5 Posing Tips for your next photo

Getting together for a group shot or portrait is so easy these days with the use of our smart phones. Many of these images are being posted on social media and shared with hundreds of people. Try a few of these posing tips the next time you are in front of the camera.

FEET: Avoid FLAT feet.  Turn a foot out, bend a knee, shift your weight to one foot or the other, or shift your weight back.  The position of your feet will provide a stable base for your body to support more flattering poses for the picture. Use this tip even if your feet are not in the picture.  

NECK & CHIN: Stick your chin OUT & DOWN. This does not need to be taken to the extreme, but some slight movements will help avoid the double chin and give the jaw more dimension.

ASYMMETRY: Use asymmetry to create more interest in your pose.  For example, bend one leg, while keeping the other straight. Have one hand in your hair or holding onto jacket, and the other lower and on your waist.  Shift your weight to the side or to the back. This can be done easily either standing in space or leaning against a sturdy object - wall, bench, tree, railing.

HANDS: Make sure you give your hands something to do - this could be holding onto the edge of a jacket, the trim of your skirt, running your fingers through your hair, putting your hands in your pockets, pushing up your sleeves. If you are standing next to someone, hold hands, hug, rest hand/arm on the chest or shoulder of the other person in the photo. 

CLOTHING: Find outfits that flatter your body type and highlight your assets! Oversized clothing can be comfortable, but it hides your body’s shape and can draw attention to unwanted areas.