How to Pose in Photos Like a Pro

We live in a digital world these days, so knowing how to pose in photos can be a useful skill. After all, no one wants stiff photos where they look like a deer in headlights or they’re sporting an awkward claw hand!

Luckily you don’t need to be an Instagram influencer or a model to take great photos. There are plenty of tricks and tips that you can learn to get the best poses possible, connect with the camera, and lose that awkwardness when it comes time to say cheese!

Keep reading to uncover how to pose in photos like a pro, whether you want to level up your Instagram game, get cute group photos, or nail those family photos.

1. Loosen up!
First – and most importantly – relax. Learning how to pose in photos can be tricky, but it shouldn’t be a chore! Embrace it and try and loosen up and have fun.

Shake it out before you begin, and try to relax your shoulders and your hands. For family photo poses or group photo poses, it’s a little easier because you can keep the action going by talking, moving around, or trying new things.

It can be more difficult when you’re learning how to pose for a photo alone because you have to get creative and constantly be thinking of new poses. But the more relaxed you are, the better! Whatever normally relaxes you, try to do that! Put music on or jump up and down to get rid of any tension. Dance around the room – you might even get a good photo out of it!

how to pose in photos
2. Try turning to the side
First up, learn which angles work for you – and which don’t! We all have a “good side”, and, over time, we learn which side we prefer. That said, using the side angle instead of taking a photo straight on can be a little different and makes your pose a little more dynamic.

It’s also an easy way to create angles with your body. You don’t need to face the camera, either. Experiment with looking out to the distance, beyond the camera operator or even facing the opposite way!

best poses for photos
3. Keep it moving
Movement gives a sense of energy to your photos that keep your photos vibrant and fun. If you’re posing alone, try to walk towards the camera. If you have a jacket or a dress on, you could swish it to the side to emphasise that movement.

Just remember to try to keep your movements light instead of being forceful, or you might create harsh shapes with your body. Hands and arms can often look awkward in photos (don’t forget that claw hand!) so try and move them slowly in between shots. Try to switch it up with every shot to keep your photos fluid and natural.

Move by interacting with your surroundings; lean against a wall or table or walk around. You can even try and throw something, like snow, sand, or water, to add interest to your photo. Have fun with it! The best poses are often spontaneous and have a sense of fun.

how to pose in photos
4. Search for inspiration
If you’re a little stuck on how to pose in photos, get inspired by searching online. This is especially important if you’re taking family photos, wedding photos, or professional portraits.

Search Instagram and Pinterest, create collections and re-create your favourite poses. You don’t have to copy them exactly, but you can use them as a starting point. Practice the best poses in front of the mirror and test out how they work on you. Your favourite influencers probably have a thing or two to teach you about the best poses to try!

best poses Instagram
5. Nail the lighting
There’s a reason that lights come before the camera! Lighting can be a gamechanger when it comes to getting the money shot. Bad fluorescent lighting, on the other hand, can make you look sick and ghostly, or just cast the light unevenly across your face.

Natural lighting is always best – not to mention it will be the easiest for your photographer to get right! However, it’s not always possible to get natural lighting all the time, so you can use studio lights where you can, or use the light coming through a large window inside, if possible. Try to avoid natural light right in the middle of the day, as it is often too harsh and can cast strong shadows over the face. That said, when shooting at other times of day, turn your face towards the light so that it illuminates your face.

how to pose in photos
6. Get your photographer to move!
As we said earlier on, movement is the key to interesting photos full of life. But it’s important that your photographer moves around too, especially if you want to capture the best poses for your Instagram pics.

Get your photographer to get down low, shoot from the side, or shoot up higher to capture interesting and unique photos.

photography poses
7. Use props
Props can give your photos meaning, purpose, and they’ll give you something to do with your hands! They can help your images tell a story and set the scene instantly.

Your prop needs to suit the context of your surroundings, of course. So, you might have ice cream at the beach, a coffee cup for your work photos, or a bunch of flowers or a croissant when you’re strolling the romantic streets of Paris. Start with your location and think about which props would suit the situation.

Our favourite props are:

Sunglasses
Hats
Food or drinks, like a cup of coffee, tea, juice, ice cream, fairy floss, or a piece of fruit
Flowers
A bag or scarf
A phone or camera
Books, pens, a tablet or a laptop are great props for work photos
Just ensure your props don’t take over the shot – you don’t always need five props per shot! The prop should never overpower the photo or cover your body or face too much.

how to pose in photos
Remember; practice makes perfect! If you’ve got a professional shoot coming up and you need to learn how to pose for professional photos quickly, it might even be worth doing a practice shoot beforehand. Get a friend or loved one to practice taking a few photos with you so you can learn your best angles.

And, once you’ve got the money shot, why not print your fabulous photos to keep forever? Canvas prints, metal prints or acrylic prints are the perfect way to immortalise your memories, print professional photos for the office, or display your best Insta shots proudly in your home.

Wall prints can elevate your rooms and add a personal touch to your home or office. Check out our prints today and decide which print is best for you.

How to power pose like a pro

Did you hear “stop slouching” a lot growing up? Looks like the adults in the room were right. Turns out, a range of studies show that slouching and closed-off, crumpled postures can elicit feelings of overwhelm and powerlessness while upright, open postures increase feelings of confidence. Power posing is a “life hack” that involves standing in an upright, confident superhero-like pose. Harvard Business School Social Psychologist Amy Cuddy and her colleagues popularized the concept and benefits of power posing in a 2010 study for Psychological Science and further spread the word in Cuddy’s wildly popular 2012 TED Talk, “Your Body Language May Shape Who You Are.” While some researchers were unable to replicate the effects of Cuddy’s study, power posing hasn’t been completely debunked. Scientists have determined that slouching is harmful to our well-being and can affect our mood.

