Posing Crash Course for Ordinary People
The top cited pain point for portrait clients is clear:
People feel awkward in front of the camera.
I can attest to this, myself. We’re not used to having to posture, over exaggerate and be critiqued constantly by a practical stranger. Talk about a lesson in self-consciousness.
The good news is that you’re not alone. I feel the same way when I’m having my photo taken. That’s why I’ve drawn up a list of tips to think about before getting together for your session. This takes the self consciousness down a notch and gives you permission to be a little extra in order to capture yourself as you imagine.
It turns out that it’s all a lesson in body language. We learn tactics that socially emit certain qualities about ourselves, like how to command respect or generate interest when walking in a room. The same applies here. We want to emphasize certain body language to help us translate what we want in our photos.
I'm thinking this would make a good video so look out for that in the future.
Eleven things us normies want to keep in mind:
1. Angle your Body
This isn’t a passport photo session. Let’s loosen up a bit by first, standing at a slight angle to the camera instead of facing it head-on. This creates a more flattering silhouette by emphasizing curves and adding depth to your photo.
2. Shift your Weight
Symmetry is not our friend until we’re ready to break that rule. Avoid standing stiffly with weight evenly distributed. Shift your weight onto one leg, usually the back one, letting the other bend slightly in front of you. This creates a relaxed, asymmetrical pose that feels effortless and looks elegant. This is how I’d likely see you standing around waiting for the bus (minus the phone in your hand) and comes across relaxed and natural.
3. Pop a Hip or Knee
Want to get a little more dramatic without being completely obvious? Adding a little bend at the knee or popping a hip can emphasize curves and create a natural hourglass shape. It’s a subtle way to add shape without overthinking it.
4. Create Space Between Arms and Body
Even those of us with the most toned arms think we love a classy, sleeveless look until we see the photos. To avoid the dreaded “smooshed arm” look, keep a small gap between your arms and torso. Even just a slight lift at the elbow can help define your figure and give your photos a polished look.
Additionally, pulling your elbows back with your posture tightens your silhouette and creates angles that are flattering for everyone.
5. Use Your Hands Gracefully
Don’t know what to do with your hands? Lightly touch your hair, hold onto your hip, or gently brush your fingers along your collarbone. Keeping your hands soft and relaxed helps avoid stiff or awkward poses.
Visualization tip: imagine there’s an egg sitting in the palm of your hand if it’s pressed against a surface. Keeping that curve in your hands appears comfortable and less rigid.
Another tip, is to show the outer edge of your palm. Vanessa Edward’s book on body language, Captivate, explains that humans love to see this side of your hand. It promotes powerful feelings of honesty and approachability.
6. Think Posture, Posture, Posture!
Good posture is everything in photos.
Roll your shoulders back, lift your chin slightly, and imagine a string pulling you upward from the top of your head. I hear this all the time on my fitness app while I'm working out. Aside from good form, this elongates your neck and gives you a poised, confident vibe.
Take it one step further: straighten your spine, elongate the neck, and then stick your chin slightly forward.
Some of us call it turtle heading. This strengthens the jaw and adds depth to the image.
7. Smile With Your Eyes
A forced smile can make anyone look uncomfortable. You know the one... where you can see the whites of the eyes, the ones resembling someone fresh from the botox chair. I've often been accused of giving the camera "crazy eyes".
We want you to be in a bright head-space for your session so that you naturally let your smile reach your eyes (think America’s Next Top Model, “smize”). It adds warmth and authenticity to your photos. Vanessa Edward’s insists that a smile without the "smize" comes across forced and that people just don't buy it -- so, neither will you.
Keeping a sweet story or joke in the back of your mind to tell your partner will help generate those genuine smiles we’re looking for. Take a look Here to learn some of the tricks I use to induce genuine smiles during the shoot.
8. Lean Slightly Toward the Camera
Leaning in ever so slightly toward the camera engages your viewer and enhances your connection to the lens. It’s especially flattering for close-up shots, drawing attention to your face while maintaining a natural look.
When we lean in, we signal that we are encouraged, warm and receptive. When we lean into the camera specifically, it creates that sense of dynamic connection and perspective between the viewer and the subject. When you lean into each other, it conveys intimacy and interest.
