Episode 7: Why Posing Isn’t Everything: The Power of Connection in Photography

Episode 7 – Wine Down and Focus with Annette & Christina

In episode 7 of Wine Down and Focus, Annette and Christina pour a glass of French red and dive into a topic every photographer can relate to—posing versus connection. While posing is a vital part of capturing flattering images, connection is what brings them to life.

After sharing a delicious homemade eggplant lasagna and sipping on a 2022 Lou-Perlette Syrah and Mourvèdre blend (which may be Annette’s last attempt at pronouncing French wines on air), the duo breaks down what truly makes a portrait meaningful.

What We Talked About

✨ Posing Basics
We cover all the things that go into great posing: hand placement, body angles, and flattering positioning. We share tips for posing seniors, headshots, couples, and families—plus how to adapt when a pose just isn’t working.

✨ Why Connection Matters More
Connection is about trust, comfort, and authenticity. It's what allows real personality and emotion to shine through. We chat about how to build trust with your clients from the very first consultation to the moment they step in front of the lens.

✨ Prompts vs. Poses
Prompts like “fake laugh,” “look at your favorite person,” or “walk toward me like you’re on a date” spark genuine reactions. We discuss how to incorporate movement, laughter, and interaction to create images that feel real—not stiff or staged.

✨ Studio vs. Outdoor Vibes
Studio tends to lean more toward artistic, traditional posing while outdoor sessions often allow for more natural movement. We explore how to shift your mindset depending on the location and session type.

✨ Our Go-To Posing Tips
From the “almost kiss” and “forehead touch” to knowing which side to photograph your client from (hint: it’s usually the one with the slightly droopier eyelid—yep, we go there), we share our most-used poses and how we guide clients into them.

✨ Bonus: The Touchy Subject of… Touch
Whether it’s fixing a tie or tucking a hair strand away, we talk about when and how to ask for permission to adjust a client—especially during headshots or more reserved sessions.

This Week’s Challenge

Try using a new prompt that focuses on emotion—not just positioning.
Notice how it changes your client’s comfort level and the authenticity of their expressions. Then let us know how it goes!

Next Up
Next week we’re welcoming Tammy from Canada to the show (who may help with any tricky wine pronunciations). And after that? We’re bringing you an exciting episode recorded live from Shutterfest right here in our hometown of St. Louis!

Thanks for tuning in—and don’t forget to sip, smile, and stay focused. 🎙️🍷