So, what is a power pose, exactly? Why is it so beneficial? And does it really work? If you’re a sloucher or simply power pose curious, keep reading to learn more about the origins of power posing and how you can incorporate them into your daily life to boost your confidence, before, say, a blind date or big job interview.

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In this article
What is a power pose?
How to find your natural confidence
What’s the history of power posing?
What are the benefits of power posing?
How do power poses work?
When should I power pose?
Six power poses to try right now
A final word on debunking myths about power posing
Want more? Try Headspace Mental Health Coaching


What is a power pose?
Active posturing – also known as power posing — is when you choose body postures that are expansive and, in turn, elevate your testosterone and decrease the stress hormone cortisol. Power posing can look like standing upright with your shoulders back, legs in a wide V, elbows bent, and hands firmly at your hips. Power posing isn’t just for show, though. It has been found to increase feelings of control and confidence, making it an effective tool for stressful situations.

How to find your natural confidence

Meditation Tips: Find Your Natural Confidence
Meditation Tips: Find Your Natural Confidence
2 min

What’s the history of power posing?
Body language is the oldest form of human expression, dating back to prehistoric times, before the existence of verbal language. The origins of power posing are fairly new and can be traced back to the 19th century psychologist and philosopher William James. He theorized that emotions stem from our physiology, which meant that our bodily expression — our posture, for example — contributes to our emotional state, and, in turn, our confidence. This is also referred to as embodied cognition in the field of social science. Embodied cognition is when your body language affects your mind.

This brings us back to Cuddy and her team of social scientists who tested James’ theory by asking 42 participants to assume either a contracted posture (a hunched over position where participants were asked to lean inward and cross their legs) or an expansive posture (a power pose where participants were asked to make themselves appear taller and wider) for a few minutes at a time before completing a gambling task. The scientists found that after the active posture, participants in the study were far more likely to feel powerful, take more risks, and perform well in a mock interview than those participants that adopted a contracted posture. It’s no wonder these findings led to Cuddy’s popular “More Confidence in 2 Minutes” Ted Talk and quotable soundbites from Cuddy like “Our bodies change our minds.”

What are the benefits of power posing?
Cuddy and her team found that participants felt an increase in confidence after power posing: 86% of power posers opted to gamble during the task, while only 60% of the hunched over posers felt comfortable gambling. Even more — participants' saliva samples showed that increased testosterone and stress relief were also associated with power posing. While active posture power posers showed an 8% increase in testosterone, contracted posture posers had a 10% decrease in testosterone. The inverse was found for the stress hormone cortisol: The power posers saw a 25% decrease in cortisol levels, while contracted posers had a 15% increase of the stress hormone.

Although the research has been hard to replicate, a 2020 meta-analysis (a statistical summary of 73 power pose studies) comparing open poses to closed poses found profound effects for changes in both mood and behavior. One of the researchers, Mia Skytte O’Toole, a professor at Aarhus University in Denmark, told Forbes, “It is non-controversial to say that the way we approach the world with our physical bodies shapes the way we think and feel.”

So, these poses are powerful enough to increase confidence and testosterone, help relieve everyday stress, and improve our moods.

How do power poses work?
You might hate it when a stranger tells you to smile, but they might be onto something. Turns out, even if we’re not in the mood to lift the corners of our lips up to form a smile, making ourselves smile can actually improve our mood because our body language is that powerful. Power poses work because of the James-Lange Theory of embodied cognition, when our body posture affects our mood.

The meta-analysis study from 2020 conducted by O’Toole and team ultimately found that postural feedback was at its strongest when hunched low postures were absent rather than when power poses were present, which translates to: hunched over poses have a stronger negative impact on our mood and behavior, so it’s essential to avoid these positions and consider replacing them with something more upright, wide, and… well, powerful.

When should I power pose?
Next time you’re on a first date (or second or third…); or prepping for a job interview; or meeting your partner’s friends or family for the first time; or giving a big presentation at work; or making a speech at your best friend's wedding; or reciting a eulogy at a funeral; or reading your poem out loud for the first time at a poetry reading — whatever it might be — consider taking a few minutes to power pose to boost your confidence, relieve feelings of stress/anxiety, and improve your chances of success.


Smiling face in orange and yellow sun
Six power poses to try right now
According to Microsoft 365 Life Hacks, there are several solid power poses you can try that may help boost your confidence.

1. The Flying Superhero

Lift your arms straight up and make fists with both of your hands as if you’re trying to punch the ceiling, or, as the name suggests, as if you're a superhero about to take flight.

2. The Peter Pan

Bring both hands to your hips and stand straight with your legs wide apart. Keep your shoulders back and your feet planted to the ground, as you hold your head high and appreciate your talents.

3. The Performer

Spread your fingers wide and stretch your arms up to the sky making a V shape with your upper body. Imagine you’re a marathon runner who just reached the finish line.

4. The Boss

Sit in a chair and bring your hands behind your head. Lift your legs up on the desk in front of you and remind yourself that you’re in charge of your own life.

5. The Mr. Clean

Cross your arms and roll your shoulders back to convey strength.

6. The Loomer

When you’re speaking at a podium or behind a table, try to lean forward and place your hands on the table or podium. This gesture signals confidence and power.

"Power posing has been found to increase feelings of control and confidence, making it an effective tool for stressful situations."


