Buzz
Everyone wants to look great in photos, but sometimes it's hard to know how to bring out your best look. Luckily, there are a few quick tips that can boost your confidence in any photo. Whether you're snapping a selfie or posing for a professional shoot, a bit of practice can make you feel more camera-ready.
Steps to Follow
Everyday Photo Posing
Avoid cluttered backgrounds. Take a quick glance at what’s behind you to make sure nothing steals the focus from you. If something does, adjust the camera angle to eliminate distractions or pick a cleaner spot to shoot. No matter how good you look, a messy backdrop will grab more attention than you.
- For instance, avoid objects that might appear to be growing out of your head, like stop signs or tree branches. Also, be mindful of people, trash bins, or an untidy bed that could sneak into the shot.
- To achieve a stylish and artistic vibe, consider posing in front of a brightly painted wall. However, steer clear of overly complex patterns—they might pull focus away from you.
Face toward the light source. Before snapping a photo, turn your body so your face is lit by the light. This will make your features brighter and more defined. Facing away from the light, on the other hand, will cast unflattering shadows across your face.
- For example, when indoors, face the center of the room or stand by a window and look outside.
Tilt the camera slightly downward to define facial features. Have the photographer position the camera just above your eye level. Look up toward the lens to highlight your beautiful eyes and create a flattering angle.
- This trick works well for both close-ups and full-body shots.
Relax your face and mouth. Gently close your lips and imagine lifting the corners of your mouth into a soft smile. This helps your facial muscles relax and, when combined with expressive eyes, creates an inviting image that leaves viewers curious about your secret.
- To add a playful touch, try smirking slightly on one side of your mouth.
Roll your shoulders back. Before taking a photo, stand tall, elongate your neck, and gently pull your shoulders back. Whether it’s a portrait or a full-body shot, a good posture makes you look more confident—and that shines through in your photos.
- This pose also makes your neck appear longer and enhances the definition of your chin and jawline.
Angle your body 30–45° from the camera for a slimmer silhouette. Facing the camera straight-on emphasizes the width of your shoulders, chest, and waist. If you’d like certain areas to appear slimmer, slightly turn that part toward the camera.
- If you have a “best angle,” be sure to turn that side toward the lens.
Cross one leg slightly in front of the other when standing. Standing with both feet parallel can make your body look stiff and boxy. Instead, place one foot at a slight angle in front of the other.
- If you prefer, you can cross one leg over the other. Capturing the moment you appear to be walking can also add a graceful touch.
- Try lifting your heel slightly to give the illusion of added height.
Keep your arms naturally bent. To look relaxed and at ease, bend your elbows slightly. You can rest one or both hands on your hips, but angle your elbows backward to maintain a natural pose.
- For a stronger, more muscular look, keep your arms close to your body. To make your arms appear slimmer, hold them slightly away from your torso.
- If you’re folding your arms, keep the gesture loose to avoid looking tense.
Engage naturally when taking group photos. In couple or group shots, everyone should feel relaxed and vary their poses a bit. Don’t hesitate to interact—posing with gestures like looking at each other, holding hands, or wrapping an arm around someone can make the photo feel warm and genuine.
- For example, when with friends, throw an arm over someone’s shoulder. In a couple photo, embrace your partner and look at the camera together.
- If you're unsure, just pose in a way that feels natural and comfortable to you.
Look your best in selfies
Hold your phone slightly above eye level for the perfect angle. When taking a selfie, your face often looks most flattering when the camera is raised and tilted down slightly. Look up at the lens and raise your eyebrows a bit. This gives you a bright, cheerful photo with wide, expressive eyes.
Try experimenting with different angles for more variety. While a high-angle shot flatters most people, don't be afraid to play around with other perspectives—especially if you're posting lots of selfies! Try tilting the camera to one side or using a mirror to highlight your outfit.
- Your followers might lose interest if every photo looks like it's taken from the same angle.
Face the light source. Just like when someone else takes your photo, your face will look best when it’s lit from the front. Avoid direct sunlight, though, as it can cast harsh shadows.
- If you're outdoors in bright sunlight, step into a shaded spot for your selfie.
- If lighting is poor, consider using your camera’s flash or invest in a portable ring light for perfect lighting anywhere!
Lift your neck and sit or stand tall. Imagine a string pulling you upward from the top of your head. Keep your head and neck lifted and your shoulders pushed back.
- This posture accentuates the elegant lines of your neck and shoulders.
Exhale gently to relax and plump your lips. Whether you're smiling, smirking, or pouting, it's easy to purse your lips unintentionally. Right before the shutter clicks, slightly part your lips and softly blow out to keep your mouth looking natural.
- Be careful not to puff your cheeks, or your face might appear rounder than it actually is!
Tip: Try squinting slightly to mimic the fine lines at the corners of your eyes that appear with a genuine smile.
Take lots of shots and review them to discover your best angles. Snap as many selfies as you like—try different facial expressions, shift your head and body slightly, and then scroll through your camera roll. Look for patterns in what you like or dislike. The more you practice, the more instinctively you'll know your most flattering angles and pose naturally in selfies.
- Everyone has a unique best angle. If you have a pronounced chin, shooting from above may help. If you have a broad forehead, try angling your face or taking the shot from below.
Find interesting backgrounds for your selfies. Don’t settle for the same shot every time. Mix it up by snapping pics in different places and include a bit of background in your frame. This gives your followers fresh content and helps you capture meaningful moments.
