Posing in front of camera can seem daunting as an actor or performer, especially if it's your first ever headshot shoot! Of course, any headshot photographer (like myself), will guide you through some simple posing techniques, but it's important to keep a few key principles in mind too. Your headshot is your first impression, your calling card in the performing arts industry. To ensure you stand out for all the right reasons, here are 7 essential headshot posing tips for your next shoot!
Find Your Angle
It's common that we have a 'best side', or a side we prefer to be facing the camera when having pictures taken. It's also common that we prefer how we look at certain angles, whilst other angles we really don't like. Some people's face shapes look more 'aesthetically pleasing' from certain angles given our differing facial features. It may be worth experimenting in the mirror, using the camera on your phone, or looking at previous pictures of yourself to find the angles you prefer and use these during your headshot shoot.
As an actor or performer though, it's important to capture a variety of angles and looks so that whoever is looking your images gets an accurate representation of what you actually look like. This might mean that some of the images you have taken you may not love, but are important to help build variety into your portfolio. You don't want to build a portfolio of images where you're posing in the exact same way. However, when easing into a headshot session it may be worth knowing which angles you prefer to enable you to build confidence throughout the shoot.
Express with Your Eyes
You've probably heard the phrase 'the eyes are the windows to your soul', this is very much the case in headshots! Connect with the viewer by looking directly into the camera. Try to avoid staring blankly; instead, convey emotion and depth through your eyes. Simple ques such as imagining things are a little blurry to bring about a slight squint can work really well. For others, imagining certain scenarios, thinking of jokes, or even just having a laugh with the photographer and smiling can do the trick! Using your eyebrows and smirking are other great options to play around with too!
Posture Matters
Maintain good posture to exude confidence and professionalism. Unless you're going for a certain look than requires you to flex at the spine, you can't go wrong with sitting/standing fairly upright and keeping your shoulders relaxed. A straight back not only looks better but also conveys strength and poise. A slight lean at the hips towards the camera often works well too bringing your head further into the frame and therefore emphasising this in your headshot. Take a look at Poppy below as an example.
Chin Positioning
Say goodbye to the risk of a double chin by elongating your neck and pushing your face forward slightly. Positioning your chin down can also accentuate your jawline and add definition to your face. This may feel a little funny and can look slightly strange from the side but from the front this will really help to shape things. You can see Poppy doing just this in the above image too. Your headshot photographer will guide you with this as pushing too far forwards can look unnatural, but keeping this in mind is really important.
Smile Naturally
Avoid forced smiles as these can appear insincere. Think of something you love, your favourite food, partner, pet, or family member. Having a laugh with your photographer is a great idea too (this is something I do within all my shoots to help produce natural smiles for all my clients). Remember tip number 2 and make sure that your smiles reach your eyes too!
Hands and Arms Placement
Nowadays it has become more common place for actors and performers headshots to incorporate the hands and arms to help portray more character. This is something I work on with all my clients towards the end of a shoot when they're feeling their most comfortable and confident. Of course any photographer will work on this with you but aim to avoid awkward or distracting hand/arm placements. Instead, think of how you would rest you head in your hands normaly, or where you'd usually itch or touch your face. Check out some examples from Lucy, Maya and Fen below.
Relax and Breathe
Lastly, remember to relax and breathe. Tension can translate into your images, so take a moment to chill before your shoot. It's part of a photographer's job to help you feel relaxed and at ease in front of camera. Even though it's worth remembering the above tips, your photographer will guide you throughout your session so don't worry about posing too much. Enjoying your session, staying relaxed and confident, will help to produce the best images.
Hit the 'more info' button below to book your shoot with me and I'll guide you through simple posing techniques throughout our session!
Jonny
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