Let me tell you a secret:

No one shows up to a branding session saying, “I am amazing at posing.”

Almost every client starts with:

“I’m so awkward.”

“I don’t know what to do with my hands.”

“I’m not photogenic.”


And yet? They leave saying, “Wait… that’s me?! I had so much fun! Thank you for making that painless!”


You don’t need to know how to pose. You just need to know a few simple principles — and let your photographer guide you the rest of the way.


Here’s how to feel more confident and look natural in your branding photos.


1. Stop Thinking “Posing” — Start Thinking 

Movement

The stiff, awkward feeling usually comes from trying to hold a pose perfectly.

Instead of freezing, think:

  • walking
  • adjusting your jacket
  • tucking hair behind your ear
  • reaching for your laptop
  • laughing mid-sentence


Movement creates natural expressions, relaxed shoulders, your authentic energy.

Your best photos often happen between poses — when you’re transitioning, laughing, or listening. Which is why you will hear me say “one more!!” And then keep snapping for another 5 minutes straight.


2. Don’t Worry About Your Hands (Seriously)

Hands are the #1 stressor. Here’s the fix:

We are going to give them a job.

  • Hold your phone
  • Touch your necklace
  • Rest them in your pockets (thumbs out looks great)
  • Hold a coffee mug
  • Adjust your sleeve or watch
  • Lightly touch your hair

Hands look awkward when they’re just hanging there. When they’re doing something? Instantly natural.


3. Your Face Looks Best When You’re 

Doing, Not “Smiling”

The forced “camera smile” is what feels weird.

Instead, your photographer may ask you to:

  • talk about your business
  • laugh on purpose (it works!)
  • think about a client you love
  • exhale slowly
  • look away, then back

Real expressions come from real thoughts, not “say cheese.”


4. Angles Matter More Than Your Body Type

Feeling self-conscious? This is where your photographer’s skill comes in.

I hear it alllllllllllllllll the time…. “I want to wait until I lose some weight first”

Tiny adjustments make a huge difference, and I want you to feel empowered and not self conscious.

  • Turning your body slightly (not straight-on)
  • Shifting weight to one hip
  • Chin slightly forward and down
  • Shoulders relaxed, not raised

You don’t need to “lose weight” or “tone up.”

You need good angles, posture, and light — that’s the magic.


5. Do Something With Your Energy

Awkwardness usually isn’t about your body — it’s about nervous energy.

Try this during your session:

  • Take a deep breath before each shot
  • Shake out your hands and shoulders
  • Roll your neck gently
  • Smile with your eyes, not just your mouth

When your body relaxes, your photos instantly soften.


6. Wear Clothes You Can Move In

BIGGEST thing that can make you feel awkward. Restriction makes it harder for me to get variety.

If you feel restricted, it shows.

Choose outfits where you can:

  • sit comfortably
  • walk naturally
  • lift your arms
  • breathe easily

Confidence doesn’t come from “fancy.”

It comes from feeling like yourself.


7. You Don’t Have to Perform — You Just Have to Be

This is the biggest mindset shift.

Branding photos aren’t about looking like a model.

They’re about looking like a real, trustworthy human someone would want to work with.

Your job isn’t to be perfect.

Your job is to:

  • show personality
  • show warmth
  • show approachability

Your photographer’s job is to handle the rest.


8. The First 10 Minutes Are the “Awkward Warm-Up”

Totally normal.

You’re getting used to:

  • being seen
  • being directed
  • being in front of a camera

I love to incorporate music. I always ask my clients before our session what they like to listen to.

To me, music is therapy and can help me calm an anxious mind and feel more grounded.

Awkward dancing to loosen up…… always encouraged.

After a few minutes, your shoulders drop, your smile softens, and that’s when the magic starts.


The Truth?

The people who say “I’m awkward” are usually:

✨ expressive

✨ thoughtful

✨ genuine

And those qualities photograph beautifully.

You don’t need to know how to pose.

You just need to show up — the real you — and let the process work.


And I promise… you’ll be surprised at who you see in those final images.