📷 Photography Tip — The hands problem (and how to solve it)
Nobody talks about this enough: hands are the most awkward part of being photographed.
The moment someone says “okay, smile!” — arms stiffen, hands dangle, and suddenly nobody knows what to do with themselves.
Here’s what actually works:
Give your hands a job. Hold something — a coffee cup, the kids’ hands, a bouquet. Touch your partner’s shoulder. Put a hand in a pocket. Hands with a purpose look natural instantly.
Interact with someone. When families are laughing together, nudging each other, or a parent is helping a child — hands take care of themselves.
Move between shots. I’ll often ask families to walk toward me, sit down together, or give the kids a spin. The movement shakes off the stiffness and the in-between moments are often the best frames.
The goal is always to get people out of their heads and into the moment. The camera follows — not the other way around.
Does posing in front of a camera make you freeze up? You’re definitely not alone!