Posing Guide: Couple’s Lifestyle & Portrait Photography
Angles, please? 3-more tips for posing couples.
If you are anything like me, you never quite know what to do with your hands.
Or, worse yet. Like many others, you are used to standing square right up to the camera. Parallel with a big smile—the classic grade school pose. As we get older, our tastes change, and we tend to gravitate towards the more sophisticated. Our posing in photographs should evolve as well.
So, where do we learn how to pose for great photographs?
Well, it’s easier than you may think - here are three tips for nailing your next pose.
1. Angles, please? Learn to position your body at an angle to the camera. What I mean by that is to rarely (not never) face the camera straight on. It takes some practice, but showing angles to the camera can become second nature. First, try standing square to the camera - you know, as we learned in grade school. Then, pick up a foot, either foot, and take one half-step back. That ‘step back’ will automagically angle your body to the camera—instant flattery.
Now that you’ve got your angle set, ask your partner to walk up from behind and wrap their arms around you. You are now both standing at a natural angle. Lovely!
And, a word of caution. Please do not overdo your angles. It’s fun to stretch and try new things, but standing entirely sideways to the camera is a tough one to pull off, so keep it simple at first and start with slight angles and adjustments.
Level up. If you are near a wall, tall fence, or car, try leaning up against it. Leaning against objects can give you that extra bit of sizzle with your angles. Just remember to keep a foot back, balance, and have fun.
2. Hands do not go in your pockets. Ever. If you’re in a pinch and not sure what to do with your hands, it’s okay to put your thumb in your pocket. Thumb only. But, please don’t ever tuck your entire hand in a pocket unless it’s below freezing outside and frostbite is a possibility. And, if you are ever really in a severe pinch to figure out what to do with your hands? Try the next pro tip.
Level up. Pick up something. Anything will do, but here’s some extra magic. Try picking up your favorite something, something that brings your joy, or something pretty that makes you smile. Try a favorite pillow or book, a little one, or a pet. Or, if you are in a spring field, pick up some wildflowers, or make a bouquet with dried grasses. It works every time.
3. Hug, hold hands, dance if you want to! The third and final tip - movement. If you are ever stuck in a posing rut and not sure where to turn, try moving your body. I mean it. Walk towards the camera holding hands with your mate. Walk away from the camera. Spin around with each other. Hug, hold hands, DANCE! Get the energy flowing.
In a recent photo session at a park, our couple wanted to get some nervous energy out, so they climbed a tree. As they were climbing, I asked them to look down and smile. Viola! We got incredible portraits without the added stress of static posing.
And, there you have it, three posing tips that couples (or singles) can use anytime for almost any occasion.
These recommendations are also some of the many things I watch for as your photographer. My goal is always to gently guide you through the process so you can focus on what matters the most - having fun and smiling big.
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Cheers!
Robbie