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A final word on debunking myths about power posing
Even though scientists have found it difficult to replicate Cuddy and team’s findings due to something called replication crisis — an ongoing phenomenon where results of scientific studies are hard to reproduce — along with the successful 2020 meta-analysis, another 2020 study was able to prove that power posing is, in fact, beneficial. The self-reported study in Germany involving 108 German fourth graders found that children who power posed versus those who posed in contracted postures, reported feeling more positive feelings and developed better student-teachers relationships.

Whether or not a plethora of scientific studies exist clouting the benefits of power posing, it wouldn’t hurt to occasionally adopt the stance of your favorite superhero and remind yourself of how powerful you really are.

5 Tips To Pose Like a Pro For Your Brand Photoshoot
You’re not alone – everybody asks me what the heck to do with their hands. Posing can feel awkward, unnatural, and downright weird. I get it – you don’t feel like you when you’re in front of the camera. But we’re here to get over that because, as an entrepreneur, you ARE your brand.

I know it can be daunting to put the spotlight on yourself. After all, you’re probably used to spotlighting your clients, your products, and your services. However, for your clients or customers to connect with you, they have to get to know you. The best way to do that is to show up online, authentically you.

I ruined photos with a big cheesy grin for years and tilted my chin way too high. It wasn’t until I became a brand photographer (and had to pose for my own wedding photos) that I started to practice poses and take notes on what looked best. I’m here to share all the tips I learned along the way.

Read on to get the best posing tips from a brand photographer that helps people feel confident in front of the camera.

Posing Tips For Your Next Photoshoot
Remember that big cheesy grin I mentioned earlier? Anytime someone asked me to smile, I thought beaming from ear to ear would do. When I looked at the photo later, I would cringe. Not my best look!

When I started to think about my wedding photos, I began practicing a “soft smile” in the mirror. It felt really awkward at first, but I liked the results. I became comfortable with the awkward feeling by practicing, knowing that the smile was just fine.

The same goes for poses! By playing in front of the mirror, you’ll get used to how they feel and look with your body. Here are my top poses for flattering angles and highlighting your best feature. I didn’t edit these or get dressed up because I wanted to show you the true power of a pose, not a beauty shot. They were taken in a rush at 8:15 am when I had to be somewhere by 9 am. Now away we go!

Tip #1: Shift your weight onto your back leg.
It might not seem like a big deal, but look at the subtle difference this makes!

Posing Tips with Kianna Sunshine Photography
Posing Tips with Kianna Sunshine Photography
You may not notice it, but most people will shift their weight onto one leg when they’re relaxed and comfortable. If you’re standing like a soldier, you’ll seem a bit rigid. Which leg is best? That depends on the person. Try shifting the weight from your front leg and back leg in the mirror to see what you like.

Tip #2: Position yourself at a 45° angle.
When you face a camera dead on, you are showing the camera your body in its widest form. Not necessarily a bad thing, but most people I talk to ask for tips on slimming down. When it comes to the perfect angle, you’ll want to position your feet 45° from the camera.

Kianna Sunshine Photography posing tips

When you’re angling this way, it’s usually best to put your weight on the front leg and get comfy into your hips.

Tip #3: Keep your chin in check.
Tilting your head higher won’t make your neck look longer or slimmer. You’re just going to look weird. You also don’t want to tilt so far down that you invite more chins than you’re used to.

Try to keep a small space between your chin and neck while leaning forward slightly to get the best angle during your brand shoot.

Kianna Sunshine Photography Posing Tip
Kianna Sunshine Photography Posing Tip
Kianna Sunshine Photography Posing Tip
Tip #4: Lean in from the hip.
Okay, don’t fall over. When I say lean from the hip, I mean subtly by an inch or two. Just like this –

Kianna Sunshine Photography posing tips

Leaning slightly for your photo will bring your face closer to the camera and elongate your neck. When your face is closer to the camera than your body, your body will appear smaller.

Tip #5: Let bendy things bend.
What is the difference between these two photos? For me, I can definitely tell the left is a lot more rigid, and the right looks slightly more relaxed.



By slightly bending your knees or elbows, you create more of a casual, confident stance. This will also naturally happen if you follow the other rules of angles and lean onto one leg. You don’t want to overdo it with a full hands-on-hip power stance in every photo. Just a slight bend will do.

Bonus tip: When you bend your elbow, create a small space between your arm and waist. This helps with slimming down your photo.

Your basics are covered, and you’re ready to rock your next branding photography session. When I work with my clients, I put together a vision board of the vibe we’re going to create. If you need some pose ideas, Pinterest or Instagram are going to be your BFF. Start curating poses you like, practice them in the mirror, and even print some out for reference to bring to your session (or save it on your phone in an easy-to-find spot).

Preparing for a photo shoot is about more than your poses. You have to dial into your brand vision, brainstorm props, and more. Overwhelmed? I’ve got you covered. Here’s the access to download my free guide, 5 Genius Tips and Tricks for a Stress-Free Branding Session. Now you’re really ahead of the game.

How to Pose: 7 Simple Ways to Look Better in Photos

Like it or not, we live in a very visual world. Photos are all around us. We stockpile family photos and travel memories. We curate our online image with professional headshots and profile pictures. And we can’t forget about all those candid snaps filling our camera rolls! But that doesn’t necessarily mean we feel comfortable on camera. In fact, it’s pretty normal to dislike the way you look in photos (that was me a few years ago). Why? Smiling for the camera and smiling for a friend are two very different things. Thankfully, you don’t have to be a model or fashion blogger to look better in photos. You simply need to learn how to pose!

