Posing 101...

Aug 7
4 min read

The "Kyndal" Pose- it's my go to for every session. Fun Fact: Not everyone can squat.

...How to Not Feel Awkward in Front of the Camera

Let’s get one thing out of the way:

You do not need to know how to pose for your senior pictures.

Seriously.

You don’t need to practice in the mirror. You don’t need to spend three hours studying Pinterest. And you definitely don’t need to suddenly figure out what people are supposed to do with their hands. That’s my job!

At French Creek Photography, I know that stepping in front of a camera can feel a little strange at first. Most seniors aren’t professional models. You’re not supposed to arrive knowing your angles, how to stand, or whether your left hand should be casually in your pocket while your right hand is…doing something mysterious.

You just need to show up.

I’ll take care of the rest.

First: Awkward Is Completely Normal

There’s usually a moment near the beginning of a session when you’re very aware that there is a camera pointed directly at you.

You might think:

Am I smiling weird?

What do I do with my hands?

Where am I supposed to look?

And the classic:

Is this actually going to look good?

Yes. It is.

The beginning of a session is about getting comfortable. I’m not expecting you to flip a switch and suddenly become America’s Next Top Model the second the camera comes out.

We’ll ease into it.

It's all about the angles and leading lines.

The Secret to Good Posing?

You Won’t Be Doing It Alone.

Good posing shouldn’t feel like someone dropped you into a spot and said,

“Okay…look natural!”

Because nothing makes a person forget how to behave like a normal human faster than being told to look natural. Instead, I’ll guide you.

I’ll show you where to stand, where to put your hands, which direction to turn, where to look and what tiny adjustments will make everything come together.

Sometimes the difference between a pose that feels awkward

and one that looks fantastic is incredibly small.

Shift your weight.

Drop one shoulder.

Turn slightly toward me.

Chin this way.

Perfect.

You don’t need to understand why those little adjustments work. That comes from my experience behind the camera. Your job is simply to follow along.

Your Hands Will Survive This Experience

Hands deserve their own section because apparently the moment a camera appears, everyone suddenly realizes they have them.

Wait. Have my arms always been this long?

Do I normally stand like this?

Where do my hands go when nobody is photographing me?

Don’t worry, we’ll give them something to do.

Hands can go in pockets. They can adjust a jacket. Hold onto something. Rest naturally. Move with you. Pick your fingernails. Check your watch. Spin your ring.

And if something looks strange?

I’ll fix it. I’m watching the details so you don’t have to!

Movement Is Your Friend

Not every senior portrait needs to be perfectly still.

In fact, movement is one of my favorite ways to help you forget about the camera.

We might walk, turn, laugh.

Wash your hands, scratch your head, do a karate kick..(yes, I might as you to do this!)

Move your hair.

Take a few steps and come back.

The goal isn’t to create a collection of stiff poses where you barely recognize yourself.

The goal is to create photographs that still feel like you, just with really good lighting and someone making sure your hands aren’t doing anything goofy.

You Don't Have to Be "Photogenic"

I hear some version of this all the time:

“I’m just not photogenic.”

Here’s the thing, being comfortable in photographs isn’t some magical trait that a few lucky people are born with.

A good portrait is a combination of lighting, angles, expression, movement, timing and, most importantly, having someone behind the camera who knows how to guide you.

That’s why professional posing matters.

You shouldn’t have to figure everything out while also trying to relax and enjoy your senior session. It will be fun, and you'll catch on quicker than you think!