40 Unique Posing Ideas

For Portrait Photographers

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 1 HANDS TOGETHER IN FRONT

The hands-in-front
pose is remarkably
versatile, fitting
seamlessly into formal
or casual shoots. Its
power shines when
you're seeking to
capture a serene and
approachable
expression, conveying
both innocence and
strength, its nuances
defined by styling and
lighting.

This pose works great when your

model is straight on to the camera
or at an angle!
AT A DESK/TABLE 2
Posing your subject at a
desk or table adds an
intriguing layer of context to
a portrait, infusing the image
with a narrative.

The lines and angles of the

furniture also contribute to
the composition's dynamics,
creating a visually engaging
frame that enhances the
subject's presence.

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 3 'NATURAL' WALKING POSE

Posing someone in a
natural walking pose
effortlessly captures
the grace of candid
motion, and works well
with models (or non-
models!) who need a bit
of direction.

This pose is also great

when working with
more than one model or
with children!

When posing someone like this, try asking

them to just take one or two steps, then

4
start again from their start position. This
allows you to keep focus in one place. SITTING WITH KNEES UP

Posing someone with their

knees up adds a touch of
relaxed charm, infusing
the portrait with an
inviting and carefree
atmosphere.

This pose creates an

approachable vibe, inviting
viewers into a moment of
genuine comfort and ease,
great for studio or casual
at-home portraits.

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 5 ELBOWS RESTING

Elbows resting on the

floor, a bench, table, or
desk draws the
viewer's attention to
the subject's relaxed
demeanour and allows
a glimpse into their
contemplative world.

This pose often

captures unguarded
moments of reflection
or engagement, making
it a versatile choice.

When working with children, get

them interacting with something
they enjoy, like a toy or puzzle!
LEANING AGAINST A WALL 6
The leaning subject's form creates intriguing lines and
angles against the wall, enhancing the overall
composition.

This pose can work from a variety of angles and gives a

wonderfully casual look to a shot. Whether against a
graffitied wall or an ornate door, leaning works for a
variety of different portraits and can help to create a
connection with the surroundings on location.

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 7 HANDS BEHIND BACK

This stance evokes a feeling of poise and

elegance, drawing attention to the subject's
posture and allowing their expressions to shine.
The hidden hands encourage focus on the
subject's face, while also creating a sense of
mystery and depth.

LOOKING BACK OVER SHOULDER 8

Asking your model to look back over their shoulder
adds a really interesting dynamic to your shoots.

Whether you are looking to focus on the outfit the

model is wearing or seeking to create a narrative,
this pose allows you to show the models back while
still being able to see their face, creating a
connection with the viewer.

This pose works great for a variety of

shoots – close-up portraits, casual shoots
or high-fashion shots.

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 9 HAND IN POCKET

With hands casually tucked away, the focus

shifts to the subject's expression and posture,
creating a natural and unforced look.

Whether exuding a laid-back vibe or adding a

touch of nonchalant style, hands-in-pockets
poses are a go-to choice for capturing genuine
and relatable portraits.

ANGLED SHOULDER 10
Poses that incorporate angled
shoulders inject a dynamic
energy into portraits. The
slight tilt creates an engaging
asymmetry, adding depth and
visual interest.

Angled shoulders can infuse a

sense of movement and
liveliness, making it a versatile
choice for capturing both
formal and candid moments in
portrait photography.

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 11 HAND ON SHOULDER/NECK

This gesture draws

attention to the subject's
upper body, emphasizing
their poise and creating a
focal point that fosters a
sense of connection.

This pose is a powerful

tool for capturing
portraits that exude
confidence, vulnerability,
or a mix of both, creating
a compelling narrative
within the frame.

This pose looks great for wide and closer

cropped shots. It can also work with
even more cropped shots and beauty-
style images.
TOUCHING FACE 12
Asking your subject to touch their
face will infuse the portrait with
emotion, be it the contemplation of a
chin resting on a hand or the sultry
vibe of finger held to the lips.

This gesture draws focus to the

subject's expression, creating an
intimate connection that speaks to
their inner thoughts and emotions.

Trying different variations can result

in a series full of fun and expression.

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 13 DRAWN-IN SHOULDERS

This posture, characterized by

a slight downward and inward
curve of the shoulders,
creates a natural and graceful
frame for the subject.

