Posing for photos in a lehenga can seem daunting, but with some simple tips you can look and feel amazing in your photos. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about posing in lehengas and how to get the perfect lehenga photos.
What are the best poses for lehenga photos?
Some flattering, classic poses for lehenga photos include:
- Hands on hips
- Holding the skirt out to the sides
- Clasped hands in front
- One hand on hip, other hand holding skirt
- Sitting side saddle
- Sitting with legs crossed
- Kneeling on one knee
- Leaning against something
- Looking over the shoulder
These poses elongate your body, emphasize the flare of the lehenga skirt, and create appealing lines. Try out different options and go with what feels most natural for your body type and style.
Standing vs sitting vs kneeling
A combination of standing, sitting, and kneeling positions is ideal to get variety. Standing full length shots showcase the lehenga fully. Sitting and kneeling poses put focus on the embroidery and details of the skirt. Mix it up for dimensional, interesting photos.
Portrait vs full body
Take some closer cropped portrait shots highlighting your hair, jewelry and makeup as well as full length images to display the lehenga’s patterns and embellishments. Play with foreground and background to find flattering perspectives.
How do I pose my hands and arms?
What you do with your hands impacts the feel of the photo. Here are some options:
- Hands on hips – exudes confidence
- Gently holding the skirt – elegant, demure
- Raised up arms – joyful, excited
- One hand on hip – casual, relaxed
- Clasped hands – sweet, romantic
- Touching your hair – flirty, feminine
- Arms outstretched – playful, happy
Avoid letting your arms hang straight at your sides, which can look unnatural. Bend your elbows slightly to create softness in the pose.
What to do with the lehenga skirt
Your hands can elegantly hold the lehenga skirt in poses that accentuate the flare and show off the patterns. Some ideas:
- Gently grasp some fabric in each hand at the sides
- Hold lightly with both hands at the front center
- For sitting, hold the lehenga out beside your legs
- Lift the skirt slightly at the front or sides
- Let the skirt fabric cascade over your hands
Posing your shoulders and head
Keep your shoulders down and relaxed. Lifting them can create tension. Gently turn your body away from the camera for a 3/4th angle. This is more slimming than facing the camera straight on.
As for your head, a slight tilt can look elegant and graceful. Face forward or angle your chin down slightly. Look towards the camera lens for direct eye contact in some shots.
What are some poses to avoid?
Some poses that are less than flattering for lehenga photos include:
- Folding arms tightly across chest
- Slouching or hunching over
- Sitting with legs wide apart
- Looking down at the ground
- Overly exaggerated poses
- Hands behind back
- Standing stiffly straight on
Avoid anything that feels unnatural or uncomfortable. This can create visible tension that takes away from your beauty and the gorgeousness of the lehenga.
What not to do with hands
Some hand positions to be cautious of include:
- Tightly closed side fists
- Crossed arms
- Hands inside pockets
- Thumbs hooked into skirt waist
- Only one hand on hip
These can disrupt the symmetry and elegance of the pose. Keep hands open, relaxed and strategically placed to frame your figure.
How can I highlight my lehenga details?
You want to show off your gorgeous lehenga in all its intricacy. Some tips for highlighting the outfit details include:
- Pose to display ornate back or front embroidery and motifs
- Angle your body to catch light on sparkling accents
- Lift or hold out the skirt to exhibit patterns
- Show waist and choli close ups
- Feature the skirt train flowing gracefully
- Capture embroidery and embellishments up close
- Play with light and shadows on the fabric
Posing to highlight the skirt
To display the beautiful skirt details:
- Sit with legs crossed or side saddle
- Kneel and lean back on your heels
- Stand with skirt gathered at sides in your hands
- Swirl the skirt dramatically
- Walk toward camera holding skirt out
Showcasing the choli
For gorgeous choli shots:
- Pose straight on with a direct gaze
- Angle your upper body slightly towards camera
- Lift your arms gracefully
- Add some close up portraits
- Bend one elbow bringing your hand near your face
How can I pose to look slimmer?
Certain poses are especially flattering for looking slimmer in a lehenga. Strategies include:
- Wear heels to lengthen legs
- Stand with weight on back foot, front foot slightly facing out
- Lean upper body away from camera
- Hold skirt fabric closer to hips
- Sit angled with legs together rather than straight on
- Keep elbows in at sides to avoid width through arms
- Elongate neck by tilting chin down slightly
| Slimming Pose | Why it Works |
|---|---|
| Standing with weight on back foot | Creates longer looking legs by emphasizing the front leg |
| Leaning slightly away | Trims fuller tummy and hip areas |
| Sitting at an angle | Avoiding straight on shots prevents widening of figure |
Choosing shoes
Heels visually lengthen legs for a slimmer effect. A 2 to 3 inch heel is ideal. Wedges and strappy styles help continue the elongation of legs.
