– By Photos by Mesh     

Mesh Bhakta

Available for bookings. 

Austin lifestyle, corporate, editorial, and commercial photographer taking new clients. Willing to shoot anywhere our creativity takes us. Find me behind my Canon 1DX Mark ii. Follow me on Instagram.

So, you’re not a “hand model.”

That doesn’t mean you can’t model with your hands.

Whether you’re planning the wedding photography for your big day, or shooting a secret product launch with a commercial photographer, there’s one prop you can’t avoid: your hands.

Now, that’s not to say you can’t pose your way out of showing your hands on camera — some projects even require it — but in most cases, your hands are just part of the shot. Even if you’re modeling a designer sneaker, how you pose with your hands matters.

Editorial photography is all about conveying a specific emotion, capturing the essence of a moment. If your hands are clenched or rigid, then that reads as stressed on camera. It competes with the focal point (usually a product or facial expression) and conveys the wrong emotion to an audience. While this is fine for an outtake, you generally want to make the most of your photoshoot. That means every detail counts.

So, let’s talk hands.

Frame Your Face

As an editorial photographer, I’ve taken a lot of close-up shots of local models in my Austin, TX studio. Besides excellent hair and makeup, I know that you can accentuate your face by framing it with your hands.

It may not feel the most natural at first. You might even end up with pictures that look weird and probably won’t land a spot in your modeling portfolio. (We’ve all been there.) But that doesn’t mean you can’t master the art of framing your face with enough practice. My advice: stand in front of your mirror and try out different positions until you feel comfortable with this technique.

The great thing about this technique is that you can end up trying out a bunch of positions. For instance, the local model in the shot above is delicately resting her fingers along her jawline. She’s also using her other hand to cover part of her shoulder and arm. This example draws the eye towards her lips, which is perfect for a lipstick ad campaign or other commercial photography.

Accentuate Your Hips

In general, a model wants to look relaxed in a photoshoot. The last thing you want to do is tense up because you’re pressing your arms against your sides tightly. Make some breathing room by accentuating your hips.

your shoulders down and your posture casual. Achieving a natural look this way might take some practice in front of a mirror. Especially if squishing your arms together is your go-to pose. Once you’re comfortable, have fun with this technique at your next editorial shoot.

Add a Prop

As an Austin commercial photographer, I’ve taken loads of shots with props. Using a prop is most common in commercial photography because there’s usually a product to model with. So, in a business sense, props are essential. But they can also be a playful way to model with your hands (and have fun with a photoshoot).

If you’re just starting out in your modeling career, then knowing how to use your hands might be a challenge. Like makeup and hair, your hands need to be primed for posing in a photoshoot. I can’t think of a more fun way to practice modeling with your hands than by using props.

Props can be just about anything that adds to the narrative of the shoot. So, if you’re modeling fitness-ware, then grab a dumbbell or adjust a tracking device on your wrist. Try holding an accessory or bag, or eating something small like a piece of chocolate during your next shoot.

Play With Your Hair

Hair and makeup artists are unsung heroes in the modeling world. Because I’m a professional photographer, I’m not advising that you ruin their hard work…but sometimes, you need to mess with your hair a little.

Fixing or playing with your hair in the shot makes for an easy and effortless new look. Just tucking your hair behind your ear is an opportunity for a brand new photo. It has a dual purpose really:

• You can retouch your hair during a long shoot and freshen up your overall look. 
• You can discover and try new, dynamic positions for your hands and arms.   

It’s what we in the photography biz would call a “win-win.”

Use Your Pockets

Putting your hands in pockets is so natural it’s a great pose for any picture. You don’t even have to practice with this one!

For your next shoot, just bring a few outfits that have pockets — like your favorite pair of jeans. My advice with jeans is don’t put your entire hand inside your pocket. That might make your arms and wrists appear stiff when you’re aiming to look casual and effortless. Try only tucking in your thumbs and relaxing the rest of your hand.

Cross One Arm

One thing any lifestyle or editorial photographer values is a good candid shot. But candid shots don’t always have to require movement. With this simple hand and arm placement, you can get that candid-feeling photo while still maintaining a single pose. 

Just cross your arm at a nearly 90-degree angle and tuck your other hand under your chin. Not only will you look more relaxed and natural, you can also embody movement. For example, this local model’s pose makes it appear as though she’s about to reach for the prop cigarette in her mouth. This type of dynamic shot can really tell a story in a single frame.

Check Your Nails

Every seasoned model knows that hands should be manicured, moisturized, and ready to be captured on camera. Let’s assume your nails are freshly coated and your hands are nice and smooth. Why am I asking you to check your nails in the middle of a shot? 

Simply put, it makes for a good pose.

And like all of my hand modeling techniques, this delicate placement is easy to practice. Just bring your fingers together — like you’re about to hold your hands or pick at your fingertips — and pause. Practice it in front of your mirror until it feels and looks natural. Then, pose for the perfect shot.

You don’t have to be a hand model to use your hands to your advantage. Try any of these techniques at your next shoot. Better yet, let’s work together and create something beautiful. 

Mesh Bhakta

Available for bookings.

Austin commercial, corporate, editorial, and lifestyle photographer taking new clients. Willing to shoot anywhere our creativity takes us. Find me behind my Canon 1DX Mark ii. Follow me on Instagram.