Posing 101 – How To Pose In Front Of The Camera

After five years of blogging and probably 50,000 photos taken of me in that time I’ve learned a thing or two about posing. Whether you are a blogger or just take a lot of photos with your family and friends here are some of my tips on how to pose in front of the camera.

I’ve come a long way from my first blog photos and I’ve learned a lot! I am going to break this post into 4 sections: movement, breathing, props, with people. After this, you should be ready to go and look the best in your next Instagram.

I am going to use my photos from Tybee Island as the examples, because I took photos alone and with Jared as well as with and without props.

How To Pose In Front Of The Camera

Movement

Movement is key when taking solo photos. If you are just standing in the same spot you are going to look stiff. Move around whether that’s walking or swaying side to side or even just playing with your hair or garment. This gives life to the photo and will really make you look and feel more comfortable. Below are some examples.

Playing with my hair

Walking

Swaying side to side

Swaying side to side

Walking

You can also rock back and forth for a walking type look without actually walking. This helps if you look awkward while walking as I do sometimes!

Breathing

Breathe! This seems so simple but is so important. If you don’t breathe you are going to look very stiff. Take a big breath and relax your shoulders before the shot is taken. Another trick I do is I do a small exhale before the camera clicks. This helps my smile not look forced or unnatural. Jared makes fun of me for this because I just keep audibly exhaling during photos, but it really helps!

Props

If you are doing a full photo shoot by yourself, maybe for your website or family photos I recommend bringing props. Sometimes it can awkward to decide what to do with your hands. I try to always have a bag, sunglasses, a hat or some other type of prop so I know what to do with my hands.

We actually used props for our engagement photos so they would feel more natural and less cheesy. We used a bike and champagne, this helped it feel more lifestyle and not like a typical stare into each other’s eyes photo shoot.

You can also use pockets to help with your hands.

With People

When standing in a row or sorority squat with a bunch of people it can easily feel awkward or forced. Number one tip AVOID the typical foot pop and hand on the hip pose. One this is dated and two you aren’t in a cheer group. I do this thing where I tuck one of my feet behind the other and typically leave my arm down, slightly in front of me, or in my pocket. If I am really close with them then I will hold their hand or hug them, which can turn out to a really cute photo.

When it comes to posing with Jared we have our go-to poses. We hold hands, stand with arms around either or I put my hand on his chest/stomach.

I hope this is helpful and now you feel more prepared in front of the camera. Please let me know if you’d like another post on posing and I can go deeper!

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