My 10 Go-To Poses for a Quick Pose Guide

Audrey Saiz

Sep 21

2 min read

Save this for when you need a quick pose guide! These are my 10 go-to poses that always make it into my workflow.

Getting in front of a camera is hard. That is just the fact of the matter. But, with easy poses that flow into each other naturally, you can get your model loosened up, laughing, and having fun with the shoot rather than being stressed.

Smiling woman in tan jacket and white pants stands under a wooden pavilion, with stone pillars and green trees behind her.

1. Rock Step

Have your client stand with their feet shoulder-width apart, with one slightly in front of the other. Then have them rock between both feet, letting their arms swing and loosening up the head. This is great to get them warmed up, and more comfortable in front of the camera.

Smiling woman in a tan jacket and cream pants poses with arms out in a lush green garden.

2. Airplane Arms

Have them focus more on the arms next, playing airplane like when they were young. They can even run around for this or just keep rocking. This gets tons of giggles from your client.

3. Hands on the Hem

Adjusting the hem of the shirt can make interesting angles, feel natural as a model, and create a stunning photo.This works really well for baggy sweaters, coats, or big shirts.

4. Hands in the Pockets

Solves the problem of not having a spot for their hands. Make sure either all of the fingers are out, or the thumbs are out. Avoid putting the entire hand in the pocket.

Young man in a plaid shirt looks down while adjusting his hands between two rust-brown metal pillars outdoors.

5. Play with Jewelry

This could be a watch, a bracelet, a necklace, etc. Playing with jewelry is natural, and feels comfortable, but it also creates great lines and angles for the shot.

6. Grab Collar

This is great for guys, use either both hands or one hand. Grab the collar of the shirt gently, then use the rock step or walk around to get some movement in.

7. Pockets and Hip Slant

Same as the pockets, but use the pockets to move the hips as well. Pop one up naturally, twist and dance around a bit. Make it less of a straight on shot, and more like a casual candid.

8. Wash Those Hands

This is great for guys. It is very natural, creates angles, and can be done while walking, standing, or sitting.

Smiling graduate in white dress and black Oregon State University stole holds a mortarboard among pink roses outdoors.

9. Hands and Shoulder

Have them pop a shoulder up while loosely grabbing their hands. Creates an angle, natural head position, and looks super cute.

10. Drunk Walk / Tightrope Walk

Speaks for itself. Have them walk toward you and away from you, while acting tipsy, or like they are balancing on a tightrope. This gets giggles, movement, and a really fun photo.

Leave a comment with your go to pose below.

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