Have you ever stood in front of a camera and remembered you have arms and hands? It sounds funny, but it’s not until we stand in front of a camera that we become, sometimes awkwardly, aware of what our hands are doing. The first time I stepped in front of a lens, engagement session, my immediate thought was, “what do I do with these?”. I didn’t know if I should place them on my hip or place them on my husband, my fiance at the time. I was such an awkward client.


Funny enough, your hands add to the look and feel of your images. As I mentioned in my previous blog, deciding what your end goal will be beneficial. Whether it's a portrait, professional headshots, maternity, couples, or family photography session, it will be essential to figure out what you want out of your session before figuring out poses. For the sake of this blog, we will be focusing on portrait and couples sessions.


Here are ten tips to becoming more comfortable posing your hands for your portrait or couples session.


In preparation:

1. Moisturize and Manicure. If your session is an engagement shoot, your hands will be in the spotlight. So treat yourself to a manicure and moisturize to show off that ring!


Things to keep in mind:

2. Touch. Try to lay your hands on a tree, your leg, or your partner. Give your hands something to do.

3. A light touch is always better. Notice I said ‘lay’; a gentle touch looks more natural.

4. Show affection. Reflect romance through a gentle touch on the face or a hug from behind.


Poses:

5. Hip. Place one hand on your hip or waist. Remember that anything your hand touches, you are drawing the eye too.

6. Hair. Play with your hair or place a loose strand back into its place.

7. Face. Frame your face.

8. Props. Hold a glass, mug, purse, or unique object.

9. Pockets. Gently tuck your hands into your pocket.


10. Natural. Allow your arms and hands to lay by your side. If this is a comfortable pose for you, remember your posture.


In summary, think about your vision, talk to your photographer, find arm and hand placements that make you feel confident and comfortable. Give your hands something to do. Your session will be amazing because you are amazing! Have Fun.


With love,

Sarah Hawkins

Photographer, SmHawkins Photography