How Do I Pose Someone Who Is Not a Model?

Most people freeze up the second a camera comes out. Totally normal. Your job isn’t to “make them model” — it’s to give them simple actions, comfortable positions, and small adjustments that flatter them without feeling fake. The best poses come from confidence, and confidence comes from clarity: tell them what to do with their hands, where to put their weight, and what to think about for their expression.

Start with comfort (before you start “posing”)

If your subject looks stiff, it’s usually not the pose — it’s nervous energy. Get them moving first. Have them walk a few steps, shake out their arms, roll their shoulders, take one deep breath, and reset. Then begin with easy “neutral” positions and build from there.

Use “actions” instead of poses

Non-models do best when they’re doing something. Give simple prompts that create natural posture and real expressions:

• “Walk slowly toward me and look past my shoulder.”
• “Turn your body slightly, then look back at me.”
• “Fix your sleeve / jacket / hair, then pause.”
• “Lean on this wall like you’re waiting for a friend.”
• “Hold this coffee / phone / strap with both hands for a second.”

Actions make hands and shoulders look natural, and they remove the awkward “What do I do?” moment.

The easiest full-body pose that works almost every time

Shift weight to the back leg. Then have them bend the front knee slightly. This creates shape, relaxes the stance, and stops that stiff “standing at attention” look.

• Feet: one slightly forward
• Hips: weight back
• Shoulders: relaxed, not squared straight to camera
• Chin: slightly forward and down (tiny move, big difference)

Fix awkward hands fast

Hands are where nervousness shows first. Give hands a job:

• Thumb in pocket (not the whole hand shoved in)
• Lightly hold a jacket lapel or strap
• Touch hair/ear/neck for one second, then relax
• Cross arms loosely (avoid squeezing biceps tight)
• Hold a simple prop: sunglasses, coffee, phone (keep it minimal)

Tip: If fingers look tense, tell them, “Loosen your hands like you’re holding a potato chip you don’t want to break.” Works weirdly well.

Make the face look natural (without fake smiles)

Instead of “Smile!”, try prompts that create a real expression:

• “Think of something that made you laugh this week.”
• “Give me a tiny smile — like you’re trying not to laugh.”
• “Breathe out slowly… now look at me.”
• “Look down, then up with your eyes first, then your head.”

Also: have them relax their mouth by gently parting lips or pressing tongue lightly behind teeth. It helps reduce tension.

Angles that flatter almost everyone

• Turn their body 30–45 degrees away from the camera (instant slimming + shape).
• Bring the face back to camera (the classic “body away, face back”).
• Camera slightly above eye level for a softer jawline (don’t go too high).
• Separate arms from torso (even a small gap prevents “wide” arms).

Use the environment to help them

Give them something to lean on, sit on, hold, or interact with. It lowers the pressure and makes the pose feel earned:

• Lean against a wall or railing
• Sit on steps, curb, bench (angle knees slightly, don’t flatten legs toward camera)
• Walk through light (especially golden hour)
• Frame them with a doorway or window

Micro-adjustments that instantly level up the photo

• Shoulders down (most people unknowingly hunch)
• Chin forward and slightly down (avoids “double chin” without looking forced)
• “Long neck” cue (stretch the crown of the head upward)
• Turn the hips slightly away from camera
• Hands soft, fingers separated slightly (no clenched fists)

Quick posing flow you can repeat every shoot

1. Get them moving (walk, shake out arms).
2. Place feet + weight shift (back leg loaded).
3. Set hands (give a simple action).
4. Adjust shoulders + chin (tiny changes).
5. Prompt expression (real reaction, not “say cheese”).
6. Shoot 5–10 frames while they hold the action.

Common mistakes (and how to fix them)

• Stiff posture: add movement or shift weight back.
• Hands look weird: give hands one simple job.
• Arms pressed to body: create a small gap.
• Chin pulled back: cue “chin forward, tiny down.”
• Fake smile: use a prompt, not a command.

Related VIEWBUG guides to level up your portraits

• How to Take Better Portrait Photos (Even If You’re Not a Pro)
• How Do I Avoid Blurry Phone Photos? Simple Fixes That Actually Work
• VIEWBUG Top 100 Photography Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)
• Top 100 Photography Trends for 2026: What’s Popular, What’s Next
• How Do I Take Sharp Photos on iPhone? Simple Fixes That Actually Work
• How to Take Better Portrait Photos (Even If You’re Not a Pro)

FAQ: Posing non-models

What do I say to someone who feels awkward posing?

Keep it simple and specific: give them one action (“walk slowly,” “adjust your jacket,” “lean here”) and reassure them you’ll guide every step. The fewer choices they have, the more relaxed they’ll look.

How do I make poses look natural?

Use movement and micro-actions instead of holding a pose. Shoot during transitions (the moment they reset, laugh, or look away) — that’s usually the most natural frame.

What’s the best beginner pose for couples or friends?

Have them stand close with bodies slightly angled, then give an action: “foreheads close,” “walk together,” or “whisper something funny.” It creates connection and fixes hands automatically.

How do I pose someone who hates their smile?

Avoid “big grin” prompts. Go for a small smile, a laugh, or a neutral confident expression. Ask them to exhale, then give a “tiny smile like you’re in on a joke.”

How many poses should I aim for in a quick session?

Three core setups is plenty: (1) standing with weight shift, (2) walking/movement, (3) leaning or sitting. Within each, change hands, chin, and gaze to get tons of variety fast.