Common Posing Mistakes and How to Avoid Them During Your Headshot Session
Posing for headshots can feel intimidating, especially if you’re not used to being in front of the camera. Small mistakes in posture, expression, or body language can change the entire look of your photo, often resulting in a headshot that doesn’t reflect your best self. To help you feel confident and relaxed during your next session, here’s a guide to the most common posing mistakes and how to avoid them.
If you’re interested in scheduling a professional headshot session or have questions about our services, feel free to visit our Headshot Photography and Booking Page.
Stiff Posture
A common mistake many people make is standing or sitting too rigidly, creating a stiff, unnatural look. This can happen when clients feel nervous or unsure of how to pose. A rigid posture can make you appear tense or uncomfortable in your headshot.
How to Avoid It:
Relax your shoulders and arms. Let your shoulders drop naturally and keep a slight bend in your elbows.
Shift your weight slightly to one side to create a more relaxed stance.
Think about keeping your body loose and flexible, as if you’re having a casual conversation.
A relaxed posture creates a more natural and approachable look, which is key in any professional headshot. Want more tips on looking natural? Check out our How to Prepare for Your Headshot Session guide.
Improper Chin Positioning
Chin positioning is crucial in headshots. When clients feel uncertain, they may tilt their head too high or too low, resulting in a double chin or a distorted jawline. Proper chin positioning ensures a defined and flattering look.
How to Avoid It:
Keep your chin slightly forward and down, creating a subtle angle that enhances the jawline.
Practice in the mirror to see how different angles affect the appearance of your chin and jawline.
Remember, even a small adjustment in chin position can make a big difference.
For a visual guide to flattering angles, check out our Portfolio Page where you can see examples of different headshot styles.
Forced Smiles
Another common mistake is trying too hard to smile, which can result in a forced or unnatural expression. An overly exaggerated smile can sometimes come off as insincere or awkward, which isn’t ideal for a professional headshot.
How to Avoid It:
Think of a pleasant thought or moment that makes you genuinely happy before the photo is taken.
Try a gentle, relaxed smile rather than a big, forced grin. A soft, genuine smile is more approachable.
Practice different expressions in the mirror to see which one feels and looks the most natural.
Want to know more about creating the perfect expression for your headshots? Visit our Posing Tips for Professional Headshots page.
Awkward Hand Placement
Hand placement is often overlooked, but it can be the difference between a natural and an uncomfortable look. Uncertain hand placement, like “hover hands,” can create visual tension and draw attention away from your face.
How to Avoid It:
If standing, place your hands loosely by your sides or lightly touch one hand to your hip.
For seated poses, place your hands on your lap in a relaxed manner.
Keep your hands relaxed and avoid gripping or clenching them.
If you’re not sure what to do with your hands, don’t worry—our team will guide you through every step of the session to make sure you look comfortable and natural.
Poor Posture and Slouching
Good posture is essential for a headshot. Slouching can make you appear unprofessional, tired, or unconfident. Poor posture can also distort your body and affect how clothing fits in the photo.
How to Avoid It:
Keep your back straight and core engaged for a balanced, confident stance.
Imagine a string gently pulling you upward from the top of your head to help elongate your posture.
Avoid leaning too far forward or backward, which can create an unbalanced look.
Final Thoughts
Posing is an art, and it’s normal to feel unsure about how to do it right! At our Atlanta headshot studio, we specialize in guiding clients to look and feel their best, even if they’re new to posing for photos. By avoiding these common posing mistakes, you can walk into your headshot session feeling confident and ready to capture your best self.
Ready to book your session? Visit our Contact Us page to get started, or explore our Blog for more photography tips and inspiration.