CasualWarmNatural
Use the cup, table, window, and chair to give your hands and eye line a natural purpose.
Start with a prop
Use an unbranded cup and check that the drink is cool enough to handle safely.
Common mistakeRaising a branded cup near the face and staring straight into the lens.
FixHold the cup below the face, turn shoulders away, and look across the room.
Use natural light
Keep the wrist relaxed and avoid pressing the cheek into the hand.
Common mistakePressing the cheek into a tense fist while blocking the window light.
FixSit side-on with the elbow near the table and bring one relaxed hand near the chin.
Soft and direct
Use light contact so the hand does not change the shape of the face.
Common mistakeResting the full palm against the face and squashing the jawline.
FixUse light contact on the knuckles, lean forward slightly, and keep the opposite shoulder lower.
Break the seated pose
Photograph the smaller smile immediately after the laugh as well.
Common mistakeHolding a frozen smile facing the camera with both arms stiff at the sides.
FixTurn slightly away, react off-camera, and shoot the smaller smile after the laugh.
Give hands a job
Avoid readable prices, business details, or prominent branding.
Common mistakeHolding the menu at face height with readable prices and branding.
FixKeep the menu low enough to show the face and glance toward the window or server.
Quiet and observational
Leave visual space in the direction of the eye line.
Common mistakeRaising the cup to chest height and leaving no space in the look direction.
FixHold the cup near the table with both hands and turn the face toward the open side.
Clean and editorial
Keep the back long and the chin parallel to the floor.
Common mistakeSlouching forward with the near shoulder hidden and chin dropped.
FixTurn side-on with the far shoulder visible, back long, and chin parallel to the floor.
Come closer to camera
Keep elbows away from plates, drinks, and the table edge.
Common mistakeLeaning across plates and drinks with elbows crowding the table edge.
FixLean forward from the hips with one forearm clear of dishes and a small relaxed smile.
Simple and open
Relax the fingers and leave space between the arms and torso.
Common mistakeClenching fists and pinning elbows tight against the torso.
FixRest one hand over the other at the centre with relaxed fingers and open chest.
Show the full seated shape
Keep the feet within the frame and avoid blocking café walkways.
Common mistakeBlocking the café aisle with feet extended into the walkway.
FixSit at an angle with comfortable ankle or knee cross and keep feet within the frame.
Create a small story
Keep private notes and identifying information out of view.
Common mistakeAngling private notes toward the camera with identifying details visible.
FixUse a plain notebook angled toward the window and pause with the pen resting lightly.
Finish wide
Ask permission before photographing and keep aisles clear for staff and customers.
Common mistakePhotographing without permission and blocking staff or customer walkways.
FixAsk permission, sit diagonally with one arm on the chair back, and keep aisles clear.