Woman Calls Out “Millennial Poses” That People Need To Stop Doing For Photos
Have you ever stood in front of the camera ready to pose but had no idea what to do with your body? If you’re a fellow millennial, a few go-to moves may immediately pop into your mind: the hand on hip, the peace sign, or (heaven forbid!) the duck lips. But we all know how that usually looks, right?
If you think looking good in photos is an art form in itself, don’t worry — many of us have been there. Thankfully, being photogenic is not an innate talent but rather a skill that can be elevated through practice. And Christine Buzan, a TikTok creator and posing coach who shares tips for all backgrounds, shapes, and sizes, is here to up our photo game in a flash. In her recent video series that has gone viral, she calls out common mistakes millennials make while trying to capture the perfect photo.
Below, you’ll find some illuminating tips and tricks and alternative poses she shared with her 771,000 followers eagerly waiting to try them for their next posts. So continue scrolling to read her insights and let us know what you think of them in the comments!
Christine Buzan, a posing expert and coach with over a decade of experience, recently went viral on TikTok for calling out outdated poses millennials do in front of the camera
Image credits: thechristinebuzan
As Christine explains in one of her TikToks, “What most people don’t realize is that just like different fashion trends — for instance, skinny jeans and side parts — come in and out of style, posing for pictures is the exact same way.” Well, boasting over a decade of experience in fashion, she knows what she’s talking about.
Christine started her career as a fashion assistant in New York in 2011. From founding a successful blog to covering fashion week in New York to appearing on the cover of Redbook, she has navigated all the twists and turns throughout her years in the field. Then, Christine found a passion for posing and spent four years familiarizing herself with the topic. “I purchased every book, took every course available, and ended up breaking down this knowledge into a methodology that was actionable and simple for people to learn. That methodology became my first course, Posed Perfect, which launched in 2020,” she told BuzzFeed.
In her video series, she lists three common mistakes fellow millennials make
Image credits: lookgoodinphotos
The first one is taking photos from a super-high camera angle
Image credits: lookgoodinphotos
Next in line is the notorious teapot pose
Image credits: lookgoodinphotos
Christine couldn’t believe she even needed to say this — but duck lips need to go
Image credits: lookgoodinphotos
A bonus mistake Christine pointed out was using filters inappropriately
Image credits: lookgoodinphotos
You can watch the full video right below
@lookgoodinphotos Here are 3 posing mistakes millennials need to stop making. Let me know if you do any of them! #posingtips #millennialsoftiktok ♬ original sound – CHRISTINE BUZAN | POSING TIPS
When it comes to the biggest mistakes people make while taking photos, it’s a lack of confidence and visible tension, Christine said. “There is nothing ‘natural’ about posing for photos, so it’s only normal that people feel awkward or tense in front of the camera. However, if you’re uncomfortable in photos, it definitely shows.”
“It may sound cheesy, but the best way to build confidence is through practice. The more you’re posing for photos, the easier it becomes, and the easier it becomes, the more you’ll feel confident doing it,” the posing coach — who authored the book 101 Ways to Pose — continued.
Christine stressed that posing is extremely personal. “What may work for one person may not for another. So, it’s really important to find what works best for your body and your personal style of presentation.”
After all, there’s no shame in being inept in the photo posing business, and Christine explained that no one is born photogenic. “It’s a skill that’s learned over time, just like learning how to knit, or ride a bicycle, or play basketball. You have to learn techniques, practice them, and then adapt to find a strategy that works best for you. So, don’t feel hard on yourself if you aren’t crazy about the way you look in photos. It’s definitely something that can be refined over time. I’m living proof of this.”
“Photos are a numbers game, so take way more than you think you need. Don’t be afraid to experiment and step outside of your comfort zone. The worst thing that could happen is you don’t like the photo and you don’t post it — but you never know what you can find until you try!”
