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!