Posing Tips

Something that I struggled a TON with when I first started (and still hear a lot from new photographers) is posing.

“I go blank in my sessions without my list in front of me! Help!”

This is usually the part where someone will tell you sneaky ways of hiding inspiration photos to utilize during your shoot. On your camera or your Apple Watch, having your phone mounted on your camera, etc. Not that there’s anything wrong with this, but it gets repetitive and truthfully, doesn’t help that much.

Instead of recreating, start creating.

Try taking inspiration from your couple and their story, or the environment around you. Let them interact with each other, and capture those moments as they happen. Don’t be afraid to try new angles, new poses, or even techniques! The options are genuinely endless, and this will help you tap into your creativity more than searching on Pinterest just before your session starts.

Now you’re probably thinking, “Okay, that sounds easy enough…how do I get started?”

Here are a few tips that I use every session:

1. Break the ice and get them moving! This will help ease their nerves, and create natural imagery.
   • I like to start with walking prompts! Hold hands and bump hips, one partner leading the other, walk in and out, etc.
2. Once they’re in a pose or prompt, grab different angles and variations! For each pose/prompt that I do, I go wide, go in close, and grab details. This will help round out your gallery as well.
   • You can also get creative and have the background in focus instead, do motion blur, or use accessories like fractals!
3. Last and definitely not least, is evoke emotion. Tell a story. Make it memorable for your couple! Cultivate opportunities for them to laugh together, rest together, and celebrate this season of their lives. When you bring emotion into your photography, your couples will be able to feel that when they look at their photos!
   • My favorite prompts for laughter are: Go in for a chest bump ( trust me), whisper your favorite pizza toppings in your best Italian accent, and reenact your worst first kiss.

I hope this helps! Let me know what you try during your next session.