Your senior portraits should reflect you—your style, your energy, and your personality at this unforgettable moment in your life. As your photographer, my goal is to make the experience feel relaxed, fun, and confidence-boosting from start to finish. Here are some of my go-to posing tips (and a few insider secrets!) to help you look and feel amazing in front of the camera.
1. Start with Relaxed, Natural Poses
We’re not aiming for stiff or overly posed here—natural is the goal.
▶ Angela’s Tip: I’ll guide you to shift your weight onto one leg, let your arms fall easily, or gently place your hands in your pockets. You’d be surprised how much these small changes bring out your natural look.
Confidence Boost: Picture someone who makes you smile. I’ll be snapping when that genuine expression shines through—it’s golden.
2. Perfect the “Soft Smile” and Natural Laugh
Forget the “say cheese” grin—we’re going for real emotion.
▶ Angela’s Tip: I might ask you to think of something funny or tell a joke just to capture that unplanned, natural laugh. You’ll forget the camera’s even there.
Confidence Boost: Your authentic smile is your best accessory. Trust it.
3. Use Angles to Your Advantage
A small shift in posture can completely change the vibe of a photo.
▶ Angela’s Tip: I’ll have you turn your body slightly, drop your shoulder, or tilt your chin just a bit—these little tricks help highlight your best features without feeling forced.
Confidence Boost: We'll take our time finding your best angles together—no rush, no pressure.
4. Hands Matter—Give Them Something to Do
The classic “what do I do with my hands?” moment—we’ve all been there.
▶ Angela’s Tip: I’ll show you how to lightly touch your face or hair, hold onto a jacket, or cross your arms in a relaxed way. Your hands won’t feel awkward, I promise.
Confidence Boost: Movement creates comfort. When you feel at ease, it shows.
5. Sit with Style
Standing poses are great, but sitting adds variety and a totally different energy.
▶ Angela’s Tip: Whether you're sitting on stairs, a bench, or the ground, I’ll guide you into a pose that feels laid-back and confident. You’ll look cool, not posed.
Confidence Boost: Sitting helps take the edge off—plus, it's a great chance to reset and catch your breath between shots.
6. Bring Props or Personal Items
Personal touches make your session more meaningful and more comfortable.
▶ Angela’s Tip: Bring your guitar, sports gear, favorite book, or anything that represents your story. It adds authenticity—and gives your hands something to do!
Confidence Boost: These are your photos. Don’t be afraid to bring what matters to you.
7. Focus on the Eyes
Your eyes say so much—let’s make them shine.
▶ Angela’s Tip: I’ll help guide your gaze so it feels intentional, not forced. Sometimes looking just past the camera or down slightly gives the photo a quiet strength.
Confidence Boost: Think of someone you care about. That connection shows in your eyes every time.
8. Don’t Be Afraid to Move
Still poses are great, but motion brings life into the photo.
▶ Angela’s Tip: We’ll get some shots of you walking, adjusting your jacket, or playing with your hair. Movement makes things feel more candid and real.
Confidence Boost: You’re allowed to move, laugh, and be yourself—no need to freeze up.
9. Get Comfortable with Me
Connection makes better photos.
▶ Angela’s Tip: I always take time to chat before we start. The more comfortable you feel with me behind the camera, the more confident you’ll look in front of it.
Confidence Boost: This is a collaboration, not a performance. We’re in it together.
10. Practice Positivity Before the Shoot
How you feel going into your shoot matters just as much as the poses.
▶ Angela’s Tip: Try this: The night before, jot down three things you love about yourself—maybe it’s your style, your laugh, or how far you’ve come. Bring that energy with you.
Confidence Boost: You don’t need to be perfect—you just need to be you. That’s who I want to photograph.
Final Thought:
As your photographer, I’ll be your biggest cheerleader behind the lens. I’ve got you every step of the way—from poses and angles to those candid, unscripted moments that tell your real story. Senior year only happens once, and your portraits should reflect exactly who you are right now: confident, unique, and 100% yearbook-ready.
Can’t wait to capture your glow,
—Angela
Parents of Decatur High School: Check out the JOSTEN’S YEARBOOK page. You can begin to design your senior’s ad. Let’s get that session booked so you’ll have some amazing photos to ad to it!
