It’s totally normal to not know how to pose yourself, it’s a skill like anything else that takes time and practice to build and master. But anyone can do it, and a few simple tricks will help you get some natural, candid shots.

If you’re planning on doing a portrait session that prioritizes candid, natural-looking photos, such as a lifestyle or branding shoot, these tips will help you accomplish what you’re after. As a photographer with over six years of experience shooting portraits, as well as doing plenty of self-portraits to see how it feels on the other side of the lens, this is a summary of the knowledge I’ve gathered along the way.

1. Incorporate movement.

If you’re gonna take away one thing from this blog post, let it be using movement. We are creatures often in motion; staying still for too long in a pose can easily look stiff on most people. So to start, move in ways that your body is used to doing— things like walking, turning around, playing with your hair, fixing your clothes, etc. if you want to take it up a notch, you can incorporate less common movements, like twirling, jumping, dancing, swinging your feet, leaping, swinging an accessory around, etc. 

During your session it’s helpful to do these simple movements a few times in a row to give your photographer a chance to capture the best mid-movement shots.

A lot of people default to a pose because they want the camera to capture the right positioning in time. The beauty of professional digital cameras nowadays (and probably most phone cameras too, let’s be real) can freeze pretty rapid movement in a photo. So don’t be afraid to move around, a good photographer will be able to dial in their camera settings properly for this.

Still poses can work well if you’re in a relaxed position, such as in a seat or laying down. Even so, you wouldn’t need to hold it too long—you can make small movements or adjustments to give variety to your images, like moving your hand placement, head tilt, foot position, etc.

2. Don’t take yourself too seriously.

Photo shoots are meant to be a fun experience to express yourself, so if you’re new to it and feel awkward, lean into that feeling and laugh at the awkwardness! Tap into your inner child and play around. The more relaxed you are, the better things will turn out. Try not to get into your head or let anxious thoughts take over. Just be present.

Even if you find yourself feeling self-conscious, a great photographer will help you get out of that headspace. I like to chat and joke around with my clients between poses to make sure they’re relaxed and having a good time, and compliment them that they look great!

3. Use your environment.

Just about anything can be a prop or furniture to help you look more natural. Imagine you’re casually hanging out in that area—would you be leaning against something? Would you be lounging or half-sitting? Where would you be looking if you were feeling inspired or deep in thought? Perhaps you can imagine yourself as a main character to embody a story—what would they be doing? Your outfit can also be a source of posing inspiration. Are there accessories you can play with, pockets you can put a hand in, a jacket you can throw over your shoulders, etc.? 

Even if there isn’t a lot around to use as a prop (like in some photography studios), you can use the furniture provided, the floor, or your body to change up your body positioning. The goal is to create shape in your body. Think of how many ways you might reposition yourself if you were in that spot for a long time—how else could you position yourself?

4. Bring a friend.

If you’re particularly camera-shy and need some moral support (or just another set of eyes to help you look your best), it’s always helpful to bring someone who knows you well and you’re comfortable around to hype you up, make you laugh and help you relax into the shoot. A great photographer also knows how to bring this out of people.

5. Practice some poses and movement before your session.

Get used to seeing yourself at different angles and find features you might want to accentuate. What makes you feel most like yourself? What makes you smile? What makes you feel confident?

You can use a mirror or your phone camera to see how you look as you move and pose. Not every position will work well on every body type, so please be kind to yourself!

6. “What do I do with my hands?”

This is a common question I hear. Your hands can hold a prop or accessory, be in motion, or be used as a framing tool to create shape in your body—think placed under your chin, resting across your lap, leaning on something, brushing back your hair, across your chest, in a pocket, etc. But what we don’t want is them hanging down by your sides. And make sure your fingers are relaxed! People unconsciously hold tension in their fingers. Check out some great example sessions here and here for more inspiration.

As your photographer, natural posing is something I guide my clients through anyway, but the more practice you get before we take photos the easier it can be. Just get comfy being in your body and feeling free to be yourself. We want your personality to shine!

Looking for some candid photos of yourself (and have fun doing it)?

Let’s talk! Contact me and we’ll set up a consultation call to go over your vision and how I can best help make it a reality. I’ll help you with posing that showcases your natural personality and the energy of the session. I’ll also recommend the best locations and outfit options for you. I look forward to hearing about your idea!