Later on, the posing coach provided helpful tips on how to fix these common blunders
Image credits: lookgoodinphotos
She also suggested how to reduce the appearance of a double chin
Image credits: lookgoodinphotos
Image credits: lookgoodinphotos
Image credits: lookgoodinphotos
Image credits: lookgoodinphotos
Image credits: lookgoodinphotos
You can hear Christine talk about fixing these posing mistakes in the two videos below
@lookgoodinphotos Replying to @minisbymolly Are you guilty of this millennial posing mistakes? If so, here’s how to fix it! #TikTokTaughtMe #TikTokPartner #posingtips #posingforphotos #millennialsoftiktok ♬ original sound – CHRISTINE BUZAN | POSING TIPS
@lookgoodinphotos Replying to @adictchick Stop doing the same pose! If you’re a millennial who does the skinny arm in every photo, here are a few different alternative arm poses you can try! #TikTokTaughtMe #TikTokPartner #howtopose #posingtips #millennialsoftiktok ♬ original sound – CHRISTINE BUZAN | POSING TIPS
Image credits: lookgoodinphotos
Image credits: lookgoodinphotos
@lookgoodinphotos Replying to @magicalhijinx It’s time to stop doing duck lips in photos! Try out these two posing tips to get a perfect pout! #howtopose #millennialsoftiktok #TikTokTaughtMe #TikTokPartner ♬ Aesthetic – Tollan Kim
We millennials know our lifestyles are at risk. Just about anything we used to love — skinny jeans, cross-body bags, “Live, Laugh, Love” slogans, and even the way we pose — gets slammed by the younger generation online. Their brutal observations about how we look, talk and behave usually feel like personal attacks, don’t they? But if we want our photos and social media accounts to keep up with the times — they may have a point.
While Christine explained that making our social feeds look relevant is not that hard, millennials may be hesitant to let go of their beloved yet quite outdated posing habits. When asked why they are still stuck in the same old poses, Christine detailed, “I think it has a lot to do with the relationship we had with photos in our childhood. As millennials, our upbringing was defined by rapid technological change. As someone born in 1989, I remember growing up with disposable and 35mm film cameras, to getting a digital camera with extremely limited space, to low-resolution flip phone photos, all the way to the iPhone 13 Pro that I create my content with now.”
“On the other hand, Gen Z grew up native to our digital world,” the posing expert added. “They understand that photos can easily be retaken and that there’s endless amounts of space available to store them. They’re more relaxed in photos and willing to experiment.”
In another clip, Christine shared 3 posing trends in group photos that need to stop
@lookgoodinphotos Reply to @_yentruoc_ Here’s 3 millennial posing mistakes to stop doing in group photos. Are you guilty of any of them? #howtopose #millennialsoftiktok #posingtips ♬ original sound – CHRISTINE BUZAN | POSING TIPS
If you’re jotting down every single one of these tips Christine shared in her video series, then be sure to take notes on even more advice she was kind enough to share:
- “Come from a place of confidence. Even if you have to fake it! Dig deep and think of a time you felt like your most confident, bold, and authentic self. This will translate in your photos.
- Stand up straight. Imagine that an invisible string is pulling your head toward the ceiling, and roll your shoulders back.
- Place your weight on one leg. This gives your pose more fluidity and looks more natural.
- Bend your limbs. There’s a rule in posing, ‘if it bends, bend it.’ Even a slight bend, or keeping your limbs relaxed will make you look more comfortable.
- Push your forehead toward the camera. It may sound silly, but this tip elongates the neck, reduces a double chin, and makes you look more connected to the camera.”
If you are eager for some more guidance from Christine, you can find her on TikTok at @lookgoodinphotos or Instagram at @thechristinebuzan.
Here’s what TikTokers had to say about the videos
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Came here to say exactly the same thing. I don't know why I get drawn into these stupid pieces. I'm just flawed that way I guess.
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Millennial here...I can say with confidence I've never done any of these "poses" and would like to add on: Pose however the hell you like, you're the only one who cares about the photos anyway.
Right, the "teapot" pose looks more like a gen X thing to me? And annoying af, if you feel that a pose or angle makes you look more attractive just go for it.
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Yet another example of how women are constantly told to believe that how they look is the only important thing in their lives.
This. Ah, fiy, now you MUST have hairy armpits coz that's how you f**k the system
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Ok first of all- "posing expert"????? Get a real job and life. You're only part of the problem. Second of all- pose how you want. If it makes you feel good and you like how you look in pictures, go for it. If you want to do the teacup pose until you're 90- don't sacrifice your dreams.
