How to Pose “Awkward” People and Help Them Shine On Camera

You know the moment—you lift your camera, and your client instantly says, “I’m super awkward in photos.”

Sound familiar?

Whether it's a senior guy, a mom at a mini session, or a couple who swears they’re “not photogenic,” these clients just need the right direction and encouragement. With a little education and a few pose hacks in your pocket, you can turn nervous energy into natural confidence.

Let’s dive into how to pose “awkward” people in a way that feels easy, genuine, and even… fun.


1. Start with Connection, Not Composition

Before you even lift your camera, talk to them. Joke a little. Ask about their day. Remind them that your job is to guide them—they don’t need to know what to do.

✨ Say this:

“Most of my favorite photos come from just moving and laughing together. I’ll walk you through everything—there’s no pressure to ‘know how to pose.’”

2. Use Movement-Based Prompts

Stillness makes people feel stiff and awkward. Give them something to do, even if it’s tiny.

💡 Try these prompts:

  • “Walk toward me slowly like you’re going to tell me something funny.”
  • “Look at each other and bump shoulders like you're being goofy.”
  • “Take a deep breath in and let it out like you’re releasing all the nerves.”
  • “Pretend I just told the worst joke. Give me your best fake laugh.”

Movement creates authentic emotion, not just a stiff smile.


3. Give Hands a Job

One of the first signs of someone feeling awkward is the “What do I do with my hands?” panic.

👋🏼 Hand ideas:

  • Have them hold a prop (hat, coffee cup, jacket)
  • Put one hand in a pocket (thumb-only works well!)
  • For couples, “grab their arm and lean in a little like you’re whispering something.”
  • Touch their hair, their face, or the edge of their collar

📸 Tip: If they’re standing still, hands on hips can feel too posed. Instead, opt for a soft cross-arm position or one hand loosely holding the other wrist in front.


4. Give Specific Praise, Not Vague Feedback

Saying “You look great!” doesn’t help people feel less awkward. They don’t believe it (yet).

💬 Try this instead:

  • “That little smirk just now? Perfect.”
  • “The way you tilted your head like that—yes, that’s the one!”
  • “You don’t even know how cool you look in this light. Just trust me.”

Encouragement that’s specific helps them relax and start to believe what you’re seeing through your lens.


5. Use Sit-Down and Leaning Poses for Comfort

If standing feels stiff, try sitting or leaning. It grounds their body and helps them relax.

🪑 Poses to try:

  • Sit on a low bench with one leg up slightly higher—elbow resting on knee
  • Lean against a wall, cross one foot in front of the other
  • For couples: One person sits, the other stands and wraps arms from behind

Seated poses often lead to natural postures and soft expressions—a great win for “awkward” clients.


6. Show the Back of Camera (Strategically)

After you get one or two strong shots, show them a quick preview. Just one. Let them see what you’re seeing.

📱 Bonus: If they say, “Wait, that’s actually good…”—you’ve won their trust.


7. Normalize Awkwardness as a Superpower

Let them know: everyone feels a little awkward at first. It’s not just them—and the goal isn’t perfection. It’s personality.

You can say:

“Awkward usually just means you’re thoughtful or self-aware—and that always makes for good, real photos.”

Final Thoughts:

The best photos happen not because your clients are models, but because you guided them with confidence and care.

Awkward clients? They’re just waiting for someone to believe in their beauty and uniqueness. That someone is you.