Photo Tip Series: How to Pose for Photos And Feel Confident Doing It
Welcome to PART I of my new Photo Tip Series: how to feel confident posing for photos!
I’ve been blogging for a hot minute here (about 2.5 years if we’re getting specific) but my Insta was fillllllled with posed and candid or as I will fully take credit for naming — plandid (planned candid) shots — before the time of Brains and Bronzed.
With this in mind, I recently put a poll on Instagram asking what you would be interested in taking pointers from me in, and over 60% of you were most interested in learning about how to pose for photos!
Which brings us to this: I’m here to put an end to your fear and awkwardness in front of the camera, and share with you just how to pose with confidence and look killer doing it.
1. Learn your good side. Truth be told, many of us have a better side of the face! Knowing this is helpful when you’re posing as you know which side to face, in order to look your best. For those of you perfectly symmetrical-faced angels, you too need to learn your angles. For example, aim your chin down to avoid that double chin look. I promise you, it will 100% make a difference in the photo, and in portraits specifically.
2. Keep your limbs apart. It might sound weird but I was once given this advice by a photographer and it is so GOOD. By keeping your arms off your body, and your legs not touching, you entirely avoid that “camera adds 20 pounds” phenomenon by opening up your body and creating space.
3. Do something with your hands. There is nothing worse than an awkward body just kind of standing there with arms hanging loose. Put your hands around whoever’s next to you in the shot, hold your purse, touch your hair, clasp your hands in front of you, cross your arms, just do something to keep them from hanging down and looking straight up awkward.
4. Keep posture front of mind. I by no means have great posture, but I sure know the importance of it in a photo. It makes you look taller, less slouchy, lengthens your torso and neck — basically all the right places to make you looking strong and confident in a shot.
5. Understand angles. I like to have my photographer (boyfriend) bend down a bit and angle the camera up for my photos. This makes me look taller, and I like the composition of the photo that much more. Some people prefer to have their photographer stand taller than them, and shoot down. It’s all about what you like, but it’s important to understand what you like and be able to communicate that with whoever is taking your photo!
There it is! 5 simple tips to train you on how to feel confident when posing for photos and bring you well on your way to becoming an Instagram model… or at least less awkward in your group photos with friends — whatever it is!
What tips do you have for keeping confident in front of the camera? Leave them below!
Interested in more blog resources and helpful tips? Check out my posts here!