Holding the skirt
Holding the skirt fabric closer at the hips rather than letting it billow out creates a slimmer silhouette. But don’t clutch fabric too tightly.
What camera angles work best?
Strategic camera angles can take your lehenga photos up a notch. Some flattering angles include:
- Shooting from slightly above eye level
- Getting down low and shooting upwards
- Focusing on the legs/torso – minimized head/arms in frame
- Standing at a distance for full length shots
- Coming in close for appealing portraits
Why shoot from above?
An elevated camera angle slims and elongates the body. This can hide figure flaws. Shooting downward also emphasizes the lehenga’s volume.
Why go low?
A low camera angle looking up lengthens the body for a striking, statuesque effect. It also shows off a lehenga’s embellishments and patterns.
Why not straight on?
Shooting straight on can widen and shorten your figure. Using angles creates more appealing dimension. Play with angles to find your most flattering look.
How can I prepare my pose beforehand?
To prepare your best pose ahead of the shoot:
- Practice in your lehenga at home to see what feels good
- Look at lehenga photos online for inspiration
- Pick 2-3 poses you like and visualize yourself doing them
- Explain your pose ideas to the photographer before shooting
- Consider wearing heels at home to rehearse if using them for shoot
Having a game plan will make you feel more confident in posing during the actual session. Decide what poses you want for standing, sitting and portrait shots.
Why practice beforehand?
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Confidence | You’ll feel more at ease posing if you’ve tried it out in advance |
| Refinement | You can improve and perfect positions when not under pressure |
| Flattering Angles | You’ll learn ahead of time what poses are most slimming for you |
Enlist others’ help
Have a trusted friend or family member take test photos of you in your lehenga. Ask them to guide adjustments to your posing to improve the shots.
How can I get a natural, relaxed pose?
Tips for looking natural and relaxed rather than stiff or posed include:
- Wear lehenga before shoot to get comfortable in it
- Loosen up with some dancing to fun music beforehand
- Don’t overthink – go with what feels right in the moment
- Follow photographer prompts and adjust as needed
- Imagine yourself at a fun event in the outfit having a good time
- Take some shots walking around or doing other activity
- Try some candid shots interacting with others if possible
Acting instead of posing
Imagine yourself in different scenarios like looking for someone in a crowd or twirling around on the dance floor. This helps capture natural expressions.
Letting go of tension
Shake out any nerves before shots. Release the tension with some shoulder rolls or take a few deep breaths. Feeling relaxed emanates beauty.
How can I personalize my pose?
Make your photos uniquely you with these personalization tips:
- Show off your dancing moves or quirky personality
- Feature any distinctive mannerisms or gestures you have
- Highlight tattoos, birthmarks, freckles or other body art
- Incorporate any religious pendants or symbols special to you
- Display your unique hairstyle – braids, curls, accessories
- Make expressions that reflect your vibe – pouty, smiley, smirky
Incorporate interests
Holding a related prop like a flower or book can depict your hobbies and style.
Play up your features
Show off your assets! Flaunt those gorgeous eyes with a dramatic eyeliner wing or highlight incredible cheekbones with your head angled.
How can I coordinate with others in photos?
If taking lehenga photos with a partner, bridal party or family, some tips for coordinating include:
- Color coordinate outfits
- Use similarly styled lehengas or ensembles
- Match poses with another subject
- Hold hands, link arms, embrace
- Create symmetrical or mirrored poses
- Interact playfully – laugh, touch foreheads, dance
- Take both serious and fun shots
Posing as a couple
As a couple, position yourselves close together. Gently grasp hands or touch each other’s waists. One partner can stand behind and wrap their arms around the other.
Group shots
For group photos, stagger heights and poses. Bend knees, sit, or elevate some individuals so everyone is visible. Move closer together for intimacy or farther apart to feature outfits.
What makes a good lehenga pose?
Some hallmarks of great lehenga posing include:
- Emphasizing the flare of the skirt
- Elongating the limbs and torso
- Thoughtful hand and arm positions
- Strategic placement to catch lighting
- Showcasing patterns and details
- Flattering angles for your figure
- Expressions that show personality
- Confidence and having fun!
Conclusion
Posing beautifully in a lehenga is achievable with some intentional positioning to flatter your figure. Highlight the outfit details while remaining relaxed and having fun! Experiment with different hand placements, sitting vs. standing, and moving vs. still poses. Most importantly, enjoy and celebrate your gorgeous lehenga and yourself in your photos.