10 Clever Posing Tricks for Couples With Drastic Height Differences

They say love is blind, and while that may be an exaggeration, it’s certainly true that height differences never stand in the way of a solid relationship. For photographers, though, taking effective images of couples with noticeable height differences poses challenges.

Framing couples side by side can result in an image where the viewer doesn’t know where to look. Also, if one of the pair is self-conscious about the height difference, that may come across in the finished photo if you don’t take steps to set them at ease.

These posing tips are based on techniques I use to help couples feel more relaxed and look more evenly matched in their photos, even when the height difference is drastic.

The Importance of Addressing Height Difference

Let’s be clear: there’s nothing wrong with a height difference. However, many couples may balk at the idea of photos highlighting that difference for all to see.

The key is to veer away from conventional poses and, instead, consider dynamic shots like walking, leaning, or playful poses that don’t focus on height at all.

Partial shots of the body can also help. When the viewer can’t see the whole person, they may not assume that they’re short. It leaves a little mystery, which can suggest a different height.

Even if the couple is happy and confident about their height difference, standard shots can make for some odd composition. The difference between head heights can draw the eye in different directions, so there’s no clear focal point.

This can also create the impression of distance or conflict in the picture, which is, of course, the last thing you want in couples’ photos.

I find that the poses below create more cohesive, better-posed shots, with happier-looking couples. If you want tips specifically for photographing couples adventuring on the water, take a look at this guide to boat photography poses for both couples and solo shoots.

1. The Lean

Casual shots can be a great way to even out a height difference. Having both parties leaning against a surface, especially if they’re both leaning slightly away from the camera, is very effective.

To even out the height differential of your couple, have the taller of the pair slouch slightly by bending one knee. The difference won’t look as striking in the leaning position as it would if they were standing up straight.

If one of the pair has long hair, encourage them to style it on top of their head. It can add a surprising amount of height.

Another trick with the leaning photo is to take it with the lower legs and the feet out of the shot. That way, it’s not as obvious that there’s such a drastic height gap or that one person is slouching.

2. The Close-Up Hug

An affectionate hug, seen from close up, allows you to pose your couple carefully to minimize the height difference.

Get the shorter person to stand a little taller, without slouching or bending their knees. Encouraging them to look into the eyes of their partner can help, as they may unconsciously lean toward them.

For the taller member of the couple, ask them to bend their knees slightly and soften their posture. You’ll soon see that the height difference is notably reduced.

I find that if I line the bottom of the shot up under the shoulders of the shorter person, this usually frames the couple well.

3. Sideways On

It’s common to see couples’ photos taken from the front, to show bright smiling faces or love-filled expressions. Unfortunately, for couples with a height difference, these types of shots tend to highlight the height difference to a greater extent.

A clever alternative is to take the shot from the side, with the taller person on the side away from the camera. Even the slight distance away from the camera reduces the impact of height.

This shot can work even better if the couple is in action, for example, walking. The sense of motion distracts further from the height difference and allows you to capture the shot when the taller person is naturally dipped from taking a step forward.

4. Head Over the Shoulder

Posing one person standing behind the other with their head looking over their shoulder is a great way to bring heads together, effectively eliminating the height difference.

It seems obvious to have the taller person standing behind the shorter. However, I’ve found that sometimes, getting the shorter person to stand with their chin tucked just over the shoulder of their partner results in some cute shots.

This position also forces the person to duck down a little, which organically levels the couple’s heights out. Try both ways around and see which works best.

5. Hands Together

This one doesn’t so much eliminate the height difference as work around it. It’s about showing a strong connection between the couple without having to worry about differences.

You can shoot this pose from the front or the back, but I always like to capture at least one shot from the back, as it looks more natural. There’s no stress about maintaining a smile while working on bringing the hands together.

The idea is to get your couple to create the classic heart-hands gesture, but with one of each of their hands. Depending on how dramatic the height difference is, one partner may need to reach up while the other reaches across or even downward.

Framing the heart centrally works, as does having it at a height halfway between the couple’s heads. Consider your background and location for this shot; a favorite location can transform this image into a real keepsake.

6. The Piggyback

It makes sense that the obvious way to make the shorter person seem taller is to lift them. Add a sense of fun and whimsy to your photos by asking the taller partner to do exactly that.

