What Do I Do With My Hands in Photos?
Morning! Tonight, I’m pre-writing this post from the loveliest little room at the Biltmore Hotel in LA. My husband and I are here for the LA Book Fest and I am totally wiped from a day of setting up the cutest Opal and June booth (cannot wait to share photos!!), walking around LA, and visiting the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Y’all, I absolutely love art. And you know what else I absolutely love? Answering this question: “What do I do with my hands in photos?”
It’s the most common question I get so, today, I’m sharing three quick tips on what to do with your hands in photographs.
New here? Hey! My name’s Lissa Chandler and I’ve been a colorful portrait and wedding photographer based in Northwest Arkansas since 2011. Fluid posing – posing that’s movement based – is my absolute fave. What’s fluid posing? It’s a posing method based on movement and prompts instead of strict instructions. Shooting like this makes my images feel candid and personality-driven while also feeling elevated and fancy!
One: Hold Something
Don’t want to worry about what to do with your hands?
Hold on to something! At most of my shoots, I start by having my subjects hold something. This could be anything but, for senior and individual shoots, it’s usually a prop. For couples and families, it’s usually someone else’s hand. Being photographed is a really vulnerable experience. To beat that – and the self doubt about what to do with your hands – I fill them from the start!
Not into props and shooting solo?
Place your hand on a nearby wall or in your hair. If your hands are full, you won’t really even think about them.
Two: Think Delicate Thoughts
Think delicate thoughts? What does that even mean?
It’s simple! If you find yourself thinking of your hands at your photoshoot – whether it’s a selfie taken on your phone or a professional shoot with a photographer – holding your hands delicately really helps. Here’s what I mean! Have your fingers curl a little. Make your hands feel soft with soft hand holds and slightly arched fingers. If you’re posing alone, a great example is to pretend you’re holding something small like an acorn or pretend you’re cupping your hands to hide a small bouncy ball. I know that sounds a little silly but, honestly, it helps so much!
Three: Let Your Hands Move!
In every day life, we move our hands so much.
Think about it! Right now, I’m typing my fingers out. Our hands are almost always in use – they’re amazing! – and, even though they’re often the first place we feel awkward, sometimes just taking a deep breath and using your hands can make a good portrait absolutely stellar.
When I’m shooting, I have my subjects move their hands a lot. Here’s what I mean! If I have you touch a flower, I’m going to have you move your hand on the flower – not just hold it static. If you’re putting your hands in your hair, I’m going to have you move your hand through your hair, not just hold it without moving. Putting your hands in your pockets? I’m going to boss you about how they go into your pocket and will probably have you move your hands, your arms, or your entire body in this pose. Movement is so important in photography and this extends to hands!
And my super secret way to make hands look awesome? I talk so much that you’ll totally forget you’re being photographed. And as I’m chatting your ears off? I’m also checking – and double checking! – those hands! I’ve been double checking hands in photos for fifteen years. I’ve got you!
Want photos where you don’t have to worry about what to do with your hands? Book your shoot today!
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Based in Fayetteville, Arkansas Lissa Chandler is a portrait and wedding photographer who celebrates life one photograph at a time. Lissa is also the owner of Opal and June where she offers fun teacher shirts, bookish + history merch, and the absolute cutest tote bags. Additionally, Lissa is the host of the laid back, conversational podcasts Your Photographer Mom and Our Favorite Villes.
As a creative photographer in Northwest Arkansas, Lissa doesn’t niche down on a genre. She niches on a feeling instead! That feeling? The huge, happy feeling of hope and excitement that you feel as a kid opening up a huge box of 120 crayons. Sound like a feeling you remember? Let’s shoot!