One of the most stressful parts of a photo session (and sometimes even a wedding day) is thinking about how to pose! Even for a photographer like me, I often get stressed out when I get my picture taken! As a photographer, it is my job to put my couples and models at ease and I have developed a few tips and tricks to help me do that. To get you in the mood for a photo session and to prepare yourself here are a few general tips:
A few quick tips
- Most ''natural looking'' photos started with a pose. Keep in mind that your photographer will start by posing you then continuously guide you as the session goes, depending on the location, the light, outfit, and your position, etc). You will be asked to gradually transition from pose to pose to keep everything smooth and to avoid getting stressed.
- Keep moving! Don't be static! The first thing that I tell my couples/models is to not be afraid of moving. Moving can actually help you get great photos . For example, continuously moving your hands up and down your partners arms if you are facing each other or continuously moving your hands along your waistline if you are alone. If you don't know what to do with your hands, just ask your photographer!
- No fake smiles, please! This one probably reminds you of photo day at elementary school. As a photographer, my mission is to make you comfortable enough that you want to genuinely smile. If you still feel like your smile is fake, my “dad jokes” work every time.
- Don’t overthink it and remember to breathe. I see this in a lot of grooms, boyfriends and fiancés where they freeze at the beginning of a session because they overthink the whole process. I often tell my couples to spend some time together before the session and to treat the photo session like a date night. The goal of any session is to simply capture the essence of who you are as a person or couple so there’s no need to overthink..
- Put your weight on your back foot . Put one foot slightly behind the other, angle your feet slightly out from each other, and lean on that back foot. How do you know if you're doing it right? Your back leg will be straight and your front leg will have a slight bend in it. Keep in mind that whatever is closest to the camera is always biggest.
- Keep your posture in mind. This tip is what I repeat the most to my couples, models, families the most: Always keep your shoulders back and keep your head high. Proper posture makes a big difference and makes you look more polished.
A few tips on to feel more comfortable
The way you look and the way you're dressed during a photo session plays a much bigger role than you think. It is all a matter of how confident and comfortable you feel.
- If you are not a person that usually wears full makeup, keep your makeup simple. However, you are someone that wears full face makeup on a daily basis, make sure you have your makeup done for the session.
- Same goes for your outfit, choose an outfit you know you are comfortable in. If you can't walk in high heels, then you shouldn’t wear them. . If your man is not comfortable in a suit and tie, he totally should keep his casual clothes.
To conclude, don't hesitate to ask your photographer for tips and advice on how to make the most of your photo session. If you are preparing for a session with me, please visit the rest of my blog.