Mastering Camera Confidence with Tips from Yeboah and Suh

Stephanie Yeboah struggled to find representation of her body type in fashion magazines during her teenage years. This led her to avoid cameras. However, as she grew older, her confidence blossomed. Now, Yeboah is a model and the author of the book Fattily Ever After: A Black Fat Girl’s Guide to Living Life Unapologetically. She embraces the opportunity to create striking images. Yeboah seeks angles and poses that can feature on the cover of a high-profile magazine.

David Suh, a posing coach with a substantial following on TikTok, also supports the idea that being photogenic is a trainable skill. He emphasizes the importance of connecting with your body and utilizing body language to communicate. Suh and Yeboah share practical tips to help you become comfortable in front of the camera and capture impressive portraits. Try these suggestions the next time you are taking selfies or together with friends.

Step 1: Choose Your Photo Vibe

Consider how you want to appear in your photos. Look at various portraits expressing emotions like power, joy, and vulnerability. Then, select three feelings to embody during your photo session. Suh uses this approach with his clients to deepen their self-perception.

Step 2: Balance Your Poses

Posing successfully often requires balance. You must maintain your pose long enough to capture the photo. Suh suggests exercises to warm up:

• Stand at attention. Straighten your legs and lock your knees to center your balance.
• Act casual. Adjust your weight between your feet to find the most natural position.
• Loosen joints. Relax your shoulders and knees for a comfortable and genuine look.

Step 3: Experiment with Classic Poses

Explore these time-tested poses:

• The hand-on-hip pose: Cross your legs and place your hand at the top of your butt to open your chest.

• The magazine model pose: Contort your body for movement and visual interest.
• The power pose: Spread your legs wide to command the frame.
• The catch-me-in-action pose: Incorporate movement by crouching, jumping, or leaning.

Step 4: Play with Facial Expressions

Close-ups allow room for expressive facial angles. Suh recommends exploring various head tilts. Each angle expresses a different emotion. Yeboah suggests gazing downward at the camera for a cool demeanor.

For different vibes, try:

• Tilt up and look down for a composed look.
• Softly cup your face for a demure appearance.
• Close your eyes and grin to convey joy.

Instead of staring into the camera, focus on something nearby. This makes the photos appear natural.

If these tips feel awkward initially, Suh encourages viewing posing as a skill that improves with practice. Accept the unfamiliarity and be patient with yourself.

We would love to receive your photos that reflect these tips. Share them with us at [email protected] and tell us about your experience. Your photo might be featured on NPR.org or Life Kit’s newsletter. For more tips on various topics, subscribe to the Life Kit newsletter.