Okay, let’s be real. The second a camera comes out, what happens?
Your shoulders tense up. You forget how to smile a normal human smile. And the biggest question in the universe suddenly becomes, “WHAT DO I DO WITH MY HANDS?!”
You start to feel awkward, stiff, and you’re already dreading the photos.
I’m here to tell you to stop. Take a deep breath. Posing for your shoot is easy. I got you. 🥰
You’ve been led to believe that “posing” is this high-fashion, complicated, break-your-back-to-look-good kind of art. That you have to freeze into a perfect shape and hold it.
That’s the big lie.
You’ve been… well, you’ve been RickRolled.
The secret isn’t in the pose. The secret is in the movement.
The best “poses” are never actually poses at all. They are the moments in-between the poses. They are the laugh right after the “fake laugh,” the moment you brush your hair out of your face, the second you shift your weight.
Your only job during your shoot is to move. That’s it.
You don’t need a modeling contract; you just need a new game plan. And this is it.
1. The “Step and… Flow”
This is my number one secret, and it’s where that #Stepand comes in. The worst thing you can do is plant your feet and stand there like you’re waiting for a bus.
Instead, I want you to always be in motion.
- Rock your weight. Gently shift your weight from your left foot to your right foot, back and forth. This creates a natural, subtle S-curve in your body.
- Walk it out. Take three slow steps toward the camera, then turn and walk three steps away.
- Step and turn. Step one foot forward, turn your body, look back over your shoulder.
Movement is what makes your clothes look good, what makes your hair look alive, and what makes you look relaxed and dynamic.
2. Give Your Hands a Job
The “what to do with my hands” panic is real. So, let’s make it simple. Your hands just need a “job” or a “home.” They’re just bored.
- Pockets: This is the easiest one. One hand in a pocket, both hands, just your thumbs… this is an instant “I’m casual and cool” pose.
- Your Hair: This is a classic for a reason. Brush it back, play with the ends, tuck it behind your ear. It’s soft, natural, and gives you something to do.
- Your Outfit: Hold the lapels of your jacket. Play with your necklace or bracelet. Adjust your sleeve cuff. Rest your hand on the strap of your purse.
- The “Lean”: Find a wall, a railing, or a chair. Lean against it. It instantly takes all the stiffness out of your posture and makes you look relaxed.
3. The 3-Second Rule (A-B-C)
This is for all my overthinkers. Your new mantra is A-B-C: Always Be Changing.
Do not hold one pose for more than three seconds. The second you start “holding” a pose, you start “holding” your breath. That’s when you look stiff.
I want you to be a flow of micro-movements.
- Look at the camera.
- Look away, just past the camera.
- Look down, with a little smile.
- Laugh.
- Shift your weight.
- Brush your hair back.
Click. Click. Click. You just gave your photographer six different shots in ten seconds, and I promise one of them is magic.
See? It’s not hard.
The goal is not to be a perfect, rigid statue. The goal is to be you. You are not “unphotogenic.” You just needed a new script.
Posing is easy. Why? Because you’re not posing. You’re just moving, you’re just existing, and you’re just letting your confidence show.
I got you. Now go kill that shoot.
