Whether you’re striking a pose solo or having fun with friends, the key to great photos is confidence, angles, and light. At Le Saint Motel, every set is designed to make you look amazing, but knowing how to pose will take your shots to the next level.

Here are 10 pro-level posing and camera tips to help you make the most of your next visit:

1. Find Your Light
Walk around the set until you see the light hit your face evenly. Turn slowly - when your skin looks smooth and your eyes catch a sparkle, that’s your spot.

Pro tip: Stand facing the light source for soft, flattering light. Side lighting gives a dramatic, cinematic mood. Avoid light directly overhead or directly below (it creates weird shadows around the eyes).

2. Angle Your Body,  Try Not To Face the Camera Head-On
Turn your body about 45° away from the camera. Shift your weight to your back foot and pop one hip slightly. This creates shape and dimension.

Pro tip: Even a subtle twist in your shoulders or waist can make your photo look more natural and flattering.

3. Chin Forward, Not Up
Push your chin slightly toward the camera (not upward). It feels weird but trust us, it sharpens your jawline and makes flattering shadows under the chin.

4. Play With Levels
If you’re in a group, don’t all stand in a straight line. Sit, crouch, lean... vary your heights for dynamic composition. Try one person lying on the couch while another perches on the armrest etc...

Pro tip: Try having everyone look at different objects in the distance and only their eyes directed at the camera. It adds DRAMA and looks more like a magazine spread. 

5. The “Fake Candid” Formula
To fake a candid, look slightly past the camera instead of directly at it. Move your hands — fix your hair, laugh mid-turn, hold a prop; anything that gives the illusion of motion. It can be helpful to take several bursts while repeating an action (taking a step, laughing and turning, swinging arms, etc) See tip 10

Pro tip: Have a friend call your name mid-pose. That half-second reaction is often the best shot.

6. Find Your Best Side
Most people naturally prefer one side of their face. Take a few test shots on both, you’ll notice one side feels more “you.” Use that side when posing at an angle for portraits.

7. Create S-Curves
For a natural, flattering silhouette, shift your hips and shoulders in opposite directions. Let one knee bend, relax one arm, avoid stiff, symmetrical poses (unless that's your vision!)

Pro tip: Think of your body like it’s dancing slowly, fluid, not frozen.

8. Go Dramatic With Low Angles
Want to look powerful? Have your photographer crouch slightly below your eye level and shoot upward. This adds strength and cinematic energy. (This is also wonderful for rounding out the behind or making your legs look longer!)

Want to look slimmer? Have the camera slightly above you, angled down, it elongates your lines. Just to be clear - we're adding this because it's a question we're often asked, not because we think anyone looks better that way. You're beautiful as you are but we respect any modifications you prefer to feel more "you"

9. Use Props to Guide Your Hands
Don’t let your hands float awkwardly. Hold something, a phone, sunglasses, a pillow, or a prop from our sets. Rest your hand lightly on your face or waist if unsure. Sometimes just holding your hand at rest with a prop can add a dynamic twist.

Pro tip: Bent joints (wrists, elbows, knees) sometimes look better than locked ones, especially if you're trying to look relaxed.

10. Work With Motion
Spin, walk, toss your hair, or interact with the space. Motion creates authenticity and keeps your photos from feeling stiff.

Pro tip: Burst mode is your best friend — it captures dozens of shots in a few seconds, so you can pick the perfect frame later.

BONUS TIPS!!!!
Phone Settings!!

Even if you’re shooting on your phone, you can still get studio-quality results!

Turn on Grid Lines: Use the rule of thirds to keep your subject centered or intentionally offset.

Tap to Focus: Always tap the area you want sharp (usually the face).

Adjust Exposure: After tapping, drag your finger up or down to brighten or darken.

Use Portrait Mode: Ideal for close-ups with blurred backgrounds.

Avoid Phone Flash: Use natural or set lighting instead, the flash flattens your features.

Clean Your Lens: It sounds simple, but fingerprints cause haze and blur.

Use a Tripod, Remote or Timer: Keeps your framing consistent and lets you pose freely. We have bluetooth remotes in stock if you need them.

Each set in our studio has unique lighting and props: experiment, move, and don’t be afraid to laugh at yourself. The best photos usually happen when you’re having fun.

Book your next shoot at Le Saint Motel and put these tips to the test: Book Now