04/25/2026
“Stand like you’re about to tackle someone.” 🏉
That’s literally how this session started — and look how it ended. ✨
Here’s the thing most photographers don’t talk about: your client has no idea how to pose. That’s not their job — it’s yours. When you walk into a shoot with zero direction, you get stiff shoulders, awkward hands, and a forced smile that screams “passport photo.”
The secret? Start with movement and energy, then pull it back.
Giving a ridiculous prompt like a rugby tackle instantly breaks tension, gets your client out of their head, and gives you raw, natural body language to work with. From there, you’re sculpting — adjusting the chin, softening the arms, shifting the weight. Small tweaks. Big difference.
Here’s the 3-step direction formula I use:
1️⃣ Give an energetic or silly prompt to loosen them up
2️⃣ Identify what’s working in their natural response
3️⃣ Refine from there — don’t start from scratch
Direction isn’t about making someone look like a model. It’s about making them feel comfortable enough to be themselves in front of your lens. When that happens, the camera does the rest.
Save this if you’re working on your client direction skills.
🔖 Drop a 💪 below if you’re going to try this prompt on your next shoot!