Here are 7 simple adjustments to make while posing so you will love every photo.
Consider these your “tools of the trade”. They are techniques gleaned from fellow professional photographers and professional models, but more importantly from a lot of personal experimentation. When first I became interested in photography, I had no clue how to pose others let alone myself. I didn’t know what good lighting was. I wondered how other photographers managed to help clients look flawless, while I personally felt so stiff and awkward in my posing.

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These changes make all the difference:
1 -Bring Your Ears Forward
Ah… the dreaded double chin. Before you go blaming your body, consider your stance! Did you know the way we pose can create a double chin where none exists? It can be nerve wracking to be in front of the camera when you’re not accustomed to it. Consequently, people have a tendency to pull their head away from the camera, lean backward, or to tuck their chin down during a photo shoot. It’s a slight movement, perhaps an imperceptible one, but is enough to create that skin ripple we all dislike.

Instead, when considering how to pose, think about bringing your ears forward like a turtle emerging from a shell (toward the camera). I know that sounds odd and will probably feel a bit weird and unnatural. However, this subtle forward movement will give you a smooth, strong jawline.

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2 – Shift Your Weight
Likewise, let’s take a look at our weight distribution. Is it split evenly between both feet? If so, it’s time for some shifting… Put the majority of your weight on your back leg and you will instantly create a subtle—and super flattering— “S curve” with your body. Just be careful not to lean backward or away from the camera. This can look stiff and uncomfortable. You are aiming for a natural stance.

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3 – Lean Forward From The Waist
Similarly, a slight lean from the waist toward the camera can also work wonders! It is an instant body slimmer and a key pose for those who want to look better in photos. Your waist/hips/legs will look more slender no workout required. This movement can also help you better place your chin, as you will automatically be bringing your ears forward. Sayonara double chin, hello streamlined look!

photography posing tips,
4 – Create Distance Between Your Torso & Arm
It’s instinct! Tell someone to pose for a photo, and inevitably, they will press their arms tight against their torso. In fact, when we stand naturally, we usually place our arms flat against our sides. You need to fight that urge while taking photos. Pulling your arm into your body will squish your arm outward, making it appear larger than it actually is. The movement will also make you look awkward and uncomfortable in your photos.

To fix this, create a bit of space between your torso and your arm. Lift your arm slightly (about an inch or two) by putting a hand on your hip or upper thigh. You could place a hand in your pocket—or when posing with others, rest your hand on the shoulder or back of a family member.

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5- Don’t Face the Camera Straight On
This is an important basic for anyone wondering how to pose! In fact, flip through any fashion magazine and you will immediately notice a lack of straight on shots. Great photos are all about angles. Let’s use them to our advantage! Instead of facing the camera squarely, position your body at a 45 degree angle. It’s incredibly slimming and adds a lot of visual interest.

Photography posing tips to feel more photogenic
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6 – Stand Tall
You don’t have to be tall to look tall in photos. Take it from me, I’m 5’1! The trick is adopting a dancer-like posture. As you play around with your stance and learn how to pose effectively, I want you to imagine you have a string attached to the crown of your head. This string is pulling you up like a marionette. Keep your core muscles engaged and lifted as you settle into this stance. Your shoulder should be back and down. If you need help adjusting your shoulders properly, try rolling them forward, then up, then around to settle into that “back” position. This will elongate your neck and overall bodyline.

Top Posing Tips | How To Pose For Your Photoshoot Like A Pro
Raise your hand if you feel like you always look awkward, unnatural, or just plain terrified in photos - trust me, you’re not alone! In this post, I’ll walk you through a few of my favorite simple posing tips & tricks that will help you nail your next photoshoot. As a portrait photographer, I have a few tricks up my sleeve that are guaranteed to help you look your best in photos - no matter your age, weight, or height. Whether you're getting ready for a professional photoshoot or just taking some candid snapshots with friends, these tips will help you strike the perfect pose every time.

Keep reading to learn more & to also see before & after photo examples of some great (& not so great) poses!

How To Pose Naturally In Your Photos
Capturing authenticity is the ultimate goal when posing for photos, especially if you are having a branding photoshoot or a headshot session.  Achieving a “natural-looking” pose can definitely seem easier said than done! Learning to relax in front of the camera is essential for capturing authentic photos - when you're feeling tense or self-conscious, this can show up in your body language & facial expressions. Here are a few techniques you can use to loosen up & feel more at ease in front of the lens:

1. Try to let go of any pesky self-consciousness: Remember that no one is perfect, & imperfections can add character & charm to a photo. Instead of focusing on trying to look flawless, focus on feeling comfortable & confident in your own skin. Stay in the moment, & don't overthink your poses or try to force a specific look. Instead, try to be present & let your emotions & expressions come naturally.

2. Create a little bit of movement: I often direct my clients to do a certain action as I photograph them - walking, adjusting hair or clothing, interacting with a prop, etc. Rather than standing stiffly in one position, try walking, twirling, or engaging in activities that reflect your interests & passions. This dynamic energy can bring life to your photos & make them feel more genuine.

3. Trust your Photographer: A skilled photographer knows how to capture your true essence & can bring out the best in you. Communicate with them, share your vision, & let them guide you in finding poses that feel natural & authentic. A great portrait photographer will coach & help you with your facial expressions, your body language, & will create space for you to express yourself so that you end up with images that are an authentic representation of you, your personality, & your brand.

Remember, posing naturally is not about putting on a show or trying to impress others - It's about embracing yourself fully & allowing your true personality to shine through. So be confident, be present, & do your best to stay relaxed!

