Hanfu Photography Hacks to Save the Day

When you’re out having fun, the top priority is

photos! Photos! Photos!

Anyone else like me who turns stiff and awkward when it’s time to pose?

Sometimes I’m so lost I end up with just “been here” shots or meme faces,

and then I lose all interest in snapping pics.

Today, give me one minute to hook you up with awesome Hanfu photography tips—turn you into a Hanfu fairy in no time! ~

The Top Three Photography Essentials:

Hand Gestures

Hand poses are a big deal—they can make or break a photo, so all you little fairies, watch those hand moves!

Stick to orchid fingers as your go-to. When your hands are flailing and don’t know where to go, try placing them under your chin (aka “self-flirt”), or play with your hair. If you feel that fairy vibe, you’re almost there!

Still feel unnatural? Grab props nearby.

Use a fan, umbrella, or zither to add ancient vibes and make the shot extra dreamy~

If there’s a tree or flowers around, interact with them—it’s a solid choice!

Expressions

Lots of fairies feel awkward facing the camera or end up with wide-eyed stares.

Before shooting, get into character—hypnotize yourself: I’m a fairy fallen to earth!

No need to stare at the lens nonstop—look at the sky, the ground, or the distance. Once you’re in the zone, flirt with the camera!

Imagine it’s someone you like—how would you gaze at them? (No boyfriend here, but that’s beside the point—more camera chats mean prettier pics!)

Props

Beyond poses and expressions, props are a must for photos.

Different scenes call for different props to level up your shots.

Must-Have Prop—Fan

Here are some fan-pose tips:

Sunblock style: Pretend there’s sun, close your eyes.
Half-face style: Cover half your face or hold it nearby—perfect for slimming (tested and true!).
Pose style: Place it to the side as a prop.
Upright style: Hold it straight at your waist, chest, or face?
Pointing style: Use it to point anywhere you like.
Spin style: Twirl it and let the photographer catch the moment.
Headache style: Act pained—standing, sitting, or lying down, similar to sunblock style.
Free flow: Sit, stand, lie, move, or stay still—each has a unique vibe.

Easy to Carry—Pibo

Extensions include fabric, hair ribbons, sleeves, veils, handkerchiefs, or strings—super handy, right!

These are easy to pack and save the day for prop-forgetful fairies.

Full of Vibe—Umbrella

Tips:

Half-open style: Keep it half-open, don’t look at the lens.
Shoulder style: Rest it on your shoulder, look or not as you please.
Hug style: Hold it closed against your chest.
Pose style: Place it aside like a fan.
Back view style: Open it for a back shot—mid or far range feels dreamy.

Mysterious Aura—Mu Li

Tips:

Hand-hold style: Grip the hat, best with wind—look or not, or move for a candid shot.
Veil style: Half-lift fabric hats to show eyes, great for close-ups.
Back-hang style: Let it hang behind.
Back view style: Wear it for mid or far shots with vibe.

Night Scene Star—Lantern

Lanterns set the mood, especially for night shots—they’re a game-changer. Use them like other props: hold, carry, place, or hide your face.

Atmosphere Boost—Flowers

Real flowers, fake ones, wreaths, baskets, backpacks, or food boxes—same deal.Real flowers? Find a nice spot—use as background or foreground. Fake ones work too.

Specific Scene—Mask

Half-face, doodled, or spooky masks—stick on your face, hold in hand, wear on head, or pose beside it.

Storyline Boost—Accessories

Hairpins, jade pendants, sachets, or pouches—these had meaning back then, perfect for storytelling shots.

Specific Scene—Instruments

Gentle or bold vibes—tons of traditional options (zither, pipa, xiao, guzheng, flute, konghou)—pick by scene, great for specific settings.

Specific Scene—Weapons

Swords, spears, bows, darts—your call, but safety first! Bows can scratch you or others, and blunted swords are safer.

Specific Scene—Books/Letters/Pens

Books or letters bring a scholarly or parting feel;

brushes can write or draw brows.

Wine pots, cups, or gourds add a江湖 (jianghu) or farewell vibe.

Tea sets or porcelain suit a chill mood—choose by scene.

Interactive Shots—Pets

Cuteness overload—pets are a total win.

But they’re a hassle to carry, lol~

Interactive Shots—Human Props

Rushed out with nothing? Your bestie (or partner) is your human prop! Pose together for fun.Perk: Relaxing with familiar faces cuts the nerves.

Quick Fix—Impromptu Props

No props or buddies? Beyond sitting, standing, or lying, grab random stuff—fallen leaves, dry twigs, a railing to lean on, fresh candied hawthorns, or half-eaten snacks.