- For instance, pose in front of your favorite food truck one day and the next, share a pic of you and your bestie waiting outside a movie theater.
Tip: Use a selfie stick to capture full-body shots, motion selfies, or to fit more of the background in your photos.
Pose for a professional portrait
Choose a solid or simple background. For professional headshots, you should be the main focus. Ask your photographer to shoot against a plain backdrop. Alternatively, an office or work setting works well as long as the scene is tidy and distraction-free.
- For example, if you’re a doctor taking a portrait in your clinic, make sure to clear out promotional materials and sample products to keep the photo clean and professional.
Take a few deep breaths to relax. If you're feeling anxious or tense, it'll show in your body language and facial expression. To calm your nerves, try some deep breathing exercises.
- For example, inhale for a count of 4, hold for 4, then exhale for 4. Repeat 2–3 times or until you feel more centered.
Face the nearest light source. Whether you're posing for a professional portrait or just aiming for a polished look, position yourself to face the brightest light in the room to avoid any harsh shadows on your face.
- If you’re working with a professional photographer, they’ll likely use lighting equipment or a reflector to illuminate your face evenly.
Press your tongue against your teeth for a more natural smile. To appear genuinely cheerful, stretch your smile toward the corners of your mouth and gently press your tongue against your upper front teeth. This small trick helps lift your cheeks and makes your smile look more effortless.
- To enhance the natural vibe even more, think about someone or something you truly love as you pose.
Try different eye directions—looking at or away from the camera. Staring straight into the lens conveys confidence and strength. Keep your gaze soft but steady. For a more relaxed, candid feel, look off into the distance instead.
Try this before your shoot: Spend 10 minutes practicing poses and facial expressions in front of a mirror to discover your most flattering angles and boost your comfort level in front of the camera.
Hold a prop if you're unsure what to do with your hands. Grab a coffee mug, your phone, or even your handbag strap before snapping a photo. This helps take the guesswork out of hand placement and makes your pose appear more relaxed and natural.
- If you don’t have a prop nearby, gently clasp one wrist with the opposite hand.
- You can also adjust your sleeve or tuck your hair behind your ear.
- If putting both hands in your pockets, slightly angle your elbows back for a more flattering posture.
Stand tall with your shoulders pushed back. Good posture makes you appear taller, enhances your angles, and gives off a confident, professional vibe. When you feel good about yourself, it shows—and that kind of presence builds trust.
- Try imagining a string running from the base of your spine to the top of your head, gently pulling you upward.
Angle your body slightly to look slimmer in photos. Rather than facing the camera head-on, turn your body about 30°–40°. This pose, especially when combined with good posture, elongates your frame and projects confidence.
- If you prefer a front-facing photo but still want a slimming effect, try angling your body while rotating your shoulders back toward the lens—this helps accentuate your waist and hips.
Tip: Want to emphasize broad shoulders and strong arms for a more powerful impression? Fold your arms and face the camera straight on for maximum impact.
Bend your arms slightly and keep your legs relaxed for a more natural look. Straight limbs can make you appear stiff or tense. Instead, go for subtle angles—bend a knee and place a hand on your hip, or cross your legs while seated.
- To make your arms look slimmer, keep them slightly away from your body; for a more muscular appearance, press them against your sides.
- Need something to do with your hands? Hold a job-related prop. For example, a teacher might hold a pen, while a chef could grab a cooking utensil.
Ask the photographer to shoot slightly from below if you want a more powerful presence. For full-body portraits that make you look taller and slimmer, request the camera be positioned just below eye level, tilted slightly upward. This angle gives off a bold, commanding vibe, so strike a confident pose.
- It's best to take a step back from the camera to enhance this look.
- This angle may emphasize your chin, so tilt your head up to keep it flattering.
Tip: This pose can give off a stylish look, but it doesn’t suit everyone. Try a few shots and see if the results feel right for you!
Outdoor Photography
Avoid shooting in direct sunlight. Bright sun can make you squint and cast unflattering shadows on your face. Instead, find a shaded spot and turn your face toward the soft, indirect light.
- If you can’t escape the sunlight, face away from the sun to reduce harsh shadows. Use a reflector—or even a white board—to bounce light onto your face for a softer effect.
- Sunrise and sunset offer ideal lighting, bathing your photos in a gentle, warm glow.
Include natural scenery in the background. One of the best things about outdoor photos is having nature as your backdrop. Whether it’s a stunning landscape or just a simple tree, let your surroundings bring life to the shot.
- Be sure to scan for distractions like trash or power lines that might ruin the natural beauty of the scene.
Engage with your surroundings. Outdoor shoots give you a chance to interact with nature. Try smiling at a vibrant flower or climbing onto a nearby rock for a dynamic photo.
- Always prioritize safety—never climb over fences or barriers just for a shot, and stay aware of people, animals, and vehicles around you.
Strike bold, expansive poses to make use of the open space. Unlike indoor settings, outdoor environments give you room to move. Run, leap, stretch your arms wide—embrace the freedom and let it inspire spontaneous, energetic photos.
- Start with safe, comfortable poses so you have a solid foundation to build on as you get more creative.
Tips
- Check your appearance in a mirror or your phone camera before snapping pictures.
- Wear clothing in colors that contrast with your skin tone to make your photo pop.
- Take several shots in quick succession so you can choose your favorites later.
- If someone’s taking your photo, ask them for feedback on which poses work best for you.