You may also like: 10 Tips To Help You Feel More Confident & Relaxed During Your Photoshoot
Before & After Photos | Client Transformations

Angle Your Shoulders
Certain angles can look better on some people than others - I always photograph people from a few different angles to make sure that we capture their best “side”. You don’t have to know what your best angles are right off the bat - what’s important is that we experiment so that we have plenty of variety for you to choose from. If you want to appear slimmer in photos, try turning your body about 45 degrees to the camera.  The more you turn, the less of your body the camera will capture - just remember not to overdo it or else your pose can look a bit strained or awkward. Try a slight angle to the right, to the left, & then straight-on to see what you like best!

Jenny Left Angle
Angled Left
How to pose for your headshot photoshoot miranda kelton photography
Straight On
Jenny Right Angle
Angled Right
Keep your weight on Your Back foot
Next, let’s think about the position of your feet. For standing poses, it both feels & looks more relaxed for a person to shift the majority of their weight to one foot instead of standing up perfectly straight & stiff. To achieve that relaxed look, place your weight on your back foot, & place your other foot in front while leaning slightly forward towards the camera from your waist. This trick will instantly take away that “awkward” stance & will help you to look more confident!

How to Pose for a photoshoot equal feet
✗  Weight on both feet
How to Pose for a photoshoot staggered feet
✓  Weight on Back Foot
Chin forward & down
This tip makes a huge difference, especially for Headshots & Portraits! Accentuate your jawline by pushing your chin slightly forward & down - this simple adjustment can instantly minimize or completely remove the appearance of a double chin. It always feels a little strange at first, but this technique truly works wonders. With your chin projecting forward, your neck is lifted & smoothed, making you appear both slimmer & younger. A win-win!

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✗  Neutral Chin  (Side View)
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✗  Neutral Chin  (Front View)
Chin Out from Side.jpg
✓  Chin Out & Down  (Side View)
Jenny Straight on pose
✓  Chin Out & down  (Front View)
Keep your arms away from your body
Avoid keeping your arms pressed tightly against your body, as this can make you appear stiff, & can also create the illusion that your arms & torso are larger than they actually are. Instead, gently bend your elbows & keep a slight distance between your arms & torso. This will create a more relaxed & natural pose. To create curves, experiment with different poses, such as placing one hand on your hip or crossing your legs at the ankle if you are seated. These subtle adjustments can help accentuate or create an hourglass shape!


✗  Arms Close to body

✓  Arms away from body
Lean forward from your waist
This is just a very slight adjustment, but can be really helpful when it comes to shaping the upper portion of your body! It’s a subtle bit of body language, but people often tend to lean back from the photographer & the camera in order to subconsciously protect their personal space. It’s ok to learn forwards & share that personal space a bit during your shoot - the camera is your friend, not your enemy! When people shrink away from the camera & lean back too much, it can create a slumped look, a weird-looking chin, etc. Don’t be afraid to lean forward towards the camera just the tiniest bit - this will really help to make you look more engaged & friendly in your portraits!

Jenny Leaning Back.jpg
✗  Leaning Back
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✓  Leaning Forward
Is it true? Does the camera really add 10 pounds?
We’ve all heard it said - but how much truth is there to this statement? What causes this phenomenon, & how can we avoid looking awkward, bulky, or uncomfortable in photos? There are a few technical reasons that we will occasionally feel like we look larger than we actually are in certain photos, but the good news is that we can often counteract this effect by utilizing the posing tips we’ve discussed in this post.

Occasionally, the type of lens being used or the distance your photographer is standing away from you can be to blame - certain lens focal lengths can visually stretch or compress the subject a bit, making you look either larger or smaller than you actually are in real life. However, if you are working with a professional portrait photographer, they will know what lenses to use & exactly how to pose you in a flattering way to avoid any distortion. It’s your photographer’s job to know the perfect lens to use, the best light to put you in, & the most flattering poses & angles for you & for your body type!

Let’s Talk about Photoshop!

Here’s the honest truth: Those perfect-looking celebrities that you see in ads & magazines have always been retouched in some way - even the best models have bad shots, crazy hair days, textured skin, etc. Photoshop can completely alter the entire shape & size of a person, & it’s important to remember that we should never compare ourselves to what are often heavily retouched images. Here at Miranda Kelton Photography, I prefer a more subtle approach & I generally try to avoid any extreme photoshopping. The great thing about retouching is that we can use it to minimize or remove things like undereye circles, red eyes, flyaway hairs, weird wrinkles in clothing, etc. The goal is to keep you looking natural & to create images that present the very best version of yourself!

Portrait photography tips and ideas.
Get tips from experts in the field in this guide to portrait photography. Learn about lighting options, honing focus on a subject’s eyes, and more.

What is portrait photography?
Portrait photography showcases one person, and it goes deeper than just their looks. In a great portrait, personality, identity, and a person’s inner story should shine through.

Lighting, backgrounds, props, and editing can all help achieve this. But perhaps the most important aspect of portraiture is putting your subject at ease so they can show their true self. You’re more than halfway to great photo portraiture if you can make a genuine connection with your subject.

A candid photo of a photographer shooting a portrait of a fashion model.
How to build trust with your subject.
Anthony Pidgeon, a pro portrait photographer, explains, “So much of a great portrait is about the rapport. That’s not a technical aspect of photography, but I think with portraits it’s really key because you’re collaborating, ideally. Your subject is going to offer you something, and you’re going to honor that and find a way to express it. There’s an element of trust: Do they trust you? Do you trust them to stick with you through the process? Has a rapport been established? Then you can find the best expression of that with lighting and posing and composition.’’

