Whether it’s your engagement session, a graduation portrait, or your wedding day, it’s completely normal to feel a little nervous in front of the camera. Most of my clients aren’t professional models — and guess what? You don’t need to be.
The best photos come when you're comfortable, confident, and having fun. In this post, I’ll walk you through my top posing tips to help you feel more natural and relaxed during your session, so your personality shines through every photo.
You don’t have to know how to pose — that’s my job. A professional photographer will guide you every step of the way with prompts, angles, and small adjustments that make a big difference. I’ll let you know what to do with your hands, how to shift your weight, and even when to breathe!
Pro Tip: Don’t overthink it. Natural movement often looks better than stiff posing.
Standing tall doesn’t mean standing stiff. The key to natural posing is to:
This helps avoid the rigid “yearbook photo” vibe and adds flow and life to your posture.
It might feel silly, but a little fake laugh can lead to a genuine one seconds later. I often prompt couples or individuals with something to say or do that sparks authentic expressions. Your best photos will almost always come in those in-between moments when you’re just being yourself.
The most common question I get is: “What do I do with my hands?”
You don’t need to worry about nailing every angle — what matters most is connection and emotion. Whether it’s a soft smile, a tearful glance, or a burst of laughter, those candid expressions are what bring your photos to life.
Your outfit affects your confidence more than you might think. Choose something that:
Avoid overly busy patterns and opt for clean, classic pieces that let you shine, not just your clothes.
Before we start, I always take a moment to help clients relax and settle in. The more we treat it like a fun, laid-back experience — not a high-pressure photo shoot — the more confident and natural you’ll feel.
Remember: You don’t have to perform — just be yourself.
Confidence in photos doesn’t come from knowing how to pose — it comes from trusting your photographer, enjoying the process, and letting go of the pressure to look perfect. My job is to help you feel at ease so your authentic personality shows through every image.
If you're planning a portrait session or engagement shoot and want someone who makes the process effortless and fun, I’d love to connect.
If you're planning a Wedding or Portrait Session and want someone who makes the process effortless and fun, I’d love to connect.
Let’s connect
