How to pose your subjects 💃

There are quite some challenges when taking photos “Smiler-style”. One of the biggest is posing your subjects. During a traditional photoshoot, you have the time to follow your subjects, take tons of photos and capture them naturally. With Smiler, you have 1-5 minutes per session and 10-15 shots. On top, of those factors, your subjects didn’t start their day with a photoshoot on their agenda - so they can be a bit awkward at first.

Rest assured these challenges can be overcome! Use these tips to get awesome shots every time.

Chat it up

• Help your subjects relax by telling them the game plan, where you’ll have them stand & how long the shoot will take.
• Direct them on how to position their bodies.
• Tell them where to direct their gaze.
• Ask them questions, particularly ones that will loosen them up.

**Direct their gaze

​**You can avoid the oh-so-awful "deer in the headlights" photo by directing your subject's gaze. Have them look at the camera, behind your shoulder, down or two their side.

**Encourage movement

​**Direct your subjects to move around! That will help them loosen up. Have them dance, jump, walk toward the camera, or walk away from the camera.

**Encourage interaction

​**Have your subjects kiss, hold hands, look at each other, and laugh together. This will help you capture authentic moments between them.

**Get down on their level

​**When photographing kids crouch down and ask them to interact with their environment or a family member.

Make a shot list

With experience, you'll find which poses work best for single, couples, and family portraits. We recommend choosing 5 poses for each audience and using them every time. Like this shot list for

couples:

1. Couple looking at each other.
2. Couple kissing.
3. Couple walking towards the camera.
4. Couple walking away from the camera.
5. Couple dances together.

Updated on: 01/07/2025