Anna Goellner, who specializes in wedding photography, puts it like this: “You’re trying to tell a story. You’re trying to show who this person is.”

1. Take your time.
So how do you go about creating that collaborative moment? Setting up a great photoshoot takes time, so be sure to give yourself a little space. Shawn Ingersoll, a designer and photographer, suggests that when scheduling a shoot, you should allow at least an hour. He explains, “It’ll be maybe the first 30 minutes before you’ve really gotten to know each other.”

It’s easy to feel rushed when you’re taking someone’s picture, but one of the keys to taking a good portrait is to allow the time to connect and consider. Naba Zabih, a wedding and engagement photographer, says that even in the flurry of a big event, it’s important to take time to compose an image that you’ll be proud of. She continues, “Especially when everything’s digital and super fast-paced, just stop, and compose, and think about the shot before you actually take it.”

Keep in mind that with a portrait photo, you’ve got an extra variable to consider: “People are people,” Zabih says, “so they are definitely going to be harder to shoot than something that’s still — they’re going to move. They blink.”

2. Go with the flow.
Pidgeon notes that every session will be different, so you’ll need to stay alert to your subject — some will be more available than others. “I think it depends on the person — where they’re at, what’s going on, whether they want to be there. A lot of times, they don’t,” he says. “A lot of times, they’ve had five things lined up before you, and they’ve got another five after you, and they’re just watching the clock. Some people will say, ‘Yeah, let’s do something cool.’ And some people will say, ‘Let’s get this over with.’ Some people are really shy. Getting a feel for their level of engagement directs a lot of it.”

3. Get attuned with your setting.
When you have a sense of the person you’re working with, then turn your attention to the room. Pidgeon suggests asking yourself, “Are there natural light sources? Is it a situation where I’m going to use harsh lighting, soft lighting, direct, indirect? What’s going to tell this story?”

A candid photo of a photographer shooting a portrait of a fashion model.
A portrait photo of a person smiling outside.
Indoor vs. outdoor lighting for portrait photos.
So many elements of portrait photography rely on intuition over technical control, so it’s useful to be able to identify or arrange great lighting for your portrait session from the start. If you’re shooting in a studio, you’ll get to make a lot of these decisions in advance, while shooting outdoors may require more adjustments as you adapt to the natural lighting conditions.

More contrast means more drama.
When you’re working in low-light conditions or indoors in a studio setting, bring in artificial lights to brighten your subject. Set up a couple lights in various places and see how they affect your photos. Multiple lights can help balance one another to avoid the harsh shadows (or intense contrast) created from using just one light.

Ingersoll suggests, “If you want a dramatic, high-contrast portrait, you’re probably going to use more direct light, whether that’s sunlight or artificial lights. If you’re looking for a less dramatic photo, more like a professional headshot, that’s going to be more diffused, with multiple light sources. You’ll have a primary one, typically the brightest, and it’s going to light up one side of the subject’s face. Then you’ll want to light up the other side, so you’ll have a secondary stroke — otherwise you’re going to have a very dramatic picture. A third light is optional. Sometimes you use that to light up their hair or the backdrop, if there is one.”

Direct midday sun is too harsh for most portraits.
If you’re shooting outdoor portrait photography, using mostly natural light, you’ll need a slightly different toolkit. Goellner’s experience with outdoor weddings has taught her that the middle of the day is the worst time to shoot. She explains, “The sun is right overhead, and you’ll have shadows under their eyes. I’m looking for even lighting for portraits. If it’s the middle of the day, which so many times during a wedding it is, you always look for trees.”

When possible, try shooting portraits during golden hour — the hour or so right before sunset or right after sunrise. The soft, warm light gives subjects a magical glow.

“As people get older, you want to soften up the light a bit, unless you really want to accentuate the texture in someone’s skin.”

Diffused light is more forgiving on the skin.
Pidgeon advises, “As people get older, you want to soften up the light a bit, unless you really want to accentuate the texture in someone’s skin. But if someone has acne scars or wrinkles, you wouldn’t typically work with a dramatic light, unless this is really part of who they are. I think part of it is asking, ‘Is this going to be kind to them, show them in their best light? Are they a dynamic person? Do they have an edge to them? Is this appropriate?’”

A portrait photo of a person sitting outside.
Experiment with incremental changes.
He warns that portrait photographers need to understand how to balance their lights. “A lot of beginners tend to overpower with flash, and then you have that mugshot kind of look,” he says. “You’re basically making two exposures at the same time when you’re balancing the main light and the fill light.

Used correctly, flash photography can create portraits with a fresh, hip appeal — but only when that harsh light is balanced correctly with the background. When you develop an understanding of how that balance works, you can make incremental changes instead of just saying, ‘OK, I’m going to blast it or I’m going to take it away.’”

Choose the right lens and focus it on the eyes.
Goellner holds that one of the most important tips for portrait photography is getting a sharp focus on your subject’s eyes: “If you’re focused on somebody’s forehead or bangs, and their eyes are out of focus, it automatically kills it,” she says, “unless you’re being really artsy.” Beyond this simple but vital reminder, you’ll want to consider the lens you’re working with.

The best lenses for portraits.
Goellner says that the best lenses for portraiture will open up really wide. “A really wide aperture lets in a lot of light and lets the background be blurry,” she says. Wide-angle lenses and a shallow depth of field help you to keep the focus on your subject, rather than losing them to background elements that might be less important. Goellner’s go-to portrait lens is an 85mm lens.

Longer lenses can be flattering.
Derek Boyd, a photographer in the Pacific Northwest, suggests trying out even longer focal lengths: “If you have a long focal length and you’re close to your subject, you’ll have very shallow depth of field,” he says. “So a 200-millimeter lens is great for portrait work.”

