Three posing mistakes that prevent authentic expressions – and how to avoid them!
Let’s unpack it together in this photography tutorial.

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Three posing mistakes photographers make that prevent authentic expressions and how to avoid them.
Trying to learn how to take candid photos? You could be shooting yourself in the foot without even knowing it!
We sat down and took a look at the obstacles that can get in the way of authentic expressions. Here is a short list of the top mistakes photographers make that prevent authentic expressions, and how to avoid them! You’ll hopefully recognize a couple of these from our five ways to build rapport. We can’t stress enough just how important they are!
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Tired struggling with posing?
Download our free candid posing guide, and kiss cheesy posing goodbye!
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Lack of positive feedback
DON’T be silent. Our brains compute NO feedback as negative feedback in disguise.
DO go out of your way to (genuinely) praise your couples, compliment them, and focus on the good.
DON’T give negative feedback to your couples under any circumstance.
DO Reframe any changes as tweaks / adjustments. “UNREAL! Now lets try this”
Low self-confidence / lack of preparation
DON’T half commit, hesitate, or question yourself or your prompts during a shoot. This will be instantly dissolve trust between you and the couple.
DO commit to your ideas and believe in yourself! It sounds cheesy, but its essential. When you bring confidence, your couples will reflect that confidence.
DON’T read the posing prompts for the first time at the shoot.
DO go over them ahead of time, practice saying them out loud / in your own words.
DO check out the reference images + study the framing.
DO feel free to take photos of the prompts to have for quick reference on your camera during the shoot!
Inadequate Rapport
DON’T go to deep, too fast. Your couples will close off if they feel self conscious or awkward.
DO get to know your couple. Be real, be open, be encouraging.
DON’T try to force or fabricate moments or emotions.
DO be vulnerable. Share about yourself. Build connections.
BONUS – Instruction Based vs Outcome Based
DON’T micromanage or give overly specific instructions
DO communicate the outcome / big idea, then allow your couples to respond and initiate in whatever way is comfortable + natural for them.
Want FREE Candid Posing Prompts?
We’ve put together a list of our 8 from our full Candid Photo Guide with 42 Prompts.
Download it now here!
https://shop.signatureedits.com/candid-photo-guide-freebie
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Tired struggling with posing?
Download our free candid posing guide, and kiss cheesy posing goodbye!
[powerkit_button size=”lg” style=”primary” block=”false” title=”DOWNLOAD MY GUIDE!” url=”https://shop.signatureedits.com/candid-photo-guide-freebie” target=”_blank” nofollow=”true”]
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