How to pose if you have never been photographed

"I am not photogenic" — I hear it before half of my shoots. Spoiler: there are no unphotogenic people, only tension. Here is what works.

Movement instead of poses

A static pose is hard: the body stiffens. Movement is easy: walk, turn, fix your hair, sit down and stand up. I shoot in series and catch the in-between frames — they always beat "freeze and smile".

Hands

The biggest panic for beginners. Give your hands a task: a pocket, a collar, hair, jewelry, a coffee cup. A busy hand looks natural; a hanging one almost never does.

The gaze

Do not look into the camera all the time. Looking away, down, at your own hands — these frames are the most atmospheric. When I need eye contact, I will tell you — and give you something to think about so the eyes are not empty.

Music and breathing

We play your music at the shoot. Before a frame — exhale: shoulders drop and the face relaxes. The rest is my job: I guide you through the whole shoot, you do not need any special skills.