“Basically, you shoot almost as close up as you can with it, and it looks great because the background gets blurred out. And the compression that telephoto lenses cause — it’s a little bit of distortion that’s very flattering to people. It makes noses look a little bit smaller, and it makes eyes look a little bit better. It’s just very complimentary,” says Boyd.

A portrait photo of a person with blonde hair.
A black and white portrait photo of a person with glasses.
A portrait photo of a person with freckles and red hair.
Shorter lenses can distort the face.
“It’s hard to describe,” Boyd continues, “but any time you see a nice tight portrait like a glamour shot, that’s almost always done with the very long focal length. Now, on the other hand, you have your wide focal lengths, so that would be anything 30 millimeters and lower. If you get real close to somebody with a wide-angle lens, it makes their head look really big and everything in the background look really small, and you almost get that fish-eye effect. It is not complimentary. You can use it for portraits, but it looks silly.”

Try for a sharp subject and a soft background.
The kicker here is the ability to choose your focal point. Boyd explains, “Before I shot on a real camera, an SLR, I’d only shot on point-and-shoots where everything was in focus. I think that’s the difference between a snapshot and a real artistic photograph — highlighting your subject. That doesn’t mean that you have to use shallow depth of field, but a professional-style portrait will. And the first time that you do it on your own, it’s like magic.

“That look is something that I’ll always be a sucker for. I’ll always love a portrait with a just completely blurred-out background, and a nice, sharp eye with a catch-light, a nice twinkle in the eye.”

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Once you’ve learned the rules, try breaking them.
Many photographers will start out using automated program modes to shoot. Those can be very helpful as you begin, allowing you time to connect with your subject and concentrate on lighting, but Pidgeon warns that they can ultimately hamper your progress.

Take off the training wheels.
“A program can give you the basics, but I don’t think you can get very creative,” Pidgeon says. “The program is there to keep you within the range of ‘this will be fine.’ But if you’re getting into photography, you want more than fine. You have to use manual mode to get that nuance. And that’s scary — a lot of people think, ‘Hey, this particular program mode works great. I got awesome photos in this situation. I don’t want to let go of that.’ And then suddenly you’re in a different situation, and it doesn’t work. The program was doing the work for you, doing all the math for you, and making a lot of decisions. So then you have to go back and figure out how exposure works.”

Learning those manual camera settings for portraits and getting access to more nuanced decisions means you can get much more creative, artistic portrait photography.

Get creative with composition.
And there’s no need to stop with refining your use of exposure. Alex Tan, a photographer and designer based in Los Angeles, encourages even more experiments. He says, “I think filling the frame is really interesting: when there’s parts of an image that aren’t necessarily fully in the frame or there’s a subject that’s very much in the foreground and maybe covering a third of the frame. I feel like I’ve transitioned a lot lately from taking portraits of people that were perfectly centered in the frame on really clean backgrounds to ‘What would that look like if the camera was actually in this room and it was behind somebody or looking over somebody’s shoulder?’”

A candid portrait photo of a person standing outside.
Lead with emotion.
All of this harks back to that foundational element of portrait photography. Tan says, “This is probably a general rule of thumb for a lot of photography: Story is king. That’s the reason we make things, the reason we design, the reason we make films, the reason we write — and I just would really encourage people to not forget that.”

Zabih emphasized this same idea, saying, “Portraiture is interesting because you often kind of throw the rules out the window. If I’m able to capture some kind of emotion in the photo, I feel like it’s huge. I’ll do photos where I’m purposely messing up the photo — where I lower my shutter speed or shoot things cropped in a way that I normally wouldn’t. And as long as there’s emotion in the photo, they end up being my favorite. What’s cool about portrait photography is it doesn’t have to be a perfect image to be the best image.”

Find some portrait inspiration.
The world of portraiture is vast and varied. If you’re looking for a good place to start, try exploring a few different portrait styles to see what works best for you.

Go black and white.
Black-and-white portraits can show your subjects in a new and unique way. Remove color from a portrait to add more emphasis to other aspects of the image, such as composition, texture, shadows, and the subject’s mood.

A photo of a person holding up their smartphone to the camera and showing a selfie photo of themself on the screen.
Master the selfie.
Self portraits are a creative form of self-expression, but they’re also a great way to perfect your portrait photography skills. When you’re both the model and the photographer, you can take your time while adjusting aperture for portraits, trying different lighting, and experimenting with creative ideas.

Aim for authenticity with candid photos.
When you practice candid photography, you capture unplanned moments of subjects being their most authentic selves. You don’t pose your subjects or direct them in any way for candid portraits. Instead, you passively observe and shoot them as they carry out normal activities.

Take professional headshots.
With headshot photography, you can bring your creativity into a professional setting. While corporate headshots often need to follow a specific style or visual approach, you can always find unique ways to help individuals stand out and bring personality to their pics.

Add a little glamour.
From fine art portraits to avant-garde fashion shots, glamour photography highlights a subject’s personality, attitude, and appearance. Learn how to plan your own glamour photoshoot, polish your images with post-production editing tools, and then add some glamour shots to your portfolio.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or new to photography, portraiture is a wonderful way to build skills and foster creativity. Give it a try for yourself, and remember to always keep the focus on your subject and highlight their personality.

The first rule when taking someone’s portrait is to be confident, said celebrity portrait photographer Benedict Evans. No matter how long you have been shooting, if you’re confident behind the camera, the people you photograph will be, too.