That is a real job. I hate this article and the underlayer message is pathetic, but don't act like you live under a rock man. There are tons of jobs you never even knew existed.
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why is this "posing expert" tryna tell millennials they look bad in photos😐
The need to attempt to stay relevant and trendy to gen Z I would imagine. It's sad.
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Unless you're a bodybuilder who needs to pose properly for the contest judges(it matters a lot), who needs a posing coach?
what the hell did i just read. gen z here, pose HOWEVER THE F**K YOU WANT. and unless you're getting a pic of your outfit many photos will just be head to chest.
Exactly. As an older gen z, who has a boomer soul (did a test for it), this article was a waste of time. The only thing I can think of that actually needs a 'posing expert' would be modeling on a runway or for a magazine. If it's in general like this, is discrimination against an entire generation that, some that I know, don't do. I don't get why people think they just tell others what to do, it's ridiculous. People should be able to pose however they want, no matter the generation.
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I'm taking pictures for the memories. I couldn't care less if my friends and I, the kids, or my family are posing in an up-to-date way. If you share family photo albums with friends and they tell you your poses aren't up-to-date, your friends are jerks. There's nothing wrong with posing like this unless you are IN the modelling industry.
Now I want to do duck lips and a teacup pose while angling my camera high and make it my profile photo
The only two things I can think for that, would be for models on a runway or when they pose for magazines. That's pretty much it.
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A... posing expert??? Pardon me while I... BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAH!
PSA: I will continue to look like a teapot in my mid 30s for as long as I like. Thank you.
Oh lordy. I love these titles, professional posing coach... Of course all the millennial poses are ridiculous they always have been. And all the correct poses that she is exhibiting are basically straight out of model photography 101. Nothing truly new here.
All she's doing is criticizing the poses. She never once suggested what other pose to do to pose better. This was just a way for her to bash other people. Because if she is a pose expert, why wasn't she teaching me what to do instead? She never mentions anything except other girls posing badly. Makes no sense at all.
This was the most unhelpful article. And her "apple" lips look exactly like her "prune" lips. Btw, the Olsen twins CONSTANTLY sport duck lips, so what is she talking about?
Looking at those photos, it made it seem like she was in pain.
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I’m a millennial (born in 1982) and I can honestly say I’ve never done these AND I haven’t taken a ‘selfie’ in about 15 years! Plus, I do not have a single social media account, nor LinkedIn, etc. Those things are a waste of time.
I always find it a little odd when there's a news segment about a missing or murdered woman and the photo they use is a super filtered one, like Snapchat style with big eyes and virtual lashes >__>
Possibly the only recent photo they have. I do worry sometimes that if I, or especially my husband, goes missing we’d struggle to find a photo for each other. Every year or so I make us have one photo together otherwise we’ll look back when we’re older and we’ll have no pictures of our 30s.
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Pfff you're not the boss of me! Besides I am a Gen X and we already know how to look in photos.
I find it hypocritical when the same influencers telling you to change your appearance, style and the way you naturally interact with others (in this case with a camera) also sneak in the 'You're great the way you are' rhetoric at the end to sell their c**p. Who cares if a pose is dated if it makes a person feel good while taking a picture? It's not so serious. It's about the person taking their own picture, not the irrelevant opinion of some random self designated expert on selfies.
I'm too ugly to let anyone take pictures of me. Bouche, however, is very photogenic. He's growing way too fast, though. When I got him, he could barely reach the fountain for a drink. It was so cute, because he'd stand on his back paws. Now he's over a kitten head taller than the fountain.
*sighs* we're millennials, not gen Z. Let them have their thing and just move on, it's kind of pathetic to attempt to "stay young" by pretending to be trendy. Just be young at heart, be good people and stop trying to stay relevant. We're gonna get old and die, just like the boomers. It's gonna happen to gen Z, it's just what it is. Enjoy life. :/
How about stop doing the fake cry. I've only really seen one real cry. Eyes puffy red and still teary eyes. There is no way to fake that. But to take you finger and wipe away a single tear in your check or right under your eye. Is so fake hate seeing the pics because they trying it up the sympathy factor. Common people be real if you are upset say it don't fake it
Just after we get rid of all these poses how bout we start getting rid of all these fake eyelashes everyone is wearing. Very few people can pull off fake eye lashes in everyday life. So unless you're going to the ball or something just stop with all the eyelashes, they are distracting.
