Do you ever feel awkward in front of the camera? You’re not alone.
Most people say they “don’t know what to do” when someone points a lens in their direction.
Whether it’s for a headshot, a branding shoot or an event, feeling confident in front of the camera makes a big difference.
The good news? You don’t have to be a model or love having your picture taken to look your best.
With a few simple tips and a bit of practice, you can feel more relaxed and natural – and that will shine through in your photos.
As a portrait and brand photographer, I work with people from all walks of life who feel unsure at first. These quick posing tips are designed to help you feel more confident, comfortable and camera-ready.
Start with your posture
Good posture makes a huge difference.
Stand or sit tall, with your shoulders relaxed and your spine straight. Imagine a string gently pulling you up from the top of your head. This helps you look more alert and open.
At the same time, try not to stiffen up. If you feel tense, shake out your hands, roll your shoulders a few times, and take a few deep breaths.
A strong but relaxed posture gives you a natural presence. It also helps your clothes fall nicely and gives shape to your body.
Whether you’re standing or sitting, avoid slouching or leaning too far back. You’ll look more confident just by holding yourself well.
Think about your hands
People often don’t know what to do with their hands, and that can make a pose feel forced. The trick is to give your hands something to do, without overthinking it.
If you’re standing, lightly place your hands in your pockets or rest them on your hips. You can cross your arms if it feels natural, but avoid clenching your fists or gripping too tightly.
If you’re sitting, let your hands rest gently on your lap, a chair arm or the table in front of you. If you’re holding something, like a notebook or coffee cup, use it naturally rather than posing with it stiffly.
Hands tell a story, and relaxed hands help you look at ease.
Angle your body
Facing the camera straight on can feel intense and sometimes a bit flat. A slight turn of your body helps create shape and interest. Turn your body about 30-45 degrees to the camera, then gently bring your head back towards the lens. This works especially well for portraits and headshots, as it creates a flattering angle without looking too posed.
If you’re standing, shifting your weight onto your back leg helps you feel more grounded. If you’re sitting, try turning slightly to one side, then looking back towards the camera with a soft expression.
Use your eyes and expression
Your expression is key to how a photo feels.
A forced smile or tense look in your eyes can easily give away your nerves. Instead, think about something that genuinely makes you smile – a memory, a person, a joke. That spark will show in your eyes and soften your whole face.
Don’t feel like you need to grin in every shot. A gentle, relaxed expression often looks just as confident.
Practice different looks in the mirror if it helps – serious, soft, thoughtful, smiling. The more you get used to how your face feels in different moods, the more relaxed you’ll be when it matters.
Breathe and take your time
Rushing into a pose or feeling you need to “get it right” can make you stiff. Take your time.
A good photographer will guide you, but even when you’re taking photos yourself, it’s worth pausing, breathing and resetting between shots.
Move naturally, shift your weight slightly, take a step forward or tilt your head – these small changes can completely transform a photo.
Photos often capture moments between moments – those little shifts and reactions when you stop trying and just are. The more relaxed you feel, the more likely these genuine moments will shine through.
Trust the process
Remember, you’re not expected to know how to pose perfectly.
It’s not about performing or being someone else. The goal is to be yourself and feel good in your own skin.
A good photographer will help you feel at ease, guide you gently and capture your best angles without pressure. You don’t need to fake confidence – you just need to feel comfortable enough to let it come through.
Over time, the more you get used to being in front of the camera, the more natural it will feel.
These tips are just the starting point. They’re here to help you feel in control, rather than unsure or self-conscious.
Ready to feel more confident in front of the camera?
If you’d like to try these tips with someone who understands how nerve-wracking it can be, I’d love to help.
Whether you need fresh headshots, relaxed portraits or branding images that show the real you, I’ll guide you through it with care and a calm approach.
Get in touch to book a session or ask any questions – I’m always happy to chat.
