Tampa Senior Photographer's Tips - Pose with Purpose

Today’s world is all about self-expression and our camera phones are leading the charge! As photographers in the beautiful Tampa Bay, Clearwater, St. Pete, and surrounding areas of Florida, we know firsthand there are many picture-worthy locations demanding the attention of our camera lens. Most of us snap a few (hundred) pictures of ourselves without any real thought to posing, doing the first thing that comes to mind. While we can all strike a pose for selfies, posing for a photographer can add a new level of excitement and complexity. Fanciful backdrops, various wardrobe changes, professional hair and makeup, and pose after flawless pose, all give way to a dynamic, personalized photoshoot and you’re in the spotlight! This day is all about you!

Dawn here, when I graduated high school, no one was doing personalized photo sessions. This was in the olden days of film. We had to wait quite some time before finding out if the photographer got a shot! I'm so glad things have changed and graduating seniors get the opportunity to be creative, expressive, and make their senior portraits their own. I speak with seniors and their parents often, and there is something so exhilarating about finding the perfect location, outfits, and theme. These portraits provide a glimpse of who you are or who you aspire to be, closing one chapter of your life and starting the next. We are here to offer our professional advice to ensure you have a picture-perfect senior portrait session!

Extra tips: Need more prep tips? Be sure to check out our post “Preparing for your Senior Portrait Session”.

Style: The key to confident photos.

Think back to when you were a little kid. At some point, you may have had to go to a relatives party or some sort of celebration and you were required to dress up. You were most likely dressed in an uncomfortable outfit you tugged and pulled the whole time. If you were able to wear something you preferred, you probably would have felt better and had a more memorable experience. This would have been reflected in those old family photos you look at from time to time.

The idea still rings true as an adult. In fact, we are what we wear. Psychologists suggest our outfits alter how we view and interact with society. What we wear influences our attitude and how others see us. Your photo session outfit choice can elevate your photos or hinder them, even at a stunning location.

When searching for the perfect outfit for your senior session, be true to yourself. Select well-fitting, comfortable clothes you feel great in when you are wearing them. Wear something reflective of your personality - this will give you more confidence. Your senior portraits are the perfect opportunity to make a statement about who you are. 

Extra tips: For additional styling suggestions, read our “What to Wear Guide”.

What’s your good side?

It may surprise you to know people don’t have a “good” side, we just happen to favor one side over the other. You can usually determine this by noticing where your hair parts naturally or which way you tilt your head when in deep conversation (something we all do). Photography is all about angles, lines, movement, and lighting.

When a friend is taking your picture, how often do you move your head or shift your body? Do you find yourself leaning forward or back? Are you facing the light or are you obscured by shadows? Often, these are movements we make without thinking. You don’t realize it, but you are working the angles. 

To help contribute to the success of your senior photo session, it’s a great idea to practice posing a week or two before your photoshoot.

Try this. Sit down in front of a mirror and take in all that wonderful uniqueness in front of you. Your face alone can set the stage for a variety of extraordinary headshots. Practice making faces. Be angry and sad. Think of something funny and laugh out loud. Notice the incredible range of emotion your face can show. And, of course, don’t forget to SMIZE! Smile with those big, bold eyes of yours! Are the eyes the window to the soul? They could be, and we’re ready to see your soul shine through at your senior portrait session!

You may feel a little silly, and that’s OK!. Relax and embrace the silliness! In addition to all those wonderful facial expressions, you can change the angles of your head. Tilt your head from side to side. Turn your face towards the light and away from it. Rest your hand on your face and play with your hair.

Next, stand up, put on your favorite song, and practice some of the following poses. Be sure you have some space around you and are near a wall: 

• Standing with one leg in front of the other

• Standing and shifting your weight from side to side

• Hands together in front

• Natural walking

• Crossing your arms

• Lean against a wall

• Turn your body, look back over your shoulder

• Lightly touching your face with one hand and then both

• Hands on your hips or in your pockets

• Hands above your head

Additionally, spend time figuring out your good angles and what makes you most comfortable. Practicing these exercises will help your photography session feel more natural. Keep in mind, you will be fully supported, engaging in your surroundings, incorporating any props you want featured, and, as your photographers, we will be there to make sure everything comes out beautifully.  

