What To Do With Your Hands in Photos: A Guide for the Delightfully Awkward

Most couples walk into their session convinced they are awkward and do not know what to do. You think your hands will dangle weirdly or suddenly become giant paddle boards. You think you need to pose or do something cute or magically transform into the couple you saw on Pinterest. If that sounds like you, take a breath. You are not alone, and there are easy ways to feel prepared.

Here is the truth.
Awkward hands are not the problem.
Frozen energy is the problem.

Hands only look strange when the rest of your body stops connecting. My job is to keep you moving, interacting, and focusing on each other so your hands feel like a natural extension of the moment instead of an obligation.

Hi, I am Brandon, your Nashville photographer. I work with real couples who feel shy, nervous, or convinced they are not photogenic, and I promise you this. You do not need model energy. You just need a little direction, a little movement, and permission to be yourselves. I take care of the rest.

Let’s break down exactly what to do with your hands in photos, what not to stress about, and how I guide you every step of the way.

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Rule One: Your Hands Belong On Your Partner, Not Hanging in Space

If your brain goes blank, put your hands on each other.
Not on your own body. Not clasped in front of you.
Each other.

And feel free to kiss if that is your thing. No photo is going to be ruined because you wanted to kiss. I once had a groom on his wedding day who made a rule that after every prompt he got to kiss his new wife. It was great. They were present, connected, and every photo felt real.

Real examples from sessions with my couples:

• slide your hand into their back pocket
• rest your palm on their chest for a calm moment
• hook a thumb in their belt loop
• wrap around their arm and give a tiny squeeze
• gently grab their jacket collar and pull them closer

Hands create connection. Connection photographs beautifully.
It is that simple.

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Rule Two: Movement Solves 95 Percent of Awkwardness

Stillness is where awkward lives.
Movement is where magic happens. If you have looked through my sessions you will see that almost every great moment comes from simple movement instead of stiff posing.

Here are the prompts I use that instantly give your hands a job and get your body relaxed:

• he puts his arm over her and does a playful drunk walk while she holds him up
• walk together and hip bump
• pretend you are kids again doing a three legged race
• pull them in and whisper your grocery list in your sexiest voice
• brush the hair out of their face and leave your hand there

Movement creates natural shapes and real reactions.
Your hands follow without you overthinking it.

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Rule Three: If You Do Not Know What To Do, Do One Small Thing With Intention

When people panic, they freeze or overpose. The fix is not acting natural. It is not pretending. It is one tiny action that brings you back into the moment. If you have ever wondered how I guide couples during a session, this is exactly what it looks like.

Here is how I guide my couples in real time:

Give Your Hands a Simple Job
Touch their arm. Hold their hand. Rest your hand on their hip.
One small anchor point is all you need.

Make a Micro Adjustment
Fix their sleeve. Smooth their jacket. Tuck their hair behind their ear.
Small motions look intentional and photograph well.

Do One Quick, Playful Move
Bump hips. Pull in closer. Lean your heads together until your foreheads touch.
It resets your whole body instantly.

One small move. One intentional action. That is all Rule Three is.

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Real Prompts I Use With My Couples

I keep things fun, real, and a little chaotic in the best way. These prompts get you moving and connecting so your hands always have something natural to do. If this is the kind of energy you want for your photos, you can always work with me and experience this style first hand.

“Walk toward me like he is a little unsteady and she has to hold him up.”
Instant laughter. Hands grab, arms wrap, and the tension disappears.

“Walk toward me and hip bump each other.”
You cannot do this without smiling. Your hands fall into place naturally.

“Lead her toward me and look back at her while you walk.”
Creates natural pull, eye contact, and great hand placement.

“Pick her up around the waist and spin.”
Fun, energetic, and always full of real reactions.

“Practice your first dance for a few seconds.”
Your hands automatically find familiar, comfortable spots.

“Go forehead to forehead and take a breath together.”
Soft, intimate, and grounding.

“Kiss her temple while she looks down.”
A quiet moment that always photographs beautifully.

“Pull her in for a kiss using your thumb under her chin.”
Small, intentional movement with a lot of connection.

“Play tag in slow motion.”
Yes, it looks silly. That is why it works. Hand placement becomes natural instantly.

“Wrap your arms around her and do not let her escape.”
A playful struggle that leads to real laughter and natural touch.

“Try to kiss her while telling her not to let it happen.”
The back-and-forth movement creates the best candid expressions.

“Give rapid-fire kisses all over her face and neck.”
Chaotic, sweet, and full of personality.

These prompts keep your hands busy, your bodies moving, and your energy connected. That is why they work so well for couples who feel awkward at first. The moment you start playing, you stop overthinking.

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What To Avoid (With Zero Judgment)

Avoid:

• dangling “T-Rex” hands
• fists
• hands clasped like you’re waiting for bad news
• tight pockets that lock your arms
• over-posing or trying to copy Pinterest

If you ever accidentally do any of these, I guide you out of it instantly. You will not walk around clueless.

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If you take anything from this guide, let it be this. You do not need to know what to do with your hands. You do not need to show up confident. You just have to show up.

I guide you through every step, give you clear direction, and make sure the entire session feels comfortable and fun. Your hands will figure themselves out. Your connection will take care of the rest.

When you are ready for photos that feel natural, playful, and true to you, I am here.