They drop their shoulders and take a breath.<\/p>\n
\u201cI always drop my shoulders and take one small breath right before the photo. It softens your expression and gets rid of that tense \u2018photo face.\u2019 I also slightly shift my weight to one side, it relaxes your posture and keeps you from looking rigid.\u201d \u2015 Isela Lozano<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cI intentionally relax my shoulders. When people are nervous in front of the camera, tension usually shows up most obviously in raised, tightened shoulders. Taking a deep breath and intentionally lowering my shoulders while giving them a good shake helps to release them. Usually, my whole body follows suit and settles into a more natural state. This helps me achieve my goals of looking genuine and comfortable in photos.\u201d \u2015 Kelley Hoagland<\/a> of Kelley Hoagland Photography<\/p>\n They lean in and create connection.<\/p>\n \u201cI like to lean in and create a close connection. My favorite photos are the ones where you can feel the relationship and see the story behind every person. I always keep that in mind when I\u2019m posing for a photo with family or friends, with an arm around someone\u2019s back, a head resting on a shoulder, linked arms or a little squeeze. Those small moments of closeness tell such a beautiful story.\u201d \u2015 Gretchen Richardson<\/a>, manager of photography training and quality at Lifetouch<\/p>\n \u201cIf I\u2019m with others, I always create a point of connection, a hand around a shoulder, leaning in slightly, or touching arms. It photographs well and makes everyone look more comfortable and genuine.\u201d \u2015 Lozano<\/p>\n They give their hands something to do.<\/p>\n \u201cOne thing I try to do is relax my shoulders and give my hands something to do. I never just let them hang awkwardly at my sides. If I\u2019m with my kids, I might hold their hands, brush hair out of their face, or put an arm around them. A little physical connection always makes the photo feel more natural and warm.\u201d \u2015 Anastasia <\/a>Karnoupakis<\/a> of Anastasia K. Photography<\/p>\n They look for the best light.<\/p>\n \u201cOne thing I always do when I\u2019m posing for a photo is look for the best light. You can have the best pose, but if the light is horrible, it doesn\u2019t matter.\u201d \u2015 Nicole Mondestin<\/a> of Nicole Mondestin Photography<\/p>\n Westend61 via Getty Images<\/p>\n Professional photographers pick up many posing tips they use for their own moments in front of the camera. <\/p>\n They slightly angle their body.<\/p>\n \u201cOne thing I always do when posing for a photo is making sure I\u2019m turned just a little, and never standing straight on. Also, make sure the lighting is good!\u201d \u2015 Marcie Reif<\/a> of Marcie Reif Photography<\/p>\n They focus on feelings, not poses.<\/p>\n \u201cMy thoughts might be a little counter-cultural, but honestly, when I am being photographed, I try to think less about how I\u2019m posing and more about how I\u2019m feeling. When I am feeling present, content, joyful, confident, loved, etc. \u2015 that is what I see back in the photo. I don\u2019t care about if my arm looks small or how I\u2019m sitting. If I can see the result of the photo as a reflection of a beautiful moment, then I know the photo is exactly what it needs to be.\u201d \u2015 Leah O\u2019Connell<\/a> of Leah O\u2019Connell Photography<\/p>\n They let the photographer direct.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen working with a professional photographer, don\u2019t make the mistake of trying to direct your family in the middle of the photoshoot. That\u2019s your photographer\u2019s job! If you\u2019ve hired an experienced family photographer, they will know how to get everyone engaged. Allow them to lead you through the session. They\u2019ll certainly ask for your help if they need it. The last thing you want to do is ruin the perfect shot by not being ready yourself because you\u2019re trying to manage everyone else.\u201d \u2015 Hoagland<\/p>\n They keep their body moving a little.<\/p>\n \u201cOne thing I always do when I\u2019m in a photo myself, whether it\u2019s solo or with family or friends, is keep my body moving just a little. Nothing big or dramatic, just gentle shifts, a natural laugh, brushing hair back, turning slightly toward someone. Those subtle movements help me avoid feeling rigid or overly posed, and they create the kind of relaxed, candid energy that looks so much more genuine on camera. Even the smallest motion helps soften your expression and posture, making the final image feel warm, natural, and true to the moment.\u201d \u2015 Maxine Cadman<\/a>, a Nations Photo Lab-<\/a>affiliated photographer<\/p>\n They plan their outfit in advance.<\/p>\n \u201cWaiting for the last minute to plan your outfit causes undue stress. I would highly recommend laying all the clothes out from top to bottom, including socks, the night before.\u201d \u2015 Annie Vovan<\/a> of Annie Vovan Photography<\/p>\n They pull everyone in close.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen I\u2019m in a photo, I always pull everyone in close. I bring our heads together and make sure hands are placed with intention, whether that\u2019s on an arm, a shoulder, or gently wrapped around someone. Visible hands create connection and avoid that \u2018missing limb\u2019 look. It instantly makes the photo feel warm, connected, and beautifully composed.\u201d \u2015 Norma Fayak<\/a> of Norma Fayak Photography<\/p>\n They get a little silly.<\/p>\n \u201cI turn into a goofball and try to make people laugh, myself included. It may even be fake laughter at first, but it is almost always followed by the good stuff.\u201d \u2015 Tammy Karin<\/a> of Little Leapling Photography<\/p>\n \u201cI do what most photographers do \u2015 we either go to our most regular look, or we act the fool so we can control the fact that we know we will look silly in the picture, and thus, we are not surprised nor disappointed.\u201d \u2015 Daniel McGarrity<\/a> of Daniel McGarrity Photography<\/p>\n Responses have been lightly edited for style and clarity.<\/p>\n![\"Professional](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/692e0992190000fe426a09ce.jpeg\")
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