How the Pros Pose: Putting it all together

Posing is all about expressing your story through your senior portraits. The kind of story you want to tell is entirely up to you. Our number one tip? Pose with confidence. This may sound daunting, so here are a few things to consider to help convey your message.

• Use Your Hands - Working with our hands may be one of the most awkward feelings with taking a photo. We just never know what to do with them! One of the best tips we can offer for your senior session is to occupy your hands. This may look like hooking your thumb through your belt loop, placing your hands in your pockets, or playing with your hair. Your hands and arms can also act as a frame for your face and body. They help shift the focus in your photo. For example, placing your hands around your face will draw attention to your eyes, but be sure to keep those fingers loose and relaxed. Avoid making fists or spider fingers.

• Good Posture - Posture matters, especially in the world of photography. You never want to appear stiff or hunched over in your photos. Start with slightly bending or angling your legs and arms. Keeping both legs and arms straight creates a rigid and flat appearance. Standing or sitting with your back straight and shoulders back helps you exude confidence. Imagine you’re being held up by a string that runs through the top of your head. A confident pose makes an amazing portrait! 

• Add Movement - Movement captures genuine emotion! Twirl in that radiant dress, crash into the waves, show us your best slam dunk. Small movements work just as well. Take a walk, run your fingers through your hair, or just laugh - and no worries, we’ll keep you laughing during your session. If none of these options sound very appealing, no worries, we’ll help guide you and find something that is comfortable for you. Always remember to speak up during your photo session. We want to know how you feel and what works and doesn’t work for you. There are no silly questions, and we consider your input very valuable.

• Turtle - No, not the reptile! This is when you extend your neck and lean forward a bit (like a turtle), pushing your face towards the camera, adding a slight downward tilt of the nose. Only an inch or two will do the trick. This little maneuver elongates your neck, face, and slims out your jawline.

• Props - Do you have hobbies, extra-curricular activities, and/or favorite pets. Why not incorporate them in your senior pics? It’s a great way to occupy your hands! Your graduation photos help express the story of you, and what defines you more than the things you love? Musical instruments? Play it! High school sports? Show it! Family dog? Hug it! If you’re one of the lucky few, you may already know what you want to pursue in college. Take this opportunity to show the world a little of what they can expect from you in the years to come.

• Location - We LOVE shooting on location. I mean, who doesn’t? And while we’ll share our favorite Florida locations in the next blog, it’s important to mention location here also. Your senior photo session gives you the chance to be your authentic self. Finding the perfect location can help bring your vision to life. It could be as adventurous as exploring the art district in St. Petersburg, strolling through the ornate architectural beauty of the Ringling, or hanging out at a chic café in downtown Tampa. Looking for something low-key? Take a stroll through Philippe Park in Safety Harbor or just lounge on one of the many beaches of Clearwater. Whatever your dream photoshoot is, we will make it happen!
  
  

When In doubt…

Trust your photographer! Graduating high school is a momentous occasion. It is a significant milestone separating the child you were from the adult you are becoming. Our goal is to capture this moment in time. Photography is not “one size fits all”. Using our nearly 30 years of experience, we are here to listen to your ideas, make the experience a memorable one, and offer suggestions specific to you and your unique senior session. It's your time to shine! Here at Angela Clifton Photography, we ensure a fun and customized photoshoot experience with equally impressive photos to share and treasure for years to come.

Ready to schedule? Wonderful! We want to chat with you today! Let’s book your Senior Portrait Session Phone Consultation!

Additional questions? It never hurts to ask. Send us a message! You can also check out our Tampa Portrait Photographer Frequently Asked Questions guide.