9. Mind Your Chin
One of the most prominent critiques people have about their photos, no matter how thin they are, is how their chin appears in certain scenarios. It is very natural for ALL of us to laugh into ourselves. By this I mean, pulling the head backward and into your chest, shrugging your shoulders, and really quashing yourself up in ways that cause lines and layers to faces, leading to what I call “sunburst eyes” and quadruple chin. I love these photos because they’re so deeply genuine!!! But, alas, people tend to be opposed to them, themselves.
I have many tips for chins that people should recognize and even practice before our session!
Turtle Heading: Keep your chin slightly forward and down to avoid a double chin. I mentioned this in the posture section. This is important: practice this in front of a mirror to find the perfect balance between elongating your neck and maintaining a relaxed expression.
What are your best angles?
Do this exercise:
- hold up your front facing camera, or situate yourself in front of a mirror.
- Rotate your face around in a circle, as if you’re recalibrating your Face ID for your phone.
- Stop and notice when you appear more striking and flattering than others.
- Keep those in mind.
For side on shots or portraits, try:
- Clenching your jaw.
- Push your tongue into the roof of your mouth.
- Take a look at the difference in the mirror and see if any of these strategies work for you.
If you’re still worried about your chin, you can position yourself in ways to help a lot:
- Laugh and lean outward toward your partner or the camera. (This natural projection is flattering for everyone as it extends the neck and straightens out the chin and jaw.)
- Look flirtatiously over the shoulder toward the direction of the camera.
- Looking upward is often a benefit the shorter or female partner gets to look forward to in a session. The taller person looking downward at their partner will need to take a look at some of these other strategies to help.
- Angle the camera more from above which puts the focus on your eyes and cheekbones and leaves the lower part of the face naturally hidden by the angle.
10. Movement Adds Magic
I prefer to focus on activities while shooting your session. Adding movement ensures I capture those in between moments that truly embody your authentic selves and tell the story we can feel. It also feels less awkward for you to be on the move and engaged in something other than the lens.
Static poses can feel uncomfortable, so don’t be afraid to move, even if I might stick you in a proper pose here and there. Play with your hair, look around, trace your partners hairline or jaw, twirl your dress, or take a gentle step forward and backward, sway, nuzzle noses.
Movement adds life to your photos and is hands down, the most helpful strategy to put you more at ease.
During our session, you’ll walk, run or roll around a little bit, engage with one another, play, share a treat, and do what you normally DO.
11. Wardrobe
This might be one of the most important points. Save the best for last?
You need to carefully consider your wardrobe. Why?
Your clothing shapes your silhouette.
For me, opting for scoop necks, straight or wide legged pants and tucking my shirt into high-waisted pants is super flattering on my body type.
You need to know your body type and the types of clothes in your wardrobe that highlight your favourite features and give you grace in others. A quick google or youtube search will give you plenty of ideas of what styles might flatter you most.
Above all else, make sure whatever you wear is comfortable and not something you're tempted to tug at too much.
Check with me to see if I've got my style guide ready to share with you.
Wardrobe also gives you a lot to work with as far as posing.
Love your collarbones? Off the shoulder shirt or sweater highlights delicateness or flirtiness in ways that other pieces cannot.
Layering gives you opportunities for different looks and playing with fabrics.
Certain materials and accessories offer opportunities for movement and interaction: flowy skirts, scarves, etc.
Wardrobe communicates the context.
Is your shoot meant to be cozy and comfy? Sweats work here! Or, maybe fluffy socks, booty shorts and a lounge sweater you can get lost in.
Always go over your wardrobe with your photographer to learn what will work best for your session.
Bonus Tip: Trust Your Photographer
Collaboration is key to building trust with your photographer, who is also your creative director.
Your photographer will guide you. They’ll help you find your best angles and offer gentle coaching throughout the session. Trust the process, and let your personality shine above all else.
The story is in the narrative… not the perfectly posed portraits, anyway.
Based in Kingston, Ontario. Serving Ontario, Quebec and beyond.
Hi, my name is
Ali Pitcher.
Lifestyle Portrait & Elopement Photographer
I collaboratively craft genuine, visual narratives for my clients that are full-of-life, play and bursting with colour.
Offering Photography for:
A-day-in-the-life Portraits
Elopements & Micro Weddings
Small Business & Personal Branding
Up for anything!
Where you go, I go.
