The “What Do I Do With My Hands?” Survival Guide (And Other Ways to Look Natural in Photos)

Will Tudor
Jun 13
3 min read

Two blonde women pose beside a white-and-red vintage car; one leans out the window, the other stands in a black dress and sunglasses.

It’s the absolute classic. I’ll be setting up my lighting, adjusting my camera settings, and the moment I look up at a client, it happens. They freeze, their arms go stiff, and they look at me with a mixture of panic and amusement before uttering the most common phrase in portrait photography:

“Right… what on earth do I do with my hands?”

If you’ve ever felt like your arms suddenly belong to someone else the moment a camera is pointed at you, please know you are not alone. It is completely normal. In everyday life, we don’t think twice about our hands because they’re busy doing things. But when you’re asked to just stand there and look natural, they can suddenly feel like two giant, awkward weights attached to your shoulders.

Here is the good news: It is not your job to just know how to pose. That’s my job. But if you’d like to feel a bit more prepared and confident before you step in front of my lens, here is your ultimate survival guide to mastering your hands and posture.

1. The Gentle Touch

One of the easiest ways to make your hands look natural is to give them a very light, specific task. The secret here is to keep your fingers soft, no tight grips!

Smiling silver-haired woman in a teal satin dress poses in a dim industrial setting; watermark text reads Thorn Valley Studios.

The Clothing Tweak: Lightly hold the lapel of your blazer, adjust the cuff of your shirt, or gently touch the edge of your jacket.
The Accessory Check: If you wear a watch, rings, or a necklace, lightly grazing or adjusting them gives your hands a natural, candid purpose.

Why it works: It creates a beautiful, soft bend in your elbow (which is instantly more flattering than a straight, stiff arm) and looks like a candid moment caught on film.

2. The Pocket Trick

Pockets are a portrait photographer’s best friend, but there is a right way and a wrong way to use them. The golden rule? Never bury your entire hand in your pocket, it can make you look like you have no hands at all!

Five men in dark clothes stand solemnly in an abandoned brick warehouse; WALL TV watermark at bottom right.

The Thumb Anchor: Slip just your thumb into your trouser or jacket pocket, letting the rest of your fingers rest naturally flat against your thigh.
The Four-Finger Slide: Alternatively, slide your four fingers into your pocket and leave your thumb hooked on the outside.

3. Grab a Prop (The Ultimate Cheat Code)

Smiling woman in a dark coat stands on a pebbled beach holding a closed umbrella, with waves and a misty shoreline behind her.

If you really don’t want to think about your hands at all, give them something to hold. This works incredibly well for lifestyle portraits, corporate branding sessions, or casual headshots.

Bring a stylish takeaway coffee cup or your favourite ceramic mug.
Hold a notebook or a tablet if we’re doing a professional shoot.
Gently hold the frames of your glasses if you wear them.

Holding an object automatically triggers your brain to relax because your hands are doing something familiar.

📐 Two Quick Bonus Posture Hacks

While your hands are sorted, don’t forget about the rest of your body! Here are two quick tricks we’ll use during your session to ensure you look relaxed and confident:

Red-haired woman poses on a bridge in fishnet lingerie and heels, framed by lamps and autumn trees.

Shift Your Weight

Standing flat-footed and facing the camera dead-on can make you look a bit like you’re posing for a passport photo. Instead, I’ll ask you to shift about 80% of your weight onto your back foot. This naturally relaxes your front leg, drops one hip slightly, and creates a much more comfortable, elegant silhouette.

The "Breathe and Drop"

When we’re nervous, our shoulders tend to creep up towards our ears like a turtle retreating into its shell. Before I press the shutter, I’ll often ask you to take a deep breath in, and as you exhale, completely drop your shoulders down and back. You’ll instantly look taller, more relaxed, and completely at ease.

Remember: I’ve Got You Covered

The most important thing to remember before your shoot is that you do not need to be a professional model.

My session style is entirely collaborative. I won't just leave you standing there guessing; I will guide you through every movement, every angle, and yes, every finger placement, from the first click to the last.

We’re going to have a laugh, keep things moving, and capture the absolute best, most authentic version of you.

Ready to book your session and put these tips into practice? Get in touch here to chat about your portrait goals!