FEELING COMFORTABLE IS KEY

Being comfortable in front of the camera doesn’t come naturally to all people. Trust me, I get it. As a branding photographer, I’ve had to put myself in front of the camera a lot too. Not only to build my brand online, but also to better relate to my clients and understand what kind of support and direction they need from me during a headshot photoshoot, portrait session, or branding session.  

When it comes down to it, my number one concern during all of my photoshoots is to make the client feel comfortable. If you’re not comfortable during the process, it will definitely show on camera. One of the easiest ways to make someone feel comfortable posing is to give them something to do while they’re standing there smiling. A small, natural movement like a hand gesture or hair toss is sometimes all it takes to make them look relaxed and happy on camera. As a photographer, it’s my job to help my clients pose and feel natural during their session. That’s why I’ve compiled a simple list of some of my favorite posing prompts for natural, personality-packed results. Scroll through for 7 of my favorite easy poses you can play with during a session to make your headshots feel more natural and relaxed. 

 

1) WALK TOWARDS THE CAMERA

This is a great prompt to start with to help someone loosen up in front of the camera. After clearing a runway and giving them plenty of space to get a natural stride going, I’ll ask a client to pretend like they’re walking along a balance beam. This gets them to cross their legs one over the other when walking, resulting in flattering angles and lots of fun candid shots! 

Pro Tip: Don’t know what to do with those arms during this pose? Try swinging them slightly or playing with your hair while smiling at the camera or looking off to the side.

2) STAND WITH YOUR HANDS IN YOUR POCKETS

Standing poses can feel a bit awkward, but I’ve found that having something to do with your hands helps a lot with that whole “stand there and look natural” direction. One of my favorite poses to do with clients is to have them simply tuck their hands in their pockets. Not only is it an easy direction for them to grasp, but it also creates a casual look that results in a relaxed, comfortable way to stand. 

Pro Tip: Easily transition into a second pose by taking just one hand out of your pocket. 

3) LEAN IN (OR AGAINST)

A simple lean in, whether you’re sitting or standing, automatically makes you look inviting and confident, like you have something interesting to say and we’re just lucky to be privy to it! Add a friendly smile or inquisitive expression and you’ll have the full attention of your audience. Another option is to have the subject lean against a wall with their shoulders straight and head back. It’s an easy pose to create a relaxed, approachable, and comfortable look and offers a lot of variety!

Pro Tip: Different hand placement while the client leans against the wall can create multiple different poses.

4) HOLDING PROPS & ACCESSORIES

Whether you’re shooting a headshot session, personal branding session, or portrait session, incorporating props is a great way to show your personality and interests. Plus it helps with those awkward posing jitters! It’s always great to have something to hold to keep your hands busy and, if your photoshoot is about promoting a product or service, then this is a great way to showcase those items too. Props can be literally anything, and can be used both seated and standing for a variety of poses.

Pro Tip: Hold your prop at chest height, close to your body, lean in and SMILE!

5) USE YOUR HANDS

A hand gesture can go a long way in a photograph. Don’t be afraid to try different things with your hands in your headshot session. Some of my favorites include a hand clasp while leaning against a wall, a gentle hand to chin, or simply playing with your hair. Even interacting with your surroundings or adjusting your jacket or cufflinks can be a fun, candid shot. 

Pro Tip: Make adjustments to clothing while walking to add to the candid nature of the shot. 

6) THE SPIN

Like walking, a slight spin towards the camera is a great prompt for candid style shots. While standing, slowly pivot the top half of your body left and right toward the camera while allowing your arms to swing gently at your sides. You can even take small steps back and forth if it helps create the momentum you want. 

Pro Tip: Speed up the “twirl” to get more motion with hair and fabric blowing in the breeze.   

7) DON’T BE AFRAID TO LOOK CASUAL

For every “seated power pose” you get, make sure you have a few “down to earth” poses to balance them out. One of my favorite approachable poses is the “hold your knees close to your body” look. While seated, pull your knees in close with your hands. This creates a relaxed, comfortable look and keeps you from appearing stiff. Switching it up with one knee vs. two and leaning forward or back can add variety to this pose as well. 

Pro Tip: For another down-to-earth pose try sitting on the floor and playing with all of your most comfortable poses to find what feels best for you. 

I hope these posing tips are helpful for your next headshot session. Whether this is your first photoshoot or your hundredth, it’s always important to remember to have fun! And, as your photographer, it’s part of my job to make sure you do. If you’re ready to freshen up your headshots, email me here! I’d love to work with you!