Pose Guide - Preparing for your Photoshoot

Women

• Lightly touch your fingers together to create gentle, relaxed shapes.
• Hold your thumb or play gently with a ring for a natural look.
• Rest one hand lightly on your hip to create shape through the waist.
• Hold onto a jacket lapel or soft clothing fold for a polished, effortless pose.

What to Avoid

• Flat palms toward the camera. They look large and stiff.
• Clenched fists or hands jammed into pockets.
• Letting hands dangle straight down without intention.

Men

• Lightly punch one hand into the other. This squares the shoulders and creates strength.
• Rest thumbs in your pockets while keeping fingers relaxed.
• Hold a jacket lapel, adjust a cuff, or lightly clasp your hands at waist height.
• Place one hand in a pocket and let the other hang naturally.

What to Avoid

• Both hands buried deep in pockets.
• Tight fists that make the arms look tense.
• Arms glued to your sides.

Everyone

• Stand tall with the spine long and shoulders relaxed.
• Lean slightly forward from the waist. This brings the face toward the camera.
• Shift weight onto your back foot for a relaxed, natural stance.
• Angle your body about 30 degrees instead of being straight on.

What to Avoid

• Slouching.
• Leaning backward.
• Locking your knees.

Everyone

• Bring your chin slightly forward and a little down to define the jawline.
• Soften your mouth and eyes by taking a slow breath out before the photo.
• Think of a real moment that makes you feel calm or proud, then let that feeling show.
• Use a small, genuine smile rather than a big forced grin.

What to Avoid

• Chin lifted too high, which can show too much neck and nostrils.
• Eyes opened too wide, which can look tense or surprised.
• Holding tension in your jaw or lips. Shake it out and reset if needed.

Everyone

• Look directly into the lens for a strong, confident image.
• Look just above or beside the camera for a softer expression.
• Blink slowly before the shot to refresh your eyes.
• Follow simple direction such as "eyes to me" or "eyes to the window."

What to Avoid

• Staring too hard into the lens.
• Looking down too often, which creates heavy eyelids and shadows.

Everyone

• Practice in front of a mirror and notice which side you prefer.
• Try one or two hand positions so they feel natural later.
• Take a few phone photos to see how posture and chin adjustments change the look.
• Focus on feeling loose rather than perfect.
• Remember the photographer will guide you step by step.