What to Know About Posing Before Your Photoshoot
If the thought of posing for the camera makes you feel stiff, awkward, or suddenly hyper-aware of your hands, welcome to the club. We put immense (sometimes unnecessarily immense) pressure on ourselves to make things perfect.
But the truth is, you don’t need to be a model to look and feel amazingly perfect in front of the camera. Great photography is about feeling supported, seen, and confident, not memorizing the best ways to tilt your head.
At Valentina Portraiture, our job is to guide you through the entire process, gently and naturally. But if you’re the type of person who likes to feel prepared before stepping into your spotlight, here are a few helpful things to know.
You Don’t Need to Know What You’re Doing—We Promise
One of the most common things clients say when they arrive is, “I have no idea how to pose.” Good. That’s my job, not yours. I’ll direct you with clear, simple guidance that feels natural—there should be nothing forced or fake about it. By the time you hear the shutter click, you’ll be surprised by how effortlessly it all comes together.
Posture is Your Secret Weapon
You don’t need to stand like a statue, but a few small tweaks go a long way. Roll your shoulders back, lengthen your spine, and keep your chin gently forward and slightly down. Think graceful confidence. Our direction will help you feel relaxed while still looking strong and grounded.
Don’t Overthink Your Facial Expression
You’ve probably heard of “smizing” (thank you, Tyra Banks), but we’re more interested in real emotion. The best expressions come when you’re feeling comfortable and connected. That’s why we take time before the camera ever clicks to get to know you and put you at ease.
Your Hands Have a Home
“What do I do with my hands?” you ask. Fear not. Whether it’s a pocket, prop, or relaxed gesture that suits your personality, we’ll make sure your hands feel purposeful and natural.
Trust the Process
It’s not your job to know your angles. It’s ours. Our sessions are fully guided down to the tilt of your head or the placement of your hands and feet. All you need to do is show up and trust that we’ve got you. If you’re still feeling uneasy, just know that after you come out of our makeup chair, you’ll be feeling a whole heck of a lot different.
Confidence is the Best Pose of All
No matter your experience level, body type, or how “photogenic” you think you are - you are worthy of being seen. Our goal is to help you feel beautiful, empowered, and at home in front of the camera. Contact us today to book your next session.