Cute pictures with friends and ethereal solo shots hold memories and look perfect for profiles. A good picture of someone is composed of an interesting, yet not too busy, background, clothes that showcase your style, and the center of it all: the pose. No matter how fun picture taking may seem, awkward posing can make our fingers rush to delete in a heartbeat. Learning how to pose naturally takes time and lots of practice shots, but it’s worth every shot.

The Photographer

Sometimes our poses and smiles are beautiful, but the photographer needs some work. The task of the photographer is to:

• Step back to where the subject has shoes in view (for an environment-type of picture)

OR

• Stand right at/slightly above the knee (Safest option)
• Pull the camera to chest height. You typically want the top of your head to hit the top line of your grid. 
• Keep straight 
• No zooming or moving the camera 

Say Your Vowels

The simplest trick is to mouth your vowels to give it that natural, candid look. You are talking without actually talking. The biggest part is that you want to be able to feel the corners of your mouth tighten slightly, as if you are smiling while talking. I recommend doing this in a mirror to understand what vowels look best for you. 

The Poses

Next time you have a photoshoot in the schedule, prepare yourself with three poses so you don’t overwhelm yourself. Depending on the scenario, you may want to prepare yourself with different poses/props, but having a rotation of the same basic poses will still come in handy.

• Look over your shoulder
  • The photographer should be slightly behind you, but when you look back, both eyes should still be visible. You shouldn’t have to strain your neck at all. Your arms are not doing anything. Think to yourself: “I am watching the sky, but someone said something right behind me.” 
• Tilt your head and face towards the camera
  • Ever so slightly tilt your head as if you are curious about why there is a camera pointed at you. Your eyes can drift to the side or look right above the circle of the lens. Your hands can be resting on your hip or doing something. Imagine: “I am in the middle of something with you.” 
• Face away from the camera 
  • Stand in front of the camera, then move your head to the side to look at “someone”. Think, “I am preparing for a picture, but something is happening over there”. 

Getting these few poses down will guide you in future shoots. Wear a natural smile, maintain a fixed posture, and keep your limbs relaxed, and the hardest part of photos is perfected. After these become second nature for you, try creating other similar poses, props, and using other inspirations!

Reviewed and Edited by Zoe Carter