Feeling awkward in front of the camera is incredibly common. As a branding photographer at dfphoto.net, I’ve witnessed firsthand how even the most confident individuals can freeze up when a lens is pointed their way. We’re bombarded with idealized images of beauty, so it’s no surprise that stepping in front of the camera can feel vulnerable. But what if we could shift that perspective? What if we could feel prepared, even excited, about having our photos taken?
Time and again, I hear the same concerns:
- Jokes about needing Photoshop to look younger or thinner.
- Dodging the camera at events.
- Hiding behind props during photoshoots.
- Avoiding photoshoots altogether due to self-consciousness.
While I try to reassure people with comments like, “You look great, no Photoshop needed!”, these widespread insecurities among women, in particular, are concerning. In a time when women are achieving so much, why does the camera still trigger such anxiety?
Yes, You Can Master Posing
The camera isn’t your enemy; it can be a powerful tool, especially in business. People want to see the person behind the brand. Your audience craves authenticity and connection with you. Don’t let the fear of posing or perceived imperfections hold you back from stepping into the spotlight. You absolutely deserve to feel and look amazing in photos.
Through years of experience photographing women and creating branding imagery, I’ve gathered simple yet effective posing tricks that flatter everyone on camera. A good branding photographer will guide you, but having a few go-to tips will give you a confident head start. You might even surprise your photographer with your posing savvy!
To illustrate, I’ll share side-by-side examples showcasing effective poses versus less flattering ones, featuring yours truly. For even more posing inspiration, explore my Posing Guide with over 30 flattering poses, available in my Brand Shoot Toolkit course!
Ready to feel more confident? Let’s dive into posing!
Posing Examples to Inspire You
Standing Poses: Effortless and Elegant
Standing squarely facing the camera with arms at your sides often creates a stiff, unnatural look. The lack of angles can appear robotic. Instead, try shifting your weight to one leg. This simple adjustment instantly makes you appear more relaxed and natural. Placing one or both hands on your hips further enhances this relaxed vibe. Crossing your ankles can also introduce flattering angles and elongate your legs. Remember to keep your shoulders rolled back and your chin slightly lowered – these subtle tweaks make a significant difference on camera, creating a slimmer silhouette and softer lines.
Turning your body slightly away from the lens is another excellent technique for creating more flattering angles. However, avoid turning too far, as limbs can get lost in the frame. Ensure both arms and legs are visible. Placing a hand on your hip also prevents your arm from being flattened against your body, adding dimension. When unsure, a hand on the hip is always a great go-to!
What not to do
Woman in denim jeans and a white blouse standing straight facing the camera, demonstrating a bad pose for photoshoot
Woman in denim jeans and white top standing stiffly for a photo, showing an example of unflattering photoshoot pose
How to Pose
Woman in denim and white top posing with hand on hip, demonstrating a relaxed photoshoot posture
Woman in jeans and white shirt posing naturally with hand on hip for a photoshoot, creating flattering angles
Hand Poses: Say Goodbye to Awkward Hands!
I rarely suggest crossing arms, although it’s a common instinctive pose. It might feel “safe” and gives your hands something to do, but it often appears closed off. People also tend to tilt their heads back too far when crossing their arms. While it can work in specific situations, especially for formal or corporate branding, it’s not generally the most flattering.
Instead, try subtly brushing your hair behind your ear or placing one hand on your hip and the other resting loosely on your thigh. Experimenting with hand placement creates more dynamic angles and is far more flattering than keeping them glued to your sides. If your hands feel awkward, shake them out and keep them relaxed. Your photographer will guide you if they look unnatural!
What not to do
Woman crossing arms and tilting chin up in a photo, demonstrating an example of bad hand posing in photoshoot
How to pose
Woman posing by brushing hair behind ear and placing hand on hip for a photoshoot, showing natural hand placement
Woman with hand on hip posing naturally for photo, demonstrating relaxed and flattering hand pose in photoshoot
Smiling Poses: Genuine Smiles Shine Brightest
We all know that strained smile that emerges after too many photos! When your smile becomes forced, your entire face can look lifeless. If you feel your cheeks tightening, pause, relax your facial muscles, and reset. If you know your smile can appear flat on camera, try exaggerating it – smile bigger! It might feel excessive, but it brightens your whole face. My favorite trick is to ask people to give me a fake laugh. It almost always turns into genuine laughter because it feels so silly. If your photographer doesn’t suggest it, ask if you can try some fake laughs to encourage a big, natural smile!
What not to do
Woman with a stiff, unnatural smile in a photo, demonstrating a forced smile as bad pose for photoshoot
Woman with unnatural, forced smile in a photo, showing example of an unflattering smile pose for photoshoot
How to Pose
Woman smiling naturally and genuinely in a photo, demonstrating a good smile pose for photoshoot
Woman laughing and smiling genuinely in a photo, showing example of natural smile pose for photoshoot
Sitting Poses: Versatile and Flattering
Sitting poses are incredibly versatile and can be adapted for playful or formal vibes. A common concern is what to do with hands while seated. Keeping your hands close to your body, gently resting on your knees or thighs, is usually most flattering. I also love having clients place a hand or both hands beside them on a step and lean forward slightly. It’s a fun, universally flattering pose.
What not to do
Woman sitting stiffly with arms at sides in a photo, demonstrating a bad sitting pose for photoshoot
Woman sitting with crossed arms in a photo, demonstrating an unflattering sitting pose for photoshoot
How to pose
Woman sitting on step with hands casually placed, demonstrating a relaxed sitting pose for photoshoot
Woman sitting and leaning forward with hands together on knees, showing a natural sitting pose for photoshoot
Woman posing seated with hands clasped on knees, demonstrating a relaxed and natural sitting posture for photoshoot
Movement Poses: Injecting Energy and Candor
Adding movement breaks up static standing poses when they start to feel repetitive. I often have clients walk towards me, looking at the camera or slightly over a shoulder. This creates a natural, candid moment with energy. When walking for photos, maintain a slow but natural pace, and avoid swinging your arms excessively. You don’t want to appear robotic! Keep your shoulders relaxed and rolled back, and enjoy the process. Movement poses are fantastic for showcasing your personality.
What not to do
Woman walking stiffly and robotically in a photo, demonstrating bad movement pose for photoshoot
How to pose
Woman walking confidently and naturally towards camera in a photo, demonstrating good movement pose for photoshoot
Leaning Poses: Casual and Chic
For more standing pose variations, try lightly placing a hand on a column or wall, or leaning your shoulders gently against a wall. It might feel unnatural initially because we don’t often lean against walls in everyday life, but these poses translate beautifully on camera. Position your opposite hand on your hip or loosely drape both hands together. Instant chic pose achieved!
What not to do
Woman leaning with arm stretched too far in a photo, demonstrating bad leaning pose for photoshoot
How to pose
Woman crossing ankles and leaning on wall with hand, demonstrating a relaxed leaning pose for photoshoot
Woman leaning against wall with crossed ankles and relaxed posture, demonstrating a chic leaning pose for photoshoot
Go Forth and Pose with Confidence!
I hope these tips and posing examples empower you to feel more confident in front of the camera. When your photoshoot day arrives, you’ll be equipped with some helpful tricks. Of course, choosing a photographer who can guide you and be a creative partner is also crucial. Before your shoot, don’t hesitate to ask your photographer for any additional tips to help you feel comfortable and confident in front of the lens.
Do you have more posing questions or camera confidence concerns? Share them in the comments or email me at [email protected]. I’d love to hear from you!
