Where to Place Hands on Photos: Beginner Tips

Feeling unsure about what to do with your hands when posing for photos? You're not alone! As a portrait photographer, I’ve seen this countless times, but the truth is, with just a few small adjustments, anyone can look natural and comfortable. Here are three easy hand poses to try, whether you're a man or woman. With a bit of practice, you'll feel more confident in front of the camera in no time.

1. The Pocket Relax (for Men & Women)

This is a classic and effortless way to place your hands for a relaxed look, without seeming stiff.

For Men:

Slide one or both hands into your front pockets with your thumbs left out. This helps create an air of ease while still keeping some structure to your pose.

Pro Tip: Keep your shoulders relaxed, your stance natural, and let your gaze follow the lines of your body. Let your hands rest in your pockets lightly to create a balanced, laid-back feel.

For Women:

Gently slip one hand into your front pocket, leaving your thumb out. If you're wearing a dress or skirt, lightly holding onto your garment can create the same relaxed vibe.

Pro Tip: Keep a slight bend in your elbows to maintain softness, and angle your body for a more flattering and dynamic pose.

2. The Subtle Touch (for Women mostly)

When you don’t know where to place your hands, subtly touching your face or hair can create a natural, feminine look without feeling staged.

Lightly touch your chin or the side of your face as if you're adjusting your hair or lost in thought

Pro Tip: Keep your fingers relaxed and soft, and playfully run them through your hair or brush something off your shoulder for a candid, effortless look.

Alternative for Men:

For men, lightly placing one hand near the chin or jaw in a "thinking" pose adds a touch of sophistication and thoughtfulness to the shot.

Pro Tip: Gently touch the side of your jaw with relaxed fingers, letting your expression follow naturally for a confident and composed vibe.

3. The Crossed Arms (for Men & Women)

Crossing your arms can sometimes feel rigid, but there's a way to do it that looks casual yet confident.

For Men:

Cross your arms at chest height, with one hand lightly gripping the opposite bicep. Keep your shoulders relaxed for a composed, strong look.

Pro Tip: Hold your arms at a natural level, let your fingers rest gently, and stand tall with strong posture to exude confidence.

For Women:

Cross your arms loosely with your hands gently touching your upper arms or wrist for a softer, inviting pose.

Pro Tip: Keep a slight bend in your elbows and let your body tilt slightly to create a dynamic, relaxed stance.

Closing Thoughts

Posing with your hands doesn’t have to be awkward! With these simple tips, you can feel more confident and look more natural in front of the camera. Remember, everyone is photogenic—it’s all about relaxing and having fun during the shoot. Practice these poses in front of a mirror, and next time you step in front of the lens, your hands will know exactly what to do!

If you'd love to see an advanced collection of hand poses, be sure to DM me on Instagram. Would love to hear what you think of this format! Thanks for taking the time to get in touch!