What To Do With Your Hands in Photos | Raleigh Family Photography
Nothing is more awkward than figuring out what to do with your hands in photos! Do you put your hands on your hips? Knees? Face? Hair? If you're lost, here are some easy tips on where to place your hands when you're being photographed.
Tip #1: Give a hug!
When you give someone a hug, your hands will naturally go around another person AND it doesn't look stiff or awkward. It's a win-win every time! When you hug someone, you are communicating affection and connection in your photo (and I'm ALL about that!).
Tip #2: Hand in pockets
Get a more casual and relaxed look by putting your hands in your pockets! Personally I think putting your hands in your pockets is such a fun way to give your photo a lifestyle feel to it. It adds personality and you'll look chic and modern!
Bonus Tip: I would also angle the body a bit so you're not facing straight-on at the camera. Unless you're a professional model, it's hard to get a flattering photo when you're facing straight-on! Angles create dimension, which adds depth and shape to your photo.
Extra Bonus Tip: Depending on how big your pockets are, you might find your pockets are too small to fit your whole hand. If that's the case, don't worry! Simply leave your thumbs on the outside and relax...and don't forget to rock it with confidence!
Tip #3: Hands OFF the belly...unless it's a maternity shoot.
This is another personal opinion of mine, but there's no reason to draw your eye to the belly unless you want to emphasize that you have a (real) baby bump! If you are pregnant, then having your hands on and around the belly is beautiful and meaningful. There is a tender and intimate feel to a photo when a mother and father puts their hands on the mother's belly. If you're not pregnant, however, please save the hands-on-belly photos for the real thing!
Tip #4: Hold hands
This is probably my favorite tip. I LOVE it when my clients are holding hands! Just like hugs, holding hands is symbolic and communicates connection for your visual narrative. I especially love using this tip with children because they are so active, and holding hands will help glue the family together (at least for a few seconds!). It is also an easy direction for kids to follow. I try and avoid complex instructions and try to keep things simple.