Hand placement can make or break a portrait. Whether I'm photographing men or women, the way hands are positioned can significantly influence the overall look and feel of the image. In this guide, I'll share my approach and techniques to help you understand how I pose hands naturally and elegantly.

Hands are expressive and can convey a range of emotions and messages. Poorly positioned hands can appear awkward and draw unwanted attention, detracting from the subject's face. Conversely, well-placed hands can enhance the portrait, adding a sense of ease and sophistication. For women, I encourage them to keep their fingers relaxed and slightly apart, creating a softer, more graceful appearance. I suggest gentle touches, such as lightly touching the face, neck, or other parts of the body, to add intimacy and elegance to the portrait. I often recommend natural resting positions like placing one hand on the hip or gently draping a hand over the shoulder to make the subject look more relaxed and comfortable. I find it's generally best to avoid showing the full palm to the camera, as it can appear large and distracting. Instead, I aim to show the side or back of the hand. Using props like flowers, hats, or scarves can give the hands something to do, making the pose feel more natural.