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Relaxed style portraits are a big deal — they’re not about stiff smiles or “doing a pose,” they’re about looking like yourself. The confident, calm, real version of you that people recognise straight away.
I’m Sarah Deane, a Newcastle award-winning photographer, and from my studio in Newcastle upon Tyne I work with people every week who tell me the same thing: “I’m not photogenic” or “I don’t know how to pose.” From business owners and creatives to women reclaiming their visibility later in life, I’ve seen first-hand how powerful a relaxed, natural portrait can be.
Below, I’ve answered the most common questions I’m asked about posing naturally for portraits — whether you’re booking a personal branding shoot, a confidence-boosting session, or simply want photographs that finally feel like you.
This is by far the most searched — and most asked — question. And the answer is refreshingly simple: you don’t need to know how to pose at all.
As a Newcastle award-winning photographer specialising in relaxed portraits, my approach is about guidance, not instruction. A relaxed portrait isn’t about holding a position — it’s about settling into yourself.
I use gentle prompts, small movements, and subtle adjustments rather than rigid posing. We’ll focus on posture that feels natural, breathing that softens the body, and expressions that come from conversation rather than performance. The strongest images usually happen in the moments between poses, when you forget about the camera.
Top tip: The more you try to “pose,” the less relaxed the photo will feel. Trust the process — that’s what I’m here for.
Hands don’t need to be “placed,” they need to feel at ease. That might mean resting them loosely in your lap, gently touching your hair, holding a jacket, or letting them move naturally as we talk.
Confidence in portraits doesn’t come from pretending — it comes from feeling comfortable and supported.
That’s why relaxed portrait photography works best in a calm, unrushed environment. In my Newcastle portrait studio, there’s no pressure to perform. We talk, we pause, we reset. Expression grows from connection, not commands.
Rather than asking you to “smile” or “look confident,” I’ll help you find expressions that feel true to you — warm, thoughtful, grounded, quietly strong. When you feel at ease, confidence shows up naturally on camera.
A relaxed portrait has a few defining qualities:
Wardrobe plays a big role here. Comfortable, well-fitting clothing in soft or neutral tones photographs beautifully and allows you to move more freely. As a Relaxed portrait photographer in Newcastle, I always help clients choose outfits that work both technically and emotionally on camera.
This is one of the most common reasons people find me — and why many choose to work with a photographer who specialises in relaxed, natural portraits.
If you’re camera-shy, self-conscious, or convinced you’ll hate every photo, you’re not alone. Most of my clients feel exactly the same before their session. The difference is in the experience.
There’s no rushing, no judgement, and no expectation to “get it right.” Just a supportive process designed to help you feel safe, seen, and genuinely yourself.
You don’t need to change who you are to be photographed well — you just need the right photographer.
