The Hand-Pose Hack You’re Missing for Stunning Selfies
Why my hands look bad on photos? 3 Tips how to fix it + Pose examples
One of the most common question I hear is, “Where to put my hands?”Hands are #1 struggle when it comes to posing. Nice poses can be ruined if one finger stitching out showing random stuff and basically telling “I’m stressed” - this is what stiff hands always means.
Hands shift the focus
Hands naturally show emotion and add character, so getting them right can help create a relaxed, natural and effortless pose.
Posing hands is not complicated, it’s quite simple and here is were to start.
Hands shift the focus: when they placed near the face, the focus shifts there. If they rest on the stomach, that becomes the focal point. Hand placement can also convey meaning. For example, hands around a belly can make the viewer think she is pregnant.
Show comfort or stress: hands are huge signals that indicate either our comfort or stress. Gentle relaxation in the hands, especially in the wrist part, makes them look more elegant and soft. Tensing them can show stress and discomfort.
Mistakes to avoid
Nothing is a mistake and each hand pose could be intentioned. But here some things I avoid in my photoshoots:
“the claw” - overly tense hands
“the cut off hand” - hands tucked away too awkwardly
“extra fingers” - when two palms close together it can create illusion of extra fingers
How to FIX “stressed” hands
My photoshoot is about soft and gentle and this is why I like relaxed hands. There is a quick and easy trick to instantly relax the hands: simply shake your palms and place them again for more natural look.
Second fix is to use props: holding something, like a coffee cup, a flowers, a magazine, or adjusting sunglasses, can help hands look natural. Just don’t forget to keep your hands soft while holding something.
The last trick is don’t press to hard. When the hands are under the chin or cheek, touching the neck, or shoulders, don’t press too hard, because it will look like the model is super tired or bored. I like light touches. I describe it to my models as “touching, but not touching”.
Check out my latest video about hand pose:
Pose Examples
The gentle chin rest - keep your hand soft and don’t press, just slightly touch chin.
The gentle hair touch - classic move, whether you're running fingers through the hair or casually tucking it behind the ear, this action brings attention to the face and creates a soft, intimate mood.
Hand in the pocket + hair touch - this is one of the easiest, most relaxed hand placements. It gives off a casual, effortless vibe, perfect for when you want to feel and look comfortable.
Self hug pose - wrapping the arms around body creates a protective, cozy feeling. It’s a great pose for showing comfort, self-love, or vulnerability. I also really like leaning on something with my shoulder, like a chair or a wall, to shift the weight onto one leg and create more fluidity in the pose.
Leaning on something - gives off a confident, grounded feel. This pose is dynamically interesting and builds inner confidence, allowing you to take up more space with your body.
Take a few minutes to try these poses in front of the mirror or on your camera, and see which one brings out your best, relaxed vibe! Let me know in the comments which pose you like the most and share your thoughts!
Mastering hand poses may seem small, but it can completely transform the vibe of your photos! Hands have a powerful way of guiding focus and telling a story without words. With just a gentle curve or a light touch, you can express comfort, confidence, and authenticity in a single photo.
Remember, posing is as much about mindset as it is about technique. If you’ve ever felt that you’re not photogenic, you’re not alone - sometimes, it’s our own minds holding us back. Here’s why our brain sabotages us into thinking we’re not photogenic. But with each pose and every practice, you’ll discover a version of you that feels real, relaxed, and radiant.
Thanks for reading, and don’t forget to subscribe for more tips and inspiration as you create your best self on and off the camera!