It's fascinating how awkward we feel when we know we're being observed, even worse, recorded on camera. Suddenly our hands, so essential in daily activities, become useless flaps at the end of our arms. "What do I do with my hands?" people say, holding them out to me like they're things they'd like me to take from them and dispose of in the nearest bin. 

I know, I'm the same when a camera points at me. Really. I'm used to hiding on the other side. I forget everything when things are reversed. But, no one's looking at me at the moment so I'll tell you what I know. 

1. DON'T BE A TURTLE

Let's start with the neck. It's the number one thing people say to me. Everyone worries about having a double chin. Probably because they've caught themselves looking down at their phone's camera and have that image burned into their retinas. You can try this in a mirror. Push your chin forward, just a bit, it helps elongate the neck. Now, try the reverse and see the effect. Sort of turtle-y, no? A small movement makes a big difference. Get a feel for it and try it during your photos. 

2. THOSE THINGS AT THE END OF YOUR ARMS

I often have people tuck their hands into their jacket or pants pockets. It feels safe and cozy. If you push your elbows out, just a bit, it gives shape to the waist too. No pockets? One hand on a hip and the other flat against your hip or thigh. Not everyone likes to pose with their arms crossed but if you like that stance, make sure to keep them loosely crossed, one hand visible on top of the opposing arm. You might have a ring or a watch that you'd like to show. Clasping your hands is another way to go. If I have something for you to lean on, I'll have you prop one elbow up and lace fingers together.

3. CHEESE

Not everyone wants to smile in a photo whether it's that they don't want to show their teeth or that the images are meant for something more subdued. A children's author might like a big, colourful headshot with a fair amount of silliness, while a crime fiction aims for a serious expression. We discuss the mood of the photos at the start of a session. Either way, I like to try for a variety of expressions so people have plenty of choices in their proof gallery.

So, if you want a relaxed but somewhat serious expression without looking grim, try this in a mirror. Relax your face into a resting expression, then smile with just your eyes. The bottom eyelid lifts a little and you might find the corners of your mouth curl up slightly. Without looking overly smiley, this tends to convey warmth in an image. 

You'd like a broader smile? Part your lips and touch the tip of your tongue to the roof of your mouth just behind your front teeth. Just see if you like it. 

What I don't want is a frozen smile that doesn't look genuine. Sometimes people bring a friend along for their photos. I have them stand near the camera and talk to them, eliciting a laugh or a shine to the eye that I might not get by directing a pose. 

4. KNOW YOUR ANGLES

I'll direct you to stand or sit with one shoulder further away from me.

It's pretty rare that I have someone square to a camera as it makes us look larger. Most of us don't want that. You might prefer one side of your face to the other, whether it's due to a hair part or a facial feature. Have a look in the mirror and see if that's the case. None of us are perfectly symmetrical so there are subtle things we can do so we see you at your best. I have one eye slightly smaller than the other so I can turn my face a smidge to put it closer to the camera to even them out. 

I'm not tall so I'll have you sit or (when available) I'll climb on top of something to get a variety of higher angles (I have yet to fall off, knock on wood). It puts your eyes closer to the camera and really, that's what we look for in a portrait; a person's eyes communicate so much. 

5. EYES

We need light for photos and for some of us who are more sensitive to bright days, that means squinting and blinking and sneezing.

I won't have you wearing sunglasses as people want to see eyes in a portrait. However, you can try closing your eyes in between shots to relax your face and simply open them when I say. I'll try to find a spot that's not overly bright but sometimes we are limited by the time of day and/or your schedule. 

If you're a blinker, no problem. I simply shoot a few frames per pose to ensure we have several in which your eyes are wide open.

Those are the basics. Photographers will help you with posing so you don't need to be overly concerned ahead of the session but sometimes it's nice to figure a few things out before the day.

Have any questions or comments? I'd love to hear from you.