“What do I do with my hands???”

When you're having your photo taken, it's natural to wonder what to do with your hands, and if you’re the photographer it’s important to know how to guide and direct your client to achieve a relaxed and natural pose so they don’t end up with the dreaded dead hands.

The easiest answer is GIVE THE HANDS SOMETHING TO DO! Find them an activity to keep them busy and you won’t run into the awkward, stiff “I don’t know what to do with my hands” poses.

• Incorporate Props: If there are props available or something relevant to the photo shoot, such as a cup of coffee, a book, a flower, or anything related to your interests or hobbies, you can hold or interact with them. This can give your hands something to do while adding depth and context to the photo.

• Use Your Hands for Gestures: Depending on the context and the mood you want to convey, you can incorporate hand gestures. These can include gently touching your face or hair, lightly resting your hand on your hip, putting them in pockets (a more masculine look is either just the thumb in or whole hand), or playfully interacting with your surroundings. Experiment with different gestures to find what feels comfortable and natural to you.

• Cross Your Arms: Crossing your arms can give a relaxed and confident look and looks great in a headshot. However, be mindful not to cross them too tightly, as it can appear defensive. Keep your arms slightly loose and comfortable to maintain a natural pose.

• Rest Them on Surfaces: If there are nearby surfaces like a table, ledge, or wall, you can rest your hands on them in a relaxed manner. This can add variety and create a visually interesting composition.

• Connect with a Loved One: If someone is with you, connect in some way. Give them a cuddle from behind or in front, hold hands, stroke your child’s hair or rub their back, rest your hand on your partner’s forearm, pick up and hold your child. These actions provide a sense of purpose and a gorgeous connection point between loved ones.

Just remember to keep the hands busy and you won’t have that panic of ‘What do I do with my hands?’ again!

I talk about this and a whole lot more in my two week workshop UNPOSED POSING at Click Photo School. The next run starts 10th July. Click HERE for more information and to book your seat!