Posing Basics

Posing for photos does not take any special skills or prior knowledge. While the subject, type of photography, and intended audience will likely influence potential poses for your photo shoot, the basics of posing are the same.

Posing is giving basic instructions and photo prompts to create a genuine reaction for capturing or bringing out a feeling. Certain poses can help to hide potential problem areas you or your client may be insecure about to enhance the subject’s natural features and beauty. Other poses can trick the eye into making the subject appear taller or thinner.

Posing Tips

Whether you are taking photos for a client or just snapping selfies, using these basic posing tips will help take your photos to the next level.

When posing,

1. Whether standing or sitting, maintain good posture with your back and shoulders straight. This helps you appear more confident and photogenic.
2. Make triangles with arms or legs to create space around the waist. Not only do these triangles add interest to the photo, they also create leading lines to draw the eye in to the photo.
3. Turn shoulders to the side. Angling the subject’s shoulders slightly to the side gives the photo more balance and leads the eye to the main focal point of the image, the subject’s face, and makes the subject appear slimmer as well.
4. Tilt head slightly. Tilting the subject’s head slightly to one side will soften shadows and extend the jawline out, slimming the face.
5. Use the leading lines around you in a creative way to draw the viewer’s eye to a specific point of interest in the photo.
6. Create movement with a slow rock or mock walk. Motion in photography creates a sense of time and helps tell a story. It can make your photos look more natural and dynamic. Movement also adds a structure and stability to the image.
7. When shooting, face the part of your hair towards the camera to show more of the face and keep hair off both shoulders (one is ok.) You want to capture the cheekbones which can be hidden if hair is over both shoulders.
8. Point toes when sitting or laying down or put one foot forward when standing. Pointing the toe helps to help elongate the legs, making you appear taller.
9. Take a different perspective. Shoot from slightly above or below your subject for a different point of view.
10. Add some personal props. Personal props are a great way to bring out your subject’s personality and interests to create special, one-of-a-kind images.

Keep these quick posing tips in mind for your next photo shoot. Practice and see what a difference they make in your photos!

A Few More Tips on Posing

Quick Reference Poses

Have some poses in mind before your shoot. Make a list or save some similar poses for quick reference during your shoot. 

Choose 20-25 poses that you like for each genre of photography service you offer. Save these in a quick reference folder with easy access like Google drive or Pinterest to make them accessible during a shoot for ideas. Practice and perfect these poses.

Client Preferences

Speak with your client prior to the shoot. You can do this in person or with a questionnaire. Ask if there is anything they are self-conscious about to take into consideration when choosing poses for the shoot. Choose poses that highlight other striking features and draw attention away from areas of concern.

Outdoor Posing Extras

When shooting client photos outdoors, take a waterproof seat cushion along in your camera bag for your client to sit on. You may also want to throw an umbrella or reflector screen in the event of weather issues.

Whether you are a photographer or model, the more you pose, the better you will get at it. As a photographer, you will learn to pose your subject to capture the images you envision. As a model, you will become more used to what poses flatter you best to show off your unique style and personality. Practicing these posing basics will help you to create even more gorgeous and stylish images that truly bring out your and your client’s styles, personalities, and best features.

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