Natural Poses for All Body Types
As a Senior Photographer in Northwest Arkansas, I knew starting out I would need to stand out from the very talented and well-established photographer crowd. I know that not everyone in Prairie Grove, Arkansas would feel comfortable stepping in front of a camera so I made it my mission to study natural poses that enhance and flatter all body styles. What I didn’t expect to discover is that my confidence as a photographer affected my clients more than I could have imagined. You see, most clients don’t realize it’s the photographer’s duty to direct the subject into poses that look naturally flattering and comfortable. It’s my job to ease your anxiety around photo sessions and if I’m anxious- how would that help you feel confident and poised?
We have all been in situations where we’re shoved in front of a camera and told to smile. Mind blank, we awkwardly place a hand on our hip, shift our weight to one side or lean back and cheese but it’s not until we see the photo that we realize that we have NO idea what we’re doing. The camera may add 20 pounds but that lean back just added a whole new chin! Please understand I speak to you as a awkward picture-taker. While the others around us just seem to have natural talent for looking good in front of a camera, I would bet MONEY that someone somewhere taught them some simple skills for posing at some point. While I’m not a master at portrait posing just yet, I can help you prepare for your next photo session with a few simple tips- and what you can expect if you have a portrait session coming up with Anna Okie Creative!
Let’s pretend you’re starting a session with me and you’re nervous because a solo portrait session feels so intimidating. I will try my best to help you understand the flow of the session. Our first few photos will be simple poses, standing up. I want a feel for your natural movement and body language without much direction at first, then we will develop a rhythm throughout our session. I will first teach you to, “play with your rings” or “hold the acorn” if you’re a female, and we’d do a simple lean on a tree or other structure if you’re a male. Basically, we will get the more formal, frame-for-Grandma photos done first because most of us are used to those.
From there we will gradually work our way into more creative poses and get those Pinterest-inspired photos you told me you want. Typically when we find a new spot or position we’ll do one photo looking at the camera, look away, smile, don’t smile to make the most of each pose. Usually we’ll start standing poses, move to some sitting poses depending on the outfit (read more about outfit styles and pose-ability here) and then laying down poses.
Another popular pose is the “Senior squat”, with many variations. We will find the pose that flatters your figure, I will direct you from facial expressions to hands to foot placement. We will carefully make sure you still look natural, casual and comfortable. My goal is to make you go… “Whoah that’s me!” Occasionally I may even let you peek at your photos in the camera to make sure you like what we’re doing so far and from there, my hope is that your confidence carries you through the rest of our session and your anxiety is gone.
I hope you understand that you don’t need to be a model to get great portraits and that just showing up with an open mind and your favorite outfit is all we need to create some magic together! So what are you waiting for? Let’s Use Our Imagination today!
Anna Cooper, Owner and Photographer Anna Okie Creative