Today, we’re going to roll back the curtain on a well-guarded secret in the world of headshot photography: posing.
Getting that perfect headshot isn’t just about having a great camera; it’s also about striking the perfect pose.
Ready? Let’s dive in!
The Art of Posing: Not Just for Supermodels
You might think posing is reserved for the supermodels and celebs.
Well, think again!
Posing is the magic wand that can turn anyone into a photogenic superstar. The best part? It’s not rocket science.
With a little guidance and practice, you can master the art of posing for your headshots.
Posing Basics 101: Start with Your Foundation
Before you bust out your best Blue Steel, let’s start with the basics.
The foundation of a great headshot pose is a strong and confident posture. Stand tall and imagine a string pulling you up from the crown of your head, almost as if you were a human-sized Christmas ornament.
Next, put a slight bend in your knees. Humans have a natural tendency to lock out their knees when standing at attention, but a gentle bend in the knee joint will prevent you from looking stiff while keeping your lower body’s circulation regular (no fainting spells here!).
These two simple tricks can instantly make you look more photogenic.
The Classic Head Tilt: A Crowd Pleaser
One of the timeless classics in headshot posing is the head tilt. It’s like the little black dress of posing – it works for almost everyone.
Gently tilt your head to one side or the other, as if you were guiding your left ear towards your left shoulder, and vice versa.
This position adds a touch of elegance to your shot and can even make your jawline appear more defined. (We love multitasking poses!)
Chin Forward, Not Up!
Contrary to what you might think, tilting your chin slightly forward is way more flattering than lifting it up. We know, we know: you’re probably thinking, “But won’t a downward tilt increase my chin folds?”
Surprisingly, no! Not to the camera, anyway.
Something most people don’t know is that, in the world of photography, whatever body part is closest to the camera lens appears larger (sometimes by a lot).
A subtle downward tilt of the chin avoids the dreaded double chin while accentuating key facial features you want to appear larger—primarily your eyes.
Try it right now – you’ll feel the difference instantly!
Show Your Best Side: The Power of Angles
Experiment with angles to find your best side. In a full-length mirror, turn your body slightly to the side and face the camera with your head. This simple trick slims the silhouette and adds dimension to your headshot.
Eyes Are the Windows to the Headshot Soul
Simply put, your eyes are the star of your headshot. For this reason, they need to convey confidence, warmth, and a touch of mystery.
To achieve this trifecta, focus on a point just above the photographer’s camera lens, take a deep breath, exhale, and smile while you think of something lighthearted. It’s a tiny tweak that makes a big difference!
Express Yourself: Smile or No Smile?
Should you smile or keep it serious?
The answer is both!
A warm, genuine smile radiates warmth and approachability, while a neutral expression adds an air of sophistication. For clients in the fields of social services, medicine, and people-facing industries like hospitality, a smile is always recommended.
If you’re a lawyer, judge, or C-suite executive, a more reserved expression might make more sense.
Ask yourself: what am I trying to convey through my photograph? Is it more important to look approachable and friendly, or authoritative and serious?
In the end, it’s all about matching the vibe to the purpose of your headshot.
A Step-by-Step Posing Guide
Now, let’s put theory into practice with a step-by-step guide for a stunning headshot pose.
Grab your camera or smartphone, and a friend to help if possible. You’re going to do great!
Step 1: Find Your Light
Great lighting is the foundation of any incredible headshot. Place yourself in front of a soft, diffused light source (a big window works wonders), and avoid harsh shadows on your face.
Trust us; it’s like an instant Instagram filter.
Step 2: Perfect That Posture
Stand tall and straight, shoulders back, and relaxed. Remember to imagine that invisible string guiding the crown of your head straight up!
Don’t clench your fists, and keep your jaw soft and relaxed.
Step 3: The Classic Head Tilt
Gently tilt your head to one side or the other to find your best angle.
Step 4: The Magic of the Eyes
Focus on a point just above the camera lens, breathe deep, and think of something happy. You’ve got this!
Step 5: To Smile or Not to Smile
Choose your expression: a warm, genuine smile, or a confident, neutral gaze.
Step 6: Connect with the Camera
Remember the connection isn’t just between you and the lens—it’s between you and your future clients, employers, and so much more! Experiment with several angles, and allow yourself to have fun.
Step 7: The Click Moment
Take a deep breath, exhale, and let your friend or remote shutter capture that picture-perfect shot. Click!
Review and Repeat
Take a look at the shots and adjust as needed. Remember: practice makes perfect, so don’t hesitate to try a variety of poses until you’re thrilled with the results!
In the End, It’s All About Confidence
Mastering the art of posing for headshots is all about confidence.
The best news? Even if you don’t have it, you can fake it!
Believe in yourself, own the moment, and let your personality shine through. In the world of photography, there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to posing. Embrace your preferences, and your desire to smile (or not!), and have fun with it.
Whether you’re booking a headshot for your professional portfolio, or social media avatars, or just to capture your radiant self, these posing tips will help you put your best face forward.
Now, go ahead, strike a pose, and let your inner superstar shine!