Here's why folding your arms in photos sucks

Big fan of folding your arms in your portraits?

You’ll love this post then, lol

Want to know the easiest way to piss me off during a photo session? 

One, fake smiles - ugh, I die a little bit on the inside every time someone attempts to get away with that in front of my camera. 

As much as that bothers me, there’s another move that’s even worse. 

Folding your arms in front of the camera. 

Why is this a problem? I mean, doesn’t it make me look like a badass? Also what else am I supposed to do with my arms when I’m standing and looking directly into a camera?

Well, there are two main reasons why these photos fail to create deep connections with your audience.

First, let’s talk about the subconscious effects on the viewer.

Several years ago, I was working with a body language expert, and as we were working through the shot list of portraits for his session, he imparted some advice that’s stuck with me since that day. 

As I was instructing him to fold his arms and lean towards the camera, he stopped and went on to explain that in many cultures, arms folded is not a posture of power…

...it’s a posture of a defensive and closed-off person hiding something. 

When you fold your arms, it subconsciously triggers in the minds of the viewer that the subject is holding something back.

They’re not being truly open and honest.

As a business owner looking to develop relationships with those they serve, this is not the impression you want to make.

Ever.

Especially in your photos. 

I had never thought of it that way, but after several minutes of conversation, his words deeply resonated with me, and I haven’t photographed someone folding their arms in front of the camera since. 

I also view people folding arms in their photos now with a more critical eye. 

But the problem with folding arms isn’t just about the subconscious triggering effect it has on the viewer, the problem also has to do with the inherent motivation for why you want to do it in the first place. 

A couple months back, I conducted a branded lifestyle portrait session with a client who was adamant about folding her arms for a series of standing portraits. 

I put my camera down and had a lil’ chat with her about it. I asked why it was so important to capture these folded arm photos. She mentioned that this pose makes her feel confident and like a badass.

Ok, fair enough, I met her where she was. 

I agreed that being confident and a badass were qualities that she clearly possessed based on her personality and the work she does with her clients, so that needs to be exhibited in her image content portfolio.

But by folding her arms, she’s manufacturing these qualities, not letting them shine organically. 

I suggested that there are better ways to express these qualities without opting for the low hanging fruit way to achieve this sentiment.

I prompted her to look within and think about all the challenges that she’s overcome in her life and business over the years and sit in those memories and hard-learned lessons for a second.

And then, when she’s ready, look into the camera and own those experiences through her facial expression. 

I snapped a photo, showed her what it looked like, and she understood.

There’s no need to ever manufacture confidence in any way, shape or form. It’s never about the folded arms, it’s always about you. 

And that’s good enough for those you serve. 

What about you?

What are your feelings on folded arms in photos? Please share in the comment section below. 

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