Sometimes the perfect picture just happens, but when you are trying to get a decent shot, posing seems awkward and uncomfortable. Here are a few pointers to help you polish up your photography game.

Hands

Where your hands are in a photo can be the difference between ‘effortlessly beautiful’ and ‘awkward robot-dance.’ Give your hands something natural to do. They won’t all work for all poses but here are some ideas:

  • Playing with/adjusting lingerie, socks, long sleeves
  • Scrunched in the bedsheets 
  • Twirling/fixing your hair
  • Run your finger tips over your body
  • Hold a toy or prop
  • Holding your dress/skirt

Feet

Just like hands, feet can make an image feel awkward or clumsy. The single biggest tip I can give you is to point your toes like a ballerina. Having your foot flexed (the opposite of pointed) disrupts the line of your leg and doesn’t look as well-composed. If you are struggling with what to do with your legs and feet, here are some ideas:

  • A leg stepped up onto the edge of a bed, chair or bathtub (or someone’s back if you’re a domme)
  • Legs up out of a bathtub
  • One foot forward with a long, slitted skirt
  • One or both legs in the air while you’re on the bed
  • Crossed (but with your knees straighter than normal) in a chair or on a desk

Hips & Back

There are very few scenarios in which arching your back is a bad idea. Arching your back (a.k.a. sticking your butt out or tilting your hips/pelvis downward) helps create smooth lines from your head down to your hips and down your legs. It is particularly effective for adding shape and curve in positions like doggy or any photo angled from behind. For more front-on angles, pushing your hips to the side (usually accompanied by the ‘lower’ side foot taking a small step forward) can emphasise the shape of your figure.

There are plenty of detailed guides on posing for photos, including for boudoir/erotic photography specifically. You can also take inspiration from existing profiles. If I had to pick my top three tips to give adult industry advertisers, it would be these: keep your hands busy, toes pointed, and back arched.

Happy snapping!

Photo shoots don’t have to break the bank! While a professional shoot can be a great investment, it can be pricey especially if you are just starting out. Here are some tips for getting quality photos alone.

Equipment

Having a quality camera, tripod and lighting set-up would be ideal but they aren’t compulsory in order to achieve quality images! Any new-ish smartphone has a camera capable of good-quality images. Where possible opt for the back camera, they are better in quality and don’t distort images as much.

For a tripod, I have had success using chairs, windowsills, countertops, a carefully arranged tower of books and even holding my phone between my feet while I’m on my back! Solo photos are tricky but get creative if you are after a specific angle!

For lighting, sometimes natural lighting by a big window is perfect (but be considerate of the neighbour’s view). If you need other lighting, standard ceiling lights can work but lamps give you more control over brightness and position. Coloured lights like LED strips or lava lamps can create unique colour themes that might help make your photos stand out!

Timing

The next issue to tackle is how to take the photo when you are in position. Here are some solutions:

  • The inbuilt timer button (usually a choice of 5 or 10 second countdown)
  • Headphones (the ones with cords); you can click the volume button to take a photo
  • Commercial products designed exactly for this problem

But by far my favourite method is to set my phone to video, go pose and then come back to take screenshots of the video. It works like a champ!

Whether you are just getting started in the industry or looking to update your gallery, doing it solo is definitely possible! Give it a shot and see what works for you.

Happy snapping!