“In my experience, it’s important for all subjects—those who are used to being photographed, as well as those who are not—to feel that their image is in the hands of someone who knows what they’re doing,” Evans said. He demonstrates confidence by starting each session with specific direction, though he frequently gives less instruction as the shoot goes on. “Often, the unexpected reactions are what make the picture work,” he said.



Benedict Evans, Matthew McConaughey. Courtesy of the artist.


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The British, Brooklyn-based photographer has only been freelancing full-time for under five years, yet he has already worked on intensive, high-profile projects, such as the “Body Issue” for ESPN The Magazine, and a series of over 100 Republican voters for New York magazine. He also regularly takes portraits for The Guardian, Variety, and Wired UK.

A good portrait can be deceptively simple. Evans recalled a fellow photographer’s preference for a portrait to be like “a line in a poem that the reader keeps going back to, re-reading, and unpacking.” It should also feel genuine, which can be hard to do in a contrived setting, he added.

And while photographers may look to others for inspiration, “imitation can be the death of [the creative process],” Evans said.

Here, Evans shares five essential tips for taking portraits.



Focus all of your attention on the subject


Benedict Evans, India Arie. Courtesy of the artist.

“Nothing encourages a subject to open themselves up to you and be present more than the feeling that they are of genuine interest to you,” Evans emphasized. Before each sitting, he clears his mind of everything but the person he is about to shoot; during the shoot, he is sensitive to how they react to his direction.



Be wary of mistaking the familiar for the interesting
“Sometimes, I’ll look through the camera and momentarily think, ‘This is fantastic,’ but then I realize that [it’s] just reminding me of something I’ve seen before,” Evans said. “That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but it’s also one of the reasons I often play Miles Davis while I shoot: He used to say to his band, ‘Don’t play what’s there, play what’s not there.’”



Stay open to the unexpected, no matter how much pressure you’re under




Benedict Evans, Ronan Farrow. Courtesy of the artist.

Benedict Evans, Janet Mock. Courtesy of the artist.

While it’s important to have a plan, it’s just as important to be aware when the unexpected happens, “as it’s very likely to be more interesting than what you’d imagined,” Evans said. At times, he has less than five minutes of a celebrity’s time, so he is always prepared with an outline for the shoot, but he also knows when to forego it. “You have to give room to the subject to bring something unexpected to the picture,” he noted. “Often, my favorite picture from a sitting is the one I never thought I’d be taking when I got up that morning.”



Avoid relying on technical tricks to develop your voice
“I think the days of being able to carve a career out of being the only person who lights in a certain way, or uses a certain type of camera, or does a certain thing in post-production are in the past,” Evans said. He works “in a fairly fluid way,” aiming for his voice to be present in all of his work, without pushing a signature look or trope. “The photographers I admire the most are those whose work is identifiable at a glance, and yet continue to surprise me,” he said.



Gauge how far you should push your subject


Benedict Evans, Jonathon Lethem. Courtesy of the artist.

Photographers control how much they ask of their subjects, both emotionally and physically. “[Push] too far, and you’ve been disrespectful; not far enough, and you’ve left something on the table,” Evans cautioned. When he assesses where the line is, he “steps just over it, and then retreats,” he explained. “I’ve been thanked after the fact by subjects for pushing them a littlebit out of their comfort zone. Be willing to get out of yours, too.”

Tips and Tricks for Shooting Celebrity Portraits, Aalok Soni
Portrait photography is a unique art form that requires a special set of skills and techniques to capture the essence of a person. Celebrity portrait photography is especially challenging, as the photographer must not only create a visually appealing image but also capture the celebrity's personality and reputation. In this blog, we will take a closer look at the art of portrait photography and provide tips and tricks for shooting celebrity portraits.

Understanding your subject:
Before you start the shoot, it's important to get to know your subject. This will help you create a relaxed atmosphere and make it easier to capture their true personality in the images. Ask questions, listen to their stories, and try to understand what makes them unique.
Lighting:
Lighting is one of the most important elements in portrait photography. Celebrity photographers use a variety of lighting techniques, including natural light, artificial light, and a combination of both, to create the desired mood and atmosphere. Experiment with different lighting setups to find what works best for your subject.
Posing:
The way a person poses can make or break a shot. Celebrity photographers must have a good understanding of body language and be able to direct their subjects to create the desired pose. Encourage your subject to relax and be themselves, and don't be afraid to try different poses until you find the one that works best.
Composition:
The way the elements in a shot are arranged is called composition. Celebrity photographers must have a good understanding of composition to create visually appealing images that capture the attention of the viewer. Try using the rule of thirds, leading lines, or other techniques to create balanced and interesting compositions.
Capturing emotion:
Celebrity portraits should not only look great but also capture the essence of the celebrity. Try to capture the subject's emotions, whether it is a smile, a laugh, or a serious expression. This will add depth to the image and make it more memorable.
Gear:
The right gear can make all the difference in portrait photography. Celebrity photographers use professional-grade cameras with high-resolution sensors to produce images with excellent detail and colour. They also use a variety of lenses, lighting equipment, tripods, and other accessories to enhance their images and make the shooting process more efficient.
Post-production:
The final step in the portrait photography process is post-production. This is where the photographer reviews their images and makes any necessary adjustments, such as colour correction, skin smoothing, and cropping.
In conclusion, the art of portrait photography is about capturing the essence of a person and creating visually appealing images. Celebrity portrait photography requires a special set of skills and techniques, including understanding your subject, lighting, posing, composition, capturing emotion, and using the right gear. With these tips and tricks in mind, you will be well on your way to capturing stunning celebrity portraits that will be remembered for a lifetime.