You don't need to be a professional model to look confident in photos. Perhaps you're a bit camera-shy and don't know how to pose for anything but a passport photo, yet you really need an impressive portrait for your company website. By just applying these 4 posing tricks for beginners, you'll feel comfortable in front of the camera and be happy with how you look!
A good portrait highlights your features and conveys your character.
1. Do it as the marionettes do — Straighten your back
The absolute rule number 1 against slouchy postures is to always push your shoulder back, a bit as if you'd want your shoulder blades to touch. In other words, just straighten your back. I can almost hear your mum applauding me for this tip. Also, look at the camera. Don't tilt your head to the floor because you don't know where to look. The camera is right in front of you.
I was pulling my invisible strings in this one.
Just copy the marionettes you watched at your local kids' theater back in the day: they were only walking confidently when their heads were upright, pulled by a string. Imagine such a string attached to the top of your head. The invisible string pulls you up, elongating your spine. This lengthens your upper body and neck in photos which makes you look confident, fit and assertive.
2. Use flower power — Seek the light
Playing with light and shadows is the basic of portrait photography. As much as the photographer can take a snapshot from different angles and move the flash, you need to follow one simple rule to get a pleasing photograph without any disturbing shadows. Trust me, it's easy. Simply seek the light with your face and your photos will turn out lit.
Always slightly turn or tilt your head towards the flash, lamp, sun or window.
The easiest way to seek the light is to think of your face as a flower. Perhaps a sunflower even. You're seeking the light to flourish. So if the light moves (e.g. when the sun starts to set at an outdoor shoot), you start to move as well — always facing the light. This way, you avoid long nose shadows or dark undereye shadows that might make you look old and tired.
3. Wear your clay mask — Don't apply pressure
Portrait photos show your character and that means having fun! Lean on your hands, lay your head on your arms or pinch your face... but don't really do it! The secret to beautiful portraits is a mix between natural gestures and great acting skills.
Perhaps it's even one of my trademarks by now: gently touching my skin in portraits.
Every bit of pressure you apply to your skin comes with a shadow and wrinkles that may be disturbing or unflattering in the photo. Touch your face as much as you want to, but at the same time imagine that your face is covered in a dried beauty clay mask. If you're unfamiliar with clay masks, think of dried mud on your face after slipping in the forest. The mask is dry and alright to lightly touch, but don't push too hard as it'll break. This exercise is much easier if you have make-up applied, since actually touching your face might ruin it.
4. Think of puppies and kittens — Smile naturally
Everyone looks more friendly and happier when they smile. But channeling your inner child on demand might result in forced smiles and awkward laughter. My trick for a natural smile is to think of my dog.
Thinking about my dog takes me to my happy place.
When I think of him tilting his cute head when he's puzzled, freaking out about cheese and not quite making it when trying to jump on the sofa, I immediately feel happy and smile. Such a silly doggo. He's just the cutest to me, as your pet is to you. Don't have a furry friend? Just think of puppies and kittens. Any cute encounter with your favorite animal will bring up happy thoughts which will be visible in your expression.
Practice makes perfect. Just try to apply these 4 tips whenever you take a selfie and you'll realize how great your photos will turn out! And I promise, if your boss enters your office next week and announces the yearly staff photoshoot, it'll be your time to shine.
PS: Here's a cute snap of happy Sully to pay for the dog tax.
What's your favorite portrait tip? Let me know by sending me a DM via Instagram!
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