Posing is something that can really make or break a photo session. It’s SO important to have a few tried and true poses up your sleeve to use at any time to be a sure fire way you look like a professional - even if you’re nervous because 9 times out of 10 your clients are much more nervous than you are and they’re SO worried about looking uncomfortable. Try these out on your next session + see what happens!!

1. Smile @ the camera

I always start with the traditional ‘smile + look @ the camera.’ There are a lot of variations of this + can make for several different photos. I start with their arms closest to each other around each other’s back then have them wrap their others arms around each other and lean their heads in close together. You can then have them turn to look at each other then follow that with a kiss on the forehead or lips. When they’re looking at each other it usually lends itself to some giggles and genuine smiles and that is exactly what you want.

2. Bear hug

Bear hug is the next on the list. I put the guy standing behind the girl and have him wrap his arms around her. I always have to say ‘no chocking’ here so he knows to put his arms loose around her- below her neck. I have them lean their heads close together. You can do a smiling at the camera shot here, then have him look down over her shoulder and transition that into him giving her what I call ‘machine gun’ kisses on the side of her head or face. That always lends itself to the genuine smiles. Machine gun kisses are exactly like they sound - a lot of kisses really fast.

3. Drunk Walk

This is what I call ‘your best imitation of a drunk walk.’ I have the fella put his arm around her shoulders and they walk toward me with their best drunk walk. Sometimes hip bumping, sometimes leaning on each other + they usually look at each other and laugh, occasionally kissing. It’s perfect.

4. Push + Spin

I ask them to hold hands and have him push her out and pull her back in or spin her around and wrap her up. There is usually laughter + kissing happening in the mix too. This can be done a lot of different ways providing a lot of variation so it’s a great pose to have in your tool box.

5. Sit + Squat

I ask her to sit on her butt and have the guy squat behind her with one leg behind her and one beside her. As you’ve probably noticed I start almost ever pose or photo series with a smile + look at the camera and move from there. You can have him do machine gun kisses on her forehead or lean in close and wrap his arms around her and have her hold his hands. There are a lot of opportunity here for up close shots. I love any chance I can take pictures of their hands touching.

My biggest piece of posing advice is to guide them all along the way but always be hyper aware of their body language. If they are lovey dovey - use that to your advantage and follow their lead. If they aren’t into that - don’t force them to do anything super mushy or over the top because you want them to love their pictures and for the photos to be a good representation of them and their relationship.

Happy photographing!!

I can’t wait to see the images you create.