Sample Pose Ideas

Here are a few poses to get you started. Also included are tips about posing different subjects, to help you make the most of each session! If you find these poses helpful, you'll love The Ultimate Posing Guide.

Babies

• The more comfortable the baby, the more cooperative they will be, and you will get much better portraits.
• For infants, try using a parent as a “cushion.” Cover them with a blanket. The baby will feel comfortable and safe in their parent's arms.
• Use rattles or brightly colored toys to attract their attention where you want it.

Toddlers

• Use a parent to play games with the child, keeping them occupied and entertained.
• Minimize how many other people are in the studio area, since toddlers are easily distracted.
• Keep a few toys handy for the child to play with. These allow the child to be entertained and happy, while also creating a more natural-looking portrait.

Boys

• Talk to him like he's a “big boy” and he'll respond with his best behavior.
• Find out what his hobbies are so you can engage him in conversation he's interested in.
• Remember to take pictures on his level, so you're not looking down on him.

Girls

• Make her feel like a beautiful princess without being cheesy or patronizing.
• A simple prop, like a flower, can give her something to occupy herself with, and it will only enhance the portrait.
• Let her make up a few of her own poses. She'll have fun and you might find yourself pleased with the results.

Men

• Always use poses that are clearly masculine. Be aware of your subject to determine how comfortable he is with the poses.
• Engage him in conversation, always maintaining eye contact.
• Don't always insist on a smile. Men often feel more comfortable with a more serious portrait.

Women

• Women often feel insecure about having their picture taken. If you build her confidence, tell her how great she looks, how photogenic she is, she'll relax and you'll get much better pictures of her.
• Ask her who the portraits are for. You may just get her smiling and telling you about a loved one. Those natural smiles will make great portraits.
• Tell a few jokes to help her relax. Be sure to have the camera ready to capture those expressions.

Couples

• Be watching in between shots for those intimate moments that make great candids.
• Ask them about their relationship—how they met, why they're in love, etc. It'll create the perfect mood for their portraits.
• Don't feel limited to traditional poses. Be in tune with the couple's personality and get creative.

Families

• Involve parents in the posing process. They can give you feedback about which poses their kids will be more likely to cooperate with.
• Pose parents and older siblings first, then deal with the younger children.
• Create a visual sense of unity, bringing the family together in the portrait.

Parents & Children

• Have the parent engage the child with conversation of play. This will give you more natural portraits that truly capture a relationship.
• Be watching for moments of interaction that will make great candids.
• These are also good poses to use for portraits with grandparents.

Siblings & Friends

• Facilitate and encourage natural interaction between the subjects and you'll capture more natural smiles and portraits that truly express a relationship.
• Tell a few jokes, poke fun at yourself—do whatever it takes to get the group having fun.
• Work with their moods to create portraits that capture true emotions and expressions.