10 Tips for Natural Posing & Being Relaxed in Your Session

by Christine | May 31, 2017 | C Wright Moments, C Wright Photography, C Wright Weddings, Engagement Photographer, Houston Blogger Photographer, Houston Engagement Photographer, Houston maternity photographer, Houston Portrait Photographer, Houston Wedding Photographer, How-To Wedding Advice

Being Relaxed?

Let’s be honest, being relaxed and feeling comfortable in front of the camera can be a challenge. It’s uncomfortable initially, you don’t know what to do with your hands, how to stand and I know I am always thinking “is my face weird?”. I am also probably obsessing over my body and thinking about the parts that displease me the most {my arms, if you’re curious}. That’s why I am writing this! There are truly techniques and little things you can do to make you look better in pictures and have more fun.

1. Make the People with You Laugh

If it is you and a significant other, there is a ton of opportunity to do this. My favorite is to get a couple wrapped in each other arms and have them say “banana” in a sexy whisper. It is guaranteeeeed laughter. For groups and couples I always encourage tickling and fake farts. Or sharing an embarrassing story. When you laugh, everything feels natural and you aren’t thinking in your head “what do I do with my hands?”.

2. Use Props

Yo, props are so much fun!! And they give you something to do! Currently I am in love with the huge balloon trend, but you can use anything. Like a glass of wine, or a lightsaber. Seriously, all bets are off. And the best part? A prop can help tell the story of your relationship.

3. Weight on One Leg

So you’re standing there and you’re feeling a tad awkward. Typically this is the start of the session. You’re with your family or your boo, and you don’t want to look like a static robot. Shift your weight to one leg. It makes it so that your hips are not square and that you don’t look boxy in the picture. This is my stand-by when I am not given direction. I might also turn a bit to my side. Cause angles.

4. Wear Comfortable Clothing

You know what is attractive? Confidence! I am not saying show up in leggings or pajamas. What I am saying is wear something that is nice but you also feel awesome in. Something that fits you well and makes you feel attractive. You know what happens when you feel attractive? You take amazing pictures!! So wear something that makes you feel like Don Draper from Mad Men, you’ll look and feel like a million bucks!

5. Bring your Pet

A pet is great for both couple and family pictures. That cute pooch or kitty tends to turn into the star of the show, taking the focus off you. Plus, with an animal, you’re interacting with it, creating movement, which is always a great thing. You know what else is adorable? An animal in a freaking bowtie that matches your outfit. I know it’s cheesy but it’s also cute! Cute AF.

6. Silliness is Encouraged

This is similar to rule #1 but I want to emphasize this. Your pictures do not need to be an oil painting of your and your family, statically posed. I encourage being goofy. Bring some silly string and have a fight or make faces at each other. The more you are yourself and are being authentic, the more epic your pictures will be. I love playfulness, and feel your best images are a direct result of that.

7. Motion is your Friend

Sitting/standing there posing with a smile makes me feel awkward writing it, let alone taking a picture of it. Family photos are my favorite when you are a group and walking towards me. Or you are together and I say “bear hug!” and you try to hug the life out of each other. With couples, if you dance or whisper to each other, that’s not only sweet, but those turn into some dang romantic pictures! And they all involve movement.

8. Planning Activities

Your session doesn’t need to be sitting in a park on a blanket. The sky is the limit! Let’s go to an ice cream shop and get messy. Your session should reflect you two {or your family}, so let’s do something you love to do together. Play tag at a park? Want to have some on Galveston beaches? Let’s brainstorm some epic ideas and have some serious fun!

9. Get that Light

I am a sucker for good light. I also get that waking up at the crack of dawn isn’t everyone’s favorite, but seriously, the light as the sun rises is the best. It’s soft, it frames you like a glove, making your images basically perfect. Plus, in Houston, it is basically the coolest time of the day = a sweat-free session. Next best? Sunset lighting. It’s a little warmer and humid, but that light an hour before sunset? Gorgeous! I mean you are already investing in a session, let make it the most beautiful one possible.

10. Choosing the right Photographer

Not every photographer meshes with every person. Think back to when you had an awkward interview or a terrible blind date. I have had my fair share! The conversation was stinted, topics were on short supply and it was painful! The clients I have had the best sessions with were the exact opposite, they found my humor endearing, conversation flowed and at the end they said how easy and painless the entire session was. This is why I encourage meeting or talking before booking–we need to make sure we mesh, that I would fit in with your friends and that I would still be funny if you were tipsy at your wedding. If we can make sparks fly during a  15 minute conversation, imagine how fun and comfortable your session will be.

Love my work? Want me to capture you and yours? Let’s talk!! It’s easy, my email address is Christine@cwrightphotographyhouston.com. Let’s have a heart-to-heart, get excited about the possibilities of your wedding or session and come up with a plan that is uniquely you! I want to hear from you!