David Burnett of Finding Fitness - Headshot of man smiling in front of weight rack
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My Top 5 Posing Tips for Professional Portraits

Has anyone told you recently how beautiful you are? I sure think so.

A huge part of my job as a photographer is guiding people through their photo sessions through my use of (un)posing. I like to call it this because when poses are natural movements, people look more relaxed and authentic. THAT is where the beauty lies.

Yes, clothing, makeup, hair…that all helps elevate your photos. All of that can be perfect, but the key ingredient is letting your inner you shine through. That is how a portrait comes to life.

MY 3 MAIN RULES FOR (UN)POSING DURING A branding Photography session (aka Modern Headshots)

  1. Keep moving ~ Movement allows people to relax and think less about the camera. The side benefit is hair looks more full and your clothing will have a more interesting flow. It also lightens your arms which projects more confidence when you take up more space.
  2. Keep your hands busy. ~ Hold a prop of some sort, such as a pen, a coffee mug, or your favorite book.
  3. You don’t always have to look at the camera, even for a branding portrait. ~ Sometimes a laugh at something off camera is all it takes!
Woman entrepreneur works at her laptop in a cafe
Man in blue suit leans on chair with wrists crossed and smiles at the viewer with the Chicago city visible out the window behind him.
Alex Goodfellow, director of Share Our Spare poses in the warehouse as volunteers work in the background

7 FAVORITE POSING PROMPTS TO USE IN Branding photography:

  1. Give me a fake laugh. ~ Often a fake laugh leads to a real laugh!
  2. Say hello back to me. ~ This creates a connection with me that goes beyond the camera.
  3. Cross your wrists and lean towards me. ~ This creates the illusion of someone really listening and in tune with the viewer…aka your potential clients.
  4. Walk towards me…and now walk backwards. ~ I’ll be moving forward and back right along with you!
  5. Lean on that wall/table there and visualize yourself in an amped up dream of where you are right now. ~ Your restaurant is now the celebrity hotspot and the go-to for hosting world leaders. You are the company’s new CEO. You are a mastermind for your trade. Whatever it is…let’s run with it.
  6. Sit on that counter, cross your ankles, and swing your feet out in front of you. ~ Easy enough, right?
  7. Itch behind your ear. ~ See what I’m doing there? It gives your hands something to do!

Yes! I’ve got loads more! When you subscribe to my newsletter (below) I share monthly tips for both (un)posing and for improving your own photography. 

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How Do You find the Right Branding Photographer for You?

Searching for a photographer can be overwhelming and confusing, especially in a city like Chicago, where so many talented photographers call home.

This guide is here to help you find the perfect photographer for your personal and business branding needs, ensuring you feel confident and empowered throughout the process. 

There is a lot of information here. However, I always prefer to err on the side of giving you too much information. Knowledge is power. Power will make you confident. And confidence is beautiful.