Soft, drawn-in shoulders

highlight the subject's natural
contours, making it an ideal
pose for capturing authentic
and relatable moments in
portrait photography.

SITTING DOWN 14
Whether on a chair, stool, or the
ground, this pose invites viewers
into the subject's personal space,
revealing their relaxed posture,
expressions, and interactions in a
natural setting.

The seated pose provides a canvas

for portraying a range of emotions,
from contemplation to comfort.

The object or chair on which your model is

sitting can change the mood of a shot. If this
image was taken with the model sat on an
antique sofa, it wouldn't have the same impact
as with this modern, angular couch!

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 15 SITTING ON STAIRS

The setting itself adds

depth and texture to the
composition, creating a
visually appealing
backdrop that
complements the
subject.

There are a variety of

poses that can be done
on stairs, which allows
the model to really shine
and play around with
hand and leg placement.

CHIN DOWN, LOOKING UP 16

This gaze, characterized by lowered eyelids and a
subtle tilt of the head, creates a captivating
connection between the subject and the viewer.

The slightly downward gaze highlights the contours

of the face and accentuates the eyes, conveying a
sense of mystery and intimacy.

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 17 HAND ON HIP

Poses featuring one hand on the hip infuse portraits

with a dash of confident attitude and chic flair. This
stance exudes self-assuredness and can
emphasise the subject's natural curves and
posture.

The hand-on-hip pose is a timeless classic that

adds a touch of elegance and attitude to the
composition. It creates dynamic lines and angles
that draw attention to the subject's form, while also
showcasing their unique expressions.

It's a go-to choice for creating striking and

memorable images.

POWER POSE 18
Looking to add a little
bit more attitude to
your images? This
pose is a great way to
make your model
appear cool, confident
and in control.

This commanding
posture, with wide
legs and serious sass,
captures the subject's
inner strength and
radiates a palpable
energy.

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 19 ENGAGING WITH SURROUNDINGS

Poses where individuals

engage with their
surroundings transform
portraits into vivid
narratives. By interacting
with objects, nature, or
architecture, the subject
becomes an integral part
of the environment.

Whether they're leaning

against a tree or touching a
textured wall, it often tells
a story that goes beyond
the individual.

JUMPING IN POSITION 20
Poses capturing individuals mid-jump infuse portraits with a
burst of exuberant energy and unbridled joy. Frozen in mid-
air, the subject's dynamic movement creates a captivating
sense of motion and vitality.

It's a wonderful choice for portraying a sense of freedom and

excitement, or even something other-worldly!

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21 JUMPING ACROSS SHOT

Poses that capture

individuals jumping across
the shot infuse portraits with
an exhilarating sense of
movement and dynamism.

The airborne leap creates a

striking visual as the subject
appears to travel through the
frame, adding a captivating
element of action.

As a photographer, you need

to ensure that your model is
safe doing this – especially in
heels!

CREATING SHAPES WITH ARMS 22

Poses where individuals artfully create shapes
with their arms transform portraits into a study of
visual expression.

The interplay of limbs forms captivating lines and

contours that draw the eye, adding an intriguing
layer of geometry to the composition, whether
framing the face, curving around the body, or
reaching out to the surroundings

The shapes work great when showcasing jewellery on the model and can be
styled and lit to portray either strong, confident and edgy looks, or more
subtle, contemplative and innocent vibes.

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23 SHIELDING THE SUN

Asking your model to hold up their arm as if shielding

from the sun is simple and effective. It works just as well
outside in natural light or in the studio with lighting to add
a dynamic and other-worldly touch.

FACE-ON TO CAMERA 24
A face-on pose captures
the subject's gaze and
invites viewers to explore
the intricate details of
their eyes, expressions,
and emotions. It's a
versatile choice that can
communicate a range of
feelings, from confidence
and strength to
vulnerability.

Timeless and expressive,

this pose can work with
various lighting setups.

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25 TILTED HEAD

Poses that feature a tilted head – forward, back or to

the side – hold the power to alter the emotional
resonance of a shot. A forward tilt lends an air of
confidence and engagement, showcasing an individual
ready to take on the world with a sense of
determination.This posture accentuates the subject's
gaze, exuding a resolute spirit that can inspire and
captivate.

Conversely, a head tilt to the side introduces a

contemplative and introspective dimension to the
portrait. This gentle angle evokes a mood of
introspection, suggesting a moment of quiet
thoughtfulness and depth.

