photographer
The thought of seeing the final, unedited images

During a session, or imagining a session, what is the most likely trigger that would make you feel uncomfortable or want to stop? (e.g., specific poses, the photographer’s language, looking at the camera screen)

How do you prefer the photographer NOT refer to your body or features while posing? (e.g., No using words like fix, flatter, problem area, hide)

What level of physical closeness or touch from the photographer (for posing) makes you feel most comfortable? (Check one)

Verbal instructions only.
Demonstrating the pose only (no touch).
Gentle, minimal physical adjustment (hands on shoulder, etc.).
I am comfortable with typical hands-on posing

If you start to feel distressed, triggered, or overwhelmed during a session (or imagining a session), what one thing could the photographer say or do that would bring you relief immediately? Examples: Change the subject, offer a 5-minute break, give positive compliments, focus on breathing, etc.

If a photograph genuinely captured your BDD fixation, how would you want the photographer to handle that image during the reveal?

Which is more helpful during the shoot: (Check one)

The photographer showing you the back of the camera to prove you look good.
The photographer never showing you the camera back until the formal reveal.

Thinking about the final images, what level of editing or retouching feels helpful versus what feels like a denial of reality?

If you could give one piece of advice to a portrait photographer about serving a client with BDD, what would it be?

How important is it that your photographer openly acknowledges mental health struggles like BDD and anxiety on their platform? (Scale of 1 to 5)

What is the single biggest misconception you believe photographers have about clients who struggle with body image?

Any other information you would like to share?

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Body Dysmorphia Survey

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