I’ve just taken my grad photos and I was looking back on them and thought of a debate, candid or posed? Obviously, this is no new topic, but I thought I’d give my input. I think there is a time and place to use both, but ultimately, my vote is for candids.

Candids capture bits of your personality which can be hard to convey over social media. The little bits in between the posed photos can capture genuine moments which I think, is better on social media. A genuine laugh is cute, and an awkward moment caught on camera can make people laugh. It also allows you to think of witty captions to go along with the candid photo. A profile full of candid moments and fun captions, can give viewers a glimpse into what that person actually may be like.

Of course, a posed photo is good when it comes to a professional appearance. If you are going for a more put-together feel, then posed photos are the way to go. A nice smile with your hand on your hip will be a more powerful look than you hunched over laughing. This can be good for professional profiles like LinkedIn.

Personally, when I look through my camera roll, I tend to like my candid photos more. When I am determined to get a good photo, and I am posing really hard, I feel awkward and don’t really know what to do with myself. The moments in between, when I’m laughing at myself are what I prefer.