If there’s one question almost every client asks during a session, it’s this: “What do I do with my hands?”


Totally normal. The second a camera appears; your hands suddenly forget their purpose and feel… weird. The good news? With a few simple posing tricks, your hands can actually take your photos from stiff to natural, flattering, and full of life. Let’s break down the why behind hand placement, plus all the easy dos and don’ts that make your photos feel effortless.


Why Hand Placement Matters

Your hands help tell the story of the photo. They add emotion, connection, and movement. When hands are just hanging straight down at your sides, it can look stiff, elongated, and disconnected from the rest of your pose. The goal is simple: give your hands a job. When they’re engaged, your whole body relaxes


What Not to Do with Your Hands

Let’s get the “nope” list out of the way first:

  • Don’t just let them dangle at your sides. It always reads awkward, lanky, and unintentional.
  • Don’t ball them into fists. Unless you’re preparing for a boxing match… we can soften them.
  • Don’t press them flat against your body. It can distort clothing and creates tension you don’t even notice.
  • Don’t overthink it. Hands should feel natural, if you’re too stiff, it’ll show.


Hand Placement Do’s That Make Photos Look Effortless

Here are some go-to ideas I guide clients through during every type of session:

For Individuals

  • Hook a thumb in a pocket (jeans, dress, jacket — totally works)
  • Lightly hold your opposite arm for a soft, flattering shape
  • Run your fingers through your hair or tuck a strand behind your ear
  • Hold the hem of your dress or skirt to create movement
  • Gently rest your hand on your neck or collarbone for a feminine, relaxed feel


For Couples

Couples' sessions are ALL about connection, and hands help tell that love story.

  • Adjust your partner’s hair or collar — it creates authentic interaction
  • Cup their jawline during a kiss for a cinematic, intimate moment
  • Hold onto their arm instead of just their hand — more emotion, more closeness
  • Wrap your arms around their waist or arm for warmth and security
  • Rest your hand on their chest when cuddling in close


For Family Sessions

Family photos thrive on movement, interaction, and warmth.

  • Help your child brush their hair out of their eyes
  • Place a gentle hand on your child’s back or shoulder
  • Hold hands while walking or spinning to capture natural motion
  • Use hands to guide, not pose, your little ones for those genuine candid moments
  • Pick up a hem, adjust a bow, or straighten a shirt — tiny tasks that look natural


For Maternity Sessions

Hands have a special role here — they tell the story of anticipation and love.

  • Cradle the belly with both hands for a classic, timeless look
  • Place one hand high and one low on the belly to create elegant lines
  • Have your partner place their hand over yours
  • Hold onto your dress for movement — especially at sunset
  • Use your hands to guide the bump forward slightly to emphasize shape


Simple Rule to Remember: Give Your Hands a Purpose

If your hands have something small and intentional to do, your entire posture improves — you look more relaxed, more confident, and more you. During your session, I guide you through all of this, so you never have to guess. You just show up, breathe, and enjoy the moment — I’ll take care of the rest.