This is *NOT IMPORTANT* unless you are a paid model. Take those photos of the people you love and the memories you want to remember and don't worry about your posing. We don't need to encourage self-consciousness and worrying about s**t like this. If a bunch of girls standing in row with their hands on their hips is the most ridiculous thing you've ever seen - you've had a very privileged existence.
I just try to avoid photo taking, I'm (So not sad) sad to admit.. I would like a nice picture of me, but the best pictures of me, all my life, was the few ones, i didn't know was being taken. I'm just really, REALLY unphotogenic when I know.. Taking awkward to a whole new level.
Yeah, do this and that and that to look more natural in your pictures... Great.
I think the best pics are of people laughing, not really posed at all. Maybe they started posed, but make them laugh, make yourself laugh if you can and it will be a great photo. As for our Millennial trends, I will make crossbody bags come back. That's way too practical to give up. Don't get your bag stolen and distribute its weight Gen Z. 😆
It's so sad to see so many negative comments when really, this is a thing? Yes, professional/ expert posing IS a thing. This is essentially a big part of modeling and photoshoots, which she even talks about! You'd be surprised to find out how hard this actually is when you get into it. Sure, pose however you want, but don't? Diss it? And judge? And be just a jerk and say it's nonsense? These are people's careers and to say such things really shows how little you all know about the modeling and fashion business. It's a brutal, competitive, hard industry.
Yeah no. I was a professional model for over a decade, it's more about practice and knowing your own body and its not really that hard
Load More Replies...
Came here to say exactly the same thing. I don't know why I get drawn into these stupid pieces. I'm just flawed that way I guess.
Load More Replies... Millennial here...I can say with confidence I've never done any of these "poses" and would like to add on: Pose however the hell you like, you're the only one who cares about the photos anyway.
Right, the "teapot" pose looks more like a gen X thing to me? And annoying af, if you feel that a pose or angle makes you look more attractive just go for it.
Load More Replies... Yet another example of how women are constantly told to believe that how they look is the only important thing in their lives.
This. Ah, fiy, now you MUST have hairy armpits coz that's how you f**k the system
Load More Replies... Ok first of all- "posing expert"????? Get a real job and life. You're only part of the problem. Second of all- pose how you want. If it makes you feel good and you like how you look in pictures, go for it. If you want to do the teacup pose until you're 90- don't sacrifice your dreams.
That is a real job. I hate this article and the underlayer message is pathetic, but don't act like you live under a rock man. There are tons of jobs you never even knew existed.
Load More Replies... why is this "posing expert" tryna tell millennials they look bad in photos😐
The need to attempt to stay relevant and trendy to gen Z I would imagine. It's sad.
Load More Replies... Unless you're a bodybuilder who needs to pose properly for the contest judges(it matters a lot), who needs a posing coach?
what the hell did i just read. gen z here, pose HOWEVER THE F**K YOU WANT. and unless you're getting a pic of your outfit many photos will just be head to chest.
Exactly. As an older gen z, who has a boomer soul (did a test for it), this article was a waste of time. The only thing I can think of that actually needs a 'posing expert' would be modeling on a runway or for a magazine. If it's in general like this, is discrimination against an entire generation that, some that I know, don't do. I don't get why people think they just tell others what to do, it's ridiculous. People should be able to pose however they want, no matter the generation.
Load More Replies... I'm taking pictures for the memories. I couldn't care less if my friends and I, the kids, or my family are posing in an up-to-date way. If you share family photo albums with friends and they tell you your poses aren't up-to-date, your friends are jerks. There's nothing wrong with posing like this unless you are IN the modelling industry.
Now I want to do duck lips and a teacup pose while angling my camera high and make it my profile photo
The only two things I can think for that, would be for models on a runway or when they pose for magazines. That's pretty much it.
Load More Replies... A... posing expert??? Pardon me while I... BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAH!
PSA: I will continue to look like a teapot in my mid 30s for as long as I like. Thank you.
Oh lordy. I love these titles, professional posing coach... Of course all the millennial poses are ridiculous they always have been. And all the correct poses that she is exhibiting are basically straight out of model photography 101. Nothing truly new here.
