Thursday was extra special in our house — my daughter Chloe turned 15!

To celebrate, we did what any photographer mom has to do … a birthday photo session!

We headed to the always-beautiful Rockway Gardens in Kitchener. While this session was all about her, I found myself moving through my go-to posing flow — the same approach I use with clients for personal branding sessions, headshots, and portraits.

Today, I’m sharing some of my favourite tried-and-true poses that help women feel comfortable, confident, and beautifully themselves in front of the camera, with Chloe as our stunning model.

Pose 1: The Soft Lean

A gentle lean forward with relaxed shoulders creates approachability and softens the overall look. It’s one of my favourite poses for women who might be feeling a little stiff in front of the camera.

The soft lean is perfect for a warm, inviting portrait. Chloe absolutely nailed it surrounded by the garden blooms.

Pose 2: The Power Stance

Standing tall with feet slightly apart, weight on one hip, and relaxed arms creates a subtle yet powerful pose that works for every body type — perfect for confidence-filled personal branding photos.

The power stance says “confident” without being stiff. It’s a great choice for branding portraits too.

Pose 3: Over-the-Shoulder Glance

A small turn away from the camera with the head back over the shoulder adds instant elegance. It’s also a great way to define the jawline.

Over-the-shoulder shots give just the right amount of drama and elegance, and they’re perfect for showcasing movement in the hair and outfit.

Pose 4: Playful Movement

Movement is magic in photography. Whether it’s walking, swaying, or playing with the hem of a dress, movement adds life and personality to the shot.

A playful spin or sway brings out genuine smiles and laughter. Chloe’s twirl in the sunflower garden at Rockway Gardens was perfection.

Pose 5: Casual Crossed Arms

Crossed arms don’t have to be closed-off. With a relaxed stance and a hint of a smile, this pose feels confident yet approachable.

Casual crossed arms instantly add presence to a portrait without feeling stiff.

Pose 6: The Hair Touch

Gently touching or adjusting the hair gives the hands a natural place to be and creates a soft, candid vibe.

Hair touch poses work beautifully for adding movement and a relaxed feel, especially in natural light.

Pose 7: Kneeling or Low Pose

Kneeling in front of flowers or greenery creates depth and layers in the image. It also feels grounded and approachable.

Getting lower in the frame helps pull focus to the face and creates beautiful composition with nature.

Pose 8: Against a Wall

Leaning against a textured wall or structure is both flattering and casual. It works for portraits of all ages and styles.

Walls and textured backdrops add interest without distracting from the subject. They also give an easy, relaxed feel.

Pose 9: Holding a Prop

A prop, like a bouquet, gives the hands something to do and can tell part of the story.

A bouquet in hand can add a touch of whimsy and tie into the location beautifully.

Pose 10: With the Dogs

Because sometimes the best pose is just sitting with your furry friends. 💛

Oliver and his best bud, Charlie made the perfect cameo for Chloe’s birthday shoot.

Whether it’s a 15th birthday or a personal branding shoot, these poses are my go-to starting points. From the soft lean to playful movement, they work across ages, outfits, and locations.

The secret isn’t just in the pose. It’s in creating a space where the person in front of the camera feels comfortable enough to let their personality shine through. And Chloe? She did just that. 💫

Happy Birthday, love. ❤️