Crappy photos. Why do they happen?

Sometimes, it's just that kind of day. That's okay. And quite normal. Sometimes, you just don't know enough. And that's okay too. Taking a lot of photographs - often crappy photographs - is one of the best ways to learn.

But sometimes, it comes down to one show-stopping four letter word: fear.

You know it. I know it. A lot of photographers know it. Which is why I am grateful that I recently stumbled upon The Shy Photographer's Guide to Confidence.

It's pretty simple. The key to taking great photographs is confidence. But if you don't have much of that and you are ruled by fear, shooting can be a struggle.

I have been shy for as long as I can remember. It's really only in the past ten years that I've slowly, painfully and awkwardly emerged from my shell. Nowadays, I feel relatively confident, but there are still times when being around a lot of people or in a new place can fill me with terror.

Fortunately, confidence is contagious and it can grow. A lack of it doesn't have to define you for the rest of your life. Thank God! Because I still have so much I want to do and experience.

What about you? Do you struggle with shyness? If so, what do you do to overcome your anxiety?