All she's doing is criticizing the poses. She never once suggested what other pose to do to pose better. This was just a way for her to bash other people. Because if she is a pose expert, why wasn't she teaching me what to do instead? She never mentions anything except other girls posing badly. Makes no sense at all.
This was the most unhelpful article. And her "apple" lips look exactly like her "prune" lips. Btw, the Olsen twins CONSTANTLY sport duck lips, so what is she talking about?
Looking at those photos, it made it seem like she was in pain.
Load More Replies... I’m a millennial (born in 1982) and I can honestly say I’ve never done these AND I haven’t taken a ‘selfie’ in about 15 years! Plus, I do not have a single social media account, nor LinkedIn, etc. Those things are a waste of time.
I always find it a little odd when there's a news segment about a missing or murdered woman and the photo they use is a super filtered one, like Snapchat style with big eyes and virtual lashes >__>
Possibly the only recent photo they have. I do worry sometimes that if I, or especially my husband, goes missing we’d struggle to find a photo for each other. Every year or so I make us have one photo together otherwise we’ll look back when we’re older and we’ll have no pictures of our 30s.
Load More Replies... Pfff you're not the boss of me! Besides I am a Gen X and we already know how to look in photos.
I find it hypocritical when the same influencers telling you to change your appearance, style and the way you naturally interact with others (in this case with a camera) also sneak in the 'You're great the way you are' rhetoric at the end to sell their c**p. Who cares if a pose is dated if it makes a person feel good while taking a picture? It's not so serious. It's about the person taking their own picture, not the irrelevant opinion of some random self designated expert on selfies.
I'm too ugly to let anyone take pictures of me. Bouche, however, is very photogenic. He's growing way too fast, though. When I got him, he could barely reach the fountain for a drink. It was so cute, because he'd stand on his back paws. Now he's over a kitten head taller than the fountain.
*sighs* we're millennials, not gen Z. Let them have their thing and just move on, it's kind of pathetic to attempt to "stay young" by pretending to be trendy. Just be young at heart, be good people and stop trying to stay relevant. We're gonna get old and die, just like the boomers. It's gonna happen to gen Z, it's just what it is. Enjoy life. :/
How about stop doing the fake cry. I've only really seen one real cry. Eyes puffy red and still teary eyes. There is no way to fake that. But to take you finger and wipe away a single tear in your check or right under your eye. Is so fake hate seeing the pics because they trying it up the sympathy factor. Common people be real if you are upset say it don't fake it
Just after we get rid of all these poses how bout we start getting rid of all these fake eyelashes everyone is wearing. Very few people can pull off fake eye lashes in everyday life. So unless you're going to the ball or something just stop with all the eyelashes, they are distracting.
This is *NOT IMPORTANT* unless you are a paid model. Take those photos of the people you love and the memories you want to remember and don't worry about your posing. We don't need to encourage self-consciousness and worrying about s**t like this. If a bunch of girls standing in row with their hands on their hips is the most ridiculous thing you've ever seen - you've had a very privileged existence.
I just try to avoid photo taking, I'm (So not sad) sad to admit.. I would like a nice picture of me, but the best pictures of me, all my life, was the few ones, i didn't know was being taken. I'm just really, REALLY unphotogenic when I know.. Taking awkward to a whole new level.
Yeah, do this and that and that to look more natural in your pictures... Great.
I think the best pics are of people laughing, not really posed at all. Maybe they started posed, but make them laugh, make yourself laugh if you can and it will be a great photo. As for our Millennial trends, I will make crossbody bags come back. That's way too practical to give up. Don't get your bag stolen and distribute its weight Gen Z. 😆
It's so sad to see so many negative comments when really, this is a thing? Yes, professional/ expert posing IS a thing. This is essentially a big part of modeling and photoshoots, which she even talks about! You'd be surprised to find out how hard this actually is when you get into it. Sure, pose however you want, but don't? Diss it? And judge? And be just a jerk and say it's nonsense? These are people's careers and to say such things really shows how little you all know about the modeling and fashion business. It's a brutal, competitive, hard industry.
Yeah no. I was a professional model for over a decade, it's more about practice and knowing your own body and its not really that hard
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