You can see two different versions of 'tilted

head' poses here – both with very different

26
styling, lighting and final outcomes.
'FIDDLING' WITH HANDS

Directing a model to engage

in a subtle act of 'fiddling'
with an object, like a ring,
yields a strikingly authentic
pose.

It really does work if your

model is struggling with
finding a pose that looks
natural and comfortable.

It can work equally well for

models of any gender and
in most setups and styles of
shot.

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27 INDIRECT GAZE

Many portraits create engagement through the

subject looking directly at the camera. But you
don't have to follow this rule. Having the model
look beyond or away from the camera can create
a sense of intrigue. What is the subject looking at?
What are they thinking?

CAPTURE MOVEMENT 28
Capturing models in motion transcends the realm of mere posing; it becomes an artful
depiction of their grace in motion. This holds especially true for dancers, as you can see in
this captivating series of images.

The methods to achieve this feat are diverse, each offering its unique allure, resulting in a
collection that beautifully encapsulates the splendor of dynamic expression.

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29 ONE LEG IN FRONT OF THE OTHER

This timeless pose

radiates an aura of
elegance. It is also
adaptable to an array of
portrait styles, spanning
the spectrum from formal
to relaxed.

There are lots of ways you

can pose a model with one
leg in front of the other,
but whichever way you do
it, it often looks a lot more
natural than just standing
face on with both feet on
the ground.

LOOKING DOWN AT THE CAMERA 30

Poses featuring individuals with their heads held
high and looking down at the camera exude an air
of authority and sophistication.

This commanding stance, often paired with a

raised head or a strategic low camera angle,
creates a dynamic visual interplay that amplifies
the subject's power.

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 31 LEGS IN THE AIR

An unusual pose, but a great one if trying to

really show off the fashion the model is
wearing - especially shoes!

There are lots of ways you can pose with legs in

the air. Try against a wall, block or an item
of furniture to make it
easier for your model.

This can be a physically

taxing pose for models
so make sure to give
them ample breaks
during the shoot.

This pose looks great showing just

legs – perfect for a shoe brand
shoot!
RUNNING 32
Whether towards the camera,
across the shot or away from
the camera, you can add
narrative to your shot by
capturing your model running.
What are they running to? Or
away from? Let your viewers'
minds run wild.

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33 DYNAMIC MOVEMENTS

Dynamic movements can be tricky

to photograph and tricky to pull
off for your model. But when you
get them right they can result in
incredible images with character
and punch. See what your model
can do!

AGAINST WALL, LOOKING BACK 34

When you want to create a
connection with the set but
also a narrative, try having
your model interacting with
the set but also looking at
camera. You could even try
out a shoot and pose like
this!

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35 HANDS ON HIPS

Exuding sexiness
or sass, the hands-
on-hips pose gives
your subject
instant attitude.

If you want your

model to look
strong and self-
assured in your
shots, this is the
pose to try out!

FALLING 36
This pose takes a lot of
prep, precautions and
testing to make sure
you execute it safely.

Shock, elegance,
narrative – whatever
you want to get from
your falling shot. The
results are sure to be
amazing.

How is it done? We can

teach you that!

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37 INTERACTING WITH CLOTHING

If a model is struggling to know what to do with their

hands, having them hold onto their clothes, collar, sleeve,
hat or even a handbag can help make them feel more
comfortable, and their pose look more natural.

ARMS ABOVE HEAD 38

Creating some unusual shapes with arms above the head can be a wonderful way to
frame the face and draw attention to the makeup for beauty shots. It can also ensure that
the focus is still on the model's face when you're taking wider, more cinematic fashion
photographs.

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39 EYES DOWN

Posing a model with a downward gaze can

convey a variety of things including
contemplation and/or vulnerability. It works
great for sultry looks and more innocent
looks.

This pose really comes into its own when you

want to show off some stunning eye makeup
in beauty photography, revealing the full lid
and showcasing all the hard work your
makeup artist put into it!

Why not give it a go next time your makeup

artist delivers something special.

LYING ON FLOOR 40
For your subject, this pose isn't as easy as just lying on the floor. But it can make a great
shot as you look down on them from above. With careful limb placement and good
lighting, you can create a variety of different shots and moods. How could you incorporate
this pose into your next shoot?

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