I’ll be the first to admit that posing for photos can feel awkward.
Whether you’re sitting in front of the camera for a professional headshot or a family portrait, the mere act of being photographed can make even the most confident people seem a bit stiff.
But don’t worry! In my experience, you don’t need to be a professional model to strike a pose and look great in photos.
With these simple tips and gentle coaching, you can pose like a pro and come across as your natural, authentic self, even if you might feel awkward.
1 – Stand tall and confident
One of the simplest ways to instantly improve your pose is to focus on your posture. Stand up straight with your shoulders back and chest open. This pose makes you look more confident and helps create more flattering lines in your body.
2 – Relax your hands
Hands can be tricky. Where do they go? Try not to overthink it. Keep your hands relaxed, and avoid clenching your fists or jamming them into your sides.
To achieve a natural look, you can rest your hands on your hips or gently place them in your pockets.
When subjects struggle to find something to do with their hands, I’ll often pass them a pop-up light reflector to hold.
3 – Shift your weight
If you stand with your weight evenly distributed on each leg, you can look rigid. Try shifting some of your weight to one leg. This little change creates a more relaxed and casual pose.
Shifting weight to one side also helps add shape to your body, making the pose feel more dynamic.
4 – Angle your body
If you stand straight on the camera, you can look flat. Instead, angle your body slightly to one side.
Turning your body and looking back into the lens adds depth to the photo and helps create a more interesting silhouette.
A slight twist at the waist can make a big difference!
5 – Keep your chin down
I know that the accepted wisdom is to keep your chin up in photos, but a common mistake I see people make is raising their chin too high.
A high chin can create an unflattering angle, making your neck appear shorter.
Instead, try tilting your chin slightly down while elongating your neck. Admittedly, this might feel unnatural initially, but it looks great on camera!
6 – Smile with your eyes
Smizing. My favourite portrait photography tip!
If you’ve ever heard someone say “smile with your eyes”, they’re not wrong.
A forced smile will always make you look uncomfortable on camera. Instead, think about something that genuinely makes you happy. I’ll often ask my subjects about their favourite people, places or pets in an attempt to get this natural reaction.
When you allow a happy emotion to show in your eyes, your smile will follow naturally.
7 – Use your surroundings
If you don’t know what to do with your body, use your environment to your advantage. Lean against a wall, sit in a chair, or rest your arm on a nearby object.
Connecting with your surroundings will help you feel more comfortable and grounded and give your photo a more casual, natural vibe.
8 – Practice subtle movements
Instead of holding one pose for extended periods, try small, subtle movements during the shoot. Turn your head slightly, shift your gaze, or adjust your hands.
Making tiny changes can bring your photos to life and increase the odds of us finding the perfect pose for your portrait.
9 – Laugh it off
If you’re feeling awkward, try laughter. A genuine laugh will help you relax and lead to beautiful, candid shots.
Once you start having fun with the photography experience, you’ll immediately relax, and it will show on camera.
10 – Trust your photographer
You need to trust me. It’s my job to coach you through the shoot and capture your best angles. I win when you get photos you’re happy with.
Listen to my directions, and don’t be afraid to ask for tips and pose ideas during the shoot.
The more you trust the process, the more comfortable you will feel in front of my camera.
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Are you ready to strike a pose? Whether you need to update your LinkedIn profile photo or want to capture images from a personal shoot, I’m here to help you feel confident on camera.
I look forward to creating stunning photos together. Book your session with me today!
