One of the trickiest parts of a headshot session can be helping your client to relax, and to be themselves. The more they relax, though, the better the photographs will be. Over the years, I’ve developed a series of posing prompts that I use in almost all headshot sessions, and here they are:
Big breath out
If a client looks tense before we even get started with posing, I suggest they take a deep breath out. I tell them I want to hear it, it has to be a big one! Breathing deeply not only helps someone look more relaxed, but it physically reduces their stress. It often makes people laugh, which in itself helps with getting them more comfortable.
Roll shoulders
More often than not, if someone’s feeling tense then it’ll travel straight to their shoulders. Gripping shoulders tightly might make people feel protected, but it really shows in photos. Giving shoulders a bit of a roll releases this tension, and your client will automatically look a little more at ease in their photos.
Ballerina hands
If a client is feeling self-conscious, they’ll often hold their fingers and hands in a stiff position. I suggest they channel their inner ballerina: loose, soft hands. This often shows clients how tense they were, and the feeling of letting it go can help them to relax. And, you guessed it, it also makes them look much more comfortable in their headshots. This is worth bearing in mind even if hands aren’t in shot. Stiff hands affects posture overall, and loosening hands will soften their posture even for a close-up.
Just be there!
If clients are still feeling uncomfortable, I remind them that they just have to stand there and enjoy some time out of the rat race. I’m the one doing the work, they can relax! Often painting that picture of how much calmer a headshot session is compared to their day-to-day can lead to a more relaxed client.
No hanging limbs
I remind clients that if something bends, they should bend it; a bent arm or leg looks much more natural and chilled out than standing ram rod straight. Telling them not to have any hanging limbs can be a good reminder of this. Popping a hand into a pocket can be an easy option here.
An oldie but a goodie posing technique: telling clients to put their weight on their back foot helps to bend the client’s body a bit if they’re standing rigidly upright, and it also gently streamlines a silhouette.
“Do you like” game
I like surprising clients with silly questions. I tell them we’re going to play “Do you like” and then I ask them about whatever pops up into my head. Sometimes I choose things that start with the same letter. Do they like hedgehogs? Holidays? Honey? Often the answers lead into a chat around that topic, so it’s also an easy way to slide into small talk.
Forehead forward, or chin forward and down
I find most people stand with their head slightly back and into themselves, which can lead to extra chins even on a slim frame. To counter this, I suggest one of two things: either pushing their forehead forward in space towards me, or pushing their chin slightly forwards and then down. Some people find one much more comfortable than the other, it’s worth trying both. The effect can be remarkable as jaws instantly become more defined, and the face is moved away from the neckline.
Dream moments
To mix things up, I’ll suggest a client channels the feeling when they receive a booking confirmation from their ideal client. Or a meeting with a dream client that’s going really well. This often makes clients laugh, and can lead to a more relaxed set of headshots.
Reset face
If we’ve been shooting a similar angle for a while and I get see a client is getting tired or their expression is getting stale, I suggest they take a moment to reset: roll their cheeks around, open and shut their eyes, open and stretch their mouths. I act this out for them so they can see how much movement to go for. Often the moment when they refocus can be loaded with genuine warmth and freshness, so have the camera immediately after a reset.
Sometimes, no posing prompts
I make a point of sometimes putting the camera down for a minute and just chatting. This gives both me and my client a little break, but also reminds clients that I’m interested in them as a person and not just as a face to photograph.
By keeping some posing prompts up your sleeve, you can keep a session moving along as well as moving your client through a variety of expressions and moods. This goes a long way to creating a varied set of headshots, with plenty of choice for your client.
About Louise Downham
Louise Downham has been a full-time people photographer in London since 2010, specializing in contemporary headshots as well as family photography. With an MA in Photography and a background in managing a photography gallery, Louise is recognized as an authority in people photography. She has contributed her expertise to 20+ renowned publications including Practical Photography magazine, the Canon magazine, and Creative Photographer
Check out her website and follow her on Instagram (@louiserosephotography).
