If you’re like most people you panic just before a scheduled photo shoot. You think to yourself “Oh, I’m going to look like a fool!” or “I’m too overweight to look good in photos.” As a glamour and boudoir photographer I’ve seen people panic at their shoot and I’ve heard all the reasons why they don’t look good when they get their picture taken.
I say poppycock! Everybody can look amazing in front of the camera. Everybody! No matter your size or body type you can look amazing in a photograph, you just need a few posing tips to boost your confidence.
Tip #1 – Don’t stand straight up and down.
Standing stick straight, rarely works in a glamour or boudoir portrait, or any portrait for that matter. As a general rule of thumb, if it bends – bend it. Your body will have beautiful curves and be more appealing to the eye.
This straight up and down pose doesn’t do much for her figure and it makes for a boring shot.
This is much better and more exciting. By shifting her weight on her hip she has emphasized her curves and created a more pleasing pose. You may also notice that she’s bent both elbows and her wrist creating more feminine angles that are more pleasing and create energy that leads the eye.
Tip #2 – Raise your chin.
Women have a tendency to lower their chin in an effort to hide even the slightest hint of a double chin. Unfortunately lowering your chin does the opposite, it accentuates a double chin. If your photographer shoots you from slightly above eye level, this can be easily avoided.
Tip #3 – Arch your back.
Arching your back will do a number of things to your pose – it pulls your shoulders back, forces your chest out, flattens your stomach and makes your booty pop.
Don’t underestimate the power an arched back has on your posture and on sexy curves.
Tip #4 — Don’t always worry about making eye contact.
It’s true — the eyes are the window to the soul. But don’t get caught in the trap of looking directly into the camera for every photo.
Sometimes looking away from camera can convey more meaning, be more sensual and help accentuate your naturally beautiful lines.
Tip #5 – Move, let it all go, have fun and be you.
I know it doesn’t sound like a posing tip, but it is. Some of the best photographs are the shots that were not planned. They are pure serendipity. Every time you hear the shutter click – unless told otherwise by your photographer – move! Get a broad range of shots for each outfit in your wardrobe.
Even if you feel silly, or you trip, or you get tangled in your dress — it doesn’t matter, move. If you feel like laughing, laugh. If you feel like crying, cry. If you feel like dancing, dance! Just move.
Your photo session is about capturing the most beautiful you that you can be. The most beautiful you doesn’t happen when you have a rigid pose, or when you are worried about looking your best. It happens when you let it all go, relax and just be you. Move around and have fun during your photo session and you’ll get the best photographs you’ve had in your life.
Even if you haven’t scheduled your photo session with me, I hope that these tips will help you feel more comfortable next time you step in front of a camera. Remember, you’re beautiful and you’re worth every picture!
-Cameron VanAusdal
Photographer
Supernatural Makeup Design 