If your couple is happy to try this, get one person to hoist the other onto their back. Obviously, do a few health and safety checks; you don’t want someone with mobility limitations or an injury offering a piggyback, for example.

Have the couple look toward the camera and maybe even try to take a few steps. Snap multiple shots, because you’re looking for the one with a genuine smile or laugh that shows how much fun the couple is having together.

It’s also a great alternative pose to the classic “carrying over the threshold” post-wedding shot.

7. On the Steps

Steps are a fantastic way to level the playing field. Have the taller person take a step (or two if necessary) down in front of the shorter person.

In many cases, the shorter person may end up looking taller than ever. Avoid shifting the height difference too far in the other direction, as you’ll end up with the original problem, only in reverse.

Consider the location of the steps. Taking these shots outside helps capture natural light for bright, cheerful shots, but grimy, city steps overrun with litter will not capture the romance you’re looking for.

8. The Slouch

While I mentioned earlier that shots from the front rarely work with a height difference, there is a way to make it work. Stand your couple together, and have the taller person slouch just enough to bring the heads closer together.

Regardless of what is happening below the shoulders, it’s where the heads and faces are that creates the illusion of height. So, if you need to, get in closer and crop the legs and feet.

I know some other photographers who will get the shorter person to stand on a stool or similar prop. However, a prop can make the person standing on it feel uneasy or off-balance, and that will always come through in the finished photo.

But a slouch is a relaxed pose. Add to the asymmetric look with one hand in a pocket or an arm slung around a waist, so the viewer is never subconsciously looking for symmetry.

9. Heels

The concept is simple. Get the shorter person to wear heels or other shoes with high soles, to help them achieve a similar height to their partner.

Make sure they don’t go so high with heels that they feel uncomfortable. In most cases, one or two inches is enough to minimize the height difference enough to make the framing of the image work.

If the heels are too high, the person may start to feel uncomfortable, and the photos will look forced. There’s also a safety factor to consider if they’re not used to walking or posing in high heels.

Heels can work for men as well as women – chunky walking boots, for example, can balance partners out when the other person wears flats.

10. Use Props Safely

While standing on a stool or wearing six-inch heels may be unsafe, there are safe ways to add props to photoshoots. The best approach is to ask the couple if they have anything they’d be happy to bring to the shoot that they’d be happy to stand on or lean on.

A scooter or bike is a great choice – when someone places a foot on the board or pedal, it totally changes their posture. Even if they still appear taller, it looks like their height is only due to the thing they’re standing on something.

It’s a great visual trick that plays with viewer psychology. Rather than stressing about levelling the height out, you get natural-looking images with some fun props that detract from the height difference almost completely.

Top Tips for More Level Couples Photos

Playing around with distance is a fun way to change the perception of heights within photos. Artists have done this for years, painting figures that appear to be vastly different sizes, but, upon closer inspection, it’s always due to perspective.

You can do a similar thing with photography, positioning one person slightly closer to or farther from the camera to change how tall they appear. If you don’t want to be subtle, consider drawing attention to the height difference deliberately. It can be a fun way to celebrate their differences.

Of course, always do this with the couple’s consent. If they get the images back and they showcase differences the couple would rather have hidden, they won’t be very happy.

With that in mind, here are some additional tips for photographing couples with a noticeable height difference:

• Determine what they want out of the photos. If they don’t mind the height difference at all, then don’t worry about it.
• If they love their differences, ask them if they want to go for some fun shots where you make their height the obvious focal point of the image.
• Consider outfits and surroundings. Bright, bold outfits against more neutral backgrounds will definitely emphasize the dimensions of both partners more clearly.

There are lots of different ways to pose couples, so experiment and see which positions your subjects are most happy with. If you’re doing a photoshoot with the whole family, don’t forget to check out this guide to fun sibling rivalry poses.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re snapping your friends or working with paying clients, couples’ photoshoots require a compassionate touch. You need to listen to your subjects so you give them what they want.

Don’t make assumptions. Just because one couple is self-conscious about a height difference doesn’t mean another couple will feel the same way.

Take props with you or encourage your couple to bring things they want to include in the photos. You don’t necessarily have to use them, but it’s better to have them and not need them than need them and not have them.

Most importantly, help your subjects enjoy the photoshoot and feel confident in themselves.