mpricephotography.ca
Kelowna, BC
Kelowna, BC
Posing Checklist
Professional Headshot Session · Quick Reference
Before Your Session
- Stand in front of a mirror and notice which side you prefer. Mention it before the session starts.
- Try one or two hand positions so they don't feel foreign on the day.
- Take a few phone photos to see how chin position and shoulder angle change the look.
- Focus on feeling loose rather than looking perfect. The photographer handles the rest.
Your Hands
Women
- Touch fingers together lightly to create relaxed, gentle shapes.
- Rest one hand lightly on your hip to create shape through the waist.
- Hold a jacket lapel or a soft fold of fabric.
- Hold a thumb or play lightly with a ring.
Men
- Lightly punch one hand into the other at waist height.
- Rest thumbs in pockets, fingers relaxed outside.
- Hold a lapel, adjust a cuff, or clasp hands loosely at waist height.
- One hand in a pocket, other hanging naturally.
Posture
- Stand tall with a long spine, shoulders relaxed.
- Lean slightly forward from the waist.
- Shift your weight onto your back foot.
- Angle your body about 30 degrees from the camera.
Face and Chin
- Bring your chin slightly forward and a little down.
- Take a slow breath out before each frame to soften the expression.
- Think of a real moment or feeling rather than a constructed expression.
- Aim for a small, genuine expression over a held smile.
Eyes
- Look directly into the lens for a confident, direct read.
- Slow blink just before the frame to refresh the eyes.
- Follow direction as it comes ("eyes to me", "eyes to the window").
What to Avoid
- Flat palms toward the camera. They look large and stiff.
- Clenched fists or hands jammed deep into pockets.
- Both hands buried in pockets. It collapses the shoulder line.
- Slouching. Hard to retouch and reads as disengaged.
- Leaning backward. Adds weight to the lower face.
- Locking your knees. Tension travels through the whole body.
- Chin lifted too high. Shows too much neck and changes the jawline.
- Eyes opened too wide. Reads as tense rather than engaged.
- Staring too hard into the lens. Reads as aggressive.