The 20 Best Photo Poses For Men You Need To Know

Getting a self-portrait can be an intimidating or daunting task. Especially for men with no modeling experience, you might be at a loss for what to do. Luckily, we’re here to help you out!

We’ve compiled a list of poses to try the next time you’re in front of a camera. While a photographer can guide you, it’s also important to have an initial idea of how you want to look in your portrait. A pose can determine if you’ll look intense or casual, so it’s important to pick the best one.

If you’re ready to check out some of the best poses for men in photoshoots, then keep reading!

The 20 Best Poses for Men During A Photoshoot

1. Hands in Pockets
2. Crossed Arms
3. Hand on Hip
4. Sitting with a Knee Up
5. Leaning Forward
6. The Thinker
7. Walking
8. The Contrapposto
9. Backward Chair
10. Show Off Your Jawline
11. Crossed Legs
12. The Lean
13. Hand on Chest
14. Lying Down
15. Posing with a Prop
16. Adjusting an Outfit
17. Jacket Over The Shoulder
18. Swipe the Hair Back
19. Touch the Face or Neck
20. The Candid Pose

1. Hands in Pockets

Placing your hands inside your pockets is one of the most classic poses out there. When executed right, it can make you look confident while still being casual. You can place one or both hands in your pocket. Make sure your thumb is sticking out so it won’t look like your hands are cropped.

2. Crossed Arms

Posing with your arms crossed in front of your chest will make you feel powerful in any shoot. It’s a go-to pose if you’re going for something a more serious look. Stare right into the camera while doing this pose to maximize the effect.

3. Hands on Hips

If you’re unsure where to put your hands while standing, you can place them on your hips. This pose is versatile and great for flexing your arms and figure. Make sure not to jut them too far away from your hip to prevent weird angles. But, this could also work if you’re going for something a little more eccentric.

4. Sitting with a Knee Up

While you’re sitting, lean against the wall and prop your knee up. This is a great pose for more relaxed shots. Facial expressions are important too! A smile or a pursed lip with a serious look can instantly change the mood of this pose.

5. Seating & Leaning Forward

For a more assertive sitting pose, try leaning forward with your arms or elbows on your knees. To get a more dominant look, make sure to gaze directly into the camera and keep a firm posture. This pose, especially when shot from a lower angle, brings out that masculine energy.

6. The Thinker

An interesting pose you can try is “The Thinker”, inspired by Rodin’s famous sculpture! To do this, just lean slightly forward and place your hand on your chin. The key is to look deep in thought so try relaxing your expression and just let your thoughts flow.

7. Walking

Walking towards the camera makes for a dynamic pose. Simulate a catwalk and walk around with the camera following you. This pose works for any angle, but the front is best! Make sure to relax your limbs so you don’t end up looking stiff in the final shot.

8. The Contrapposto

Inspired by Michelangelo’s famous sculpture of David, this pose has been a classic for men. Since the time of the ancient Greeks, this pose has been highlighted for how it showcases the male form. To do this, you put weight on a straightened leg while the other is bent at the knee. Twist your torso slightly off-axis to create a look that’s both asymmetrical and balanced.

9. Backward Chair

In a shoot, the backward chair pose lets any man maximize their confidence and charisma. Select a stylish chair and place the backrest towards the camera. Sit down and spread your legs to either side, with your feet firmly on the ground. Rest your chest against the backrest to keep your posture strong. Pair this with a subtle smirk or an intense look to capture the vibe you desire.

10. Show Off Your Jawline

The best poses all capitalize on what you already have. This pose is no exception. Position your face so your jawline is emphasized in the shot. Push your chin forward and to the side. You could also try different angles to get the most natural perspective on your face.

11. Crossed Legs

Another easy pose to work with is crossing your legs while sitting. You could choose to sit on a chair with one leg crossed over the other and the ankle resting on the knee. This pose will show that you mean business, and is perfect for more serious shoots. Or, you could also choose to sit cross-legged on a floor, bed, or a sofa for a more casual and carefree look.

12. The Lean

When taking photos, it’s always best to maximize your surroundings. Try leaning against a wall, an object, or any surface behind you. You could keep your legs straight for a more formal vibe. Or, you could also try lifting one leg and leaning the sole of your foot on the surface to get a more casual look.

13. Hand on Chest

Placing a hand on the opposite shoulder or chest makes for an interesting silhouette. This pose can be used to express introspection, vulnerability, poise, and everything between. Again, this is another useful pose to consider in case you’re unsure about where to place your hands.

14. Lying Down

If you’re not sure what to do with your hands again, try subtly adjusting a part of your outfit. Roll up your sleeves, pop your collar, fix your tie, or touch your watch or cap. The possibilities are endless with this pose, depending on what you have on. This pose creates a relaxed atmosphere while drawing attention to your outfit.

17. Jacket Over The Shoulder

Another way to make use of your clothing is to throw your outerwear or jacket over your shoulder. You can see this pose in fashion magazines because it creates a distinct silhouette. The pose is also pretty flexible. You can do it while you’re leaning against a wall, sitting, standing, or even walking. Try experimenting with different angles as well to create unique results.

18. Swipe the Hair Back

Playing with your hair or swiping it back creates a dreamy, casual image to any model. When doing this pose, make sure to gaze directly into the camera to really grab the viewer’s attention. Apart from that, you can also try combining this with other body poses to create a more dramatic look.

19. Touch the Face or Neck

Touching the face or neck is another strategy to use when you’re uncertain about where to put your hands. How your image turns out will depend on where you touch and what expression you make. Placing your hand on your chin can make you appear thoughtful or introspective. Or, you can also try placing your hand on the back of your neck to create a more candid and even sultry look.

20. The Candid Pose

In this pose, there’s some minimal posing involved. But, it’s more about emphasizing your natural movements and expressions. You can perform an activity like reading a book or having a conversation. A popular candid “pose” is to laugh heartily, regardless if you’re with someone or you’re alone.This will result in images that are uniquely and naturally you, beyond the formal poses!

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There you have it! Those were some of the best photo poses for men you can consider for your next photoshoot.

Unlike what’s commonly thought, you don’t really need to do anything complicated in front of the camera. Often, all it takes is to place your hand in the right spot or stand from a certain angle. It’s more important to follow your body’s natural movement and just relax!

Apart from that, you should also remember that you have your photographer to rely on in these shoots. They’ll recommend the best poses for your frame and desired mood. Just show them any of the photos here as inspiration.

We hope this helped you figure out your next go-to pose for your portraits. Do you have other male poses you’d like to recommend? Let us know in the comments below!

For the same guide for women, feel free to read the best photo poses for women here! And if you are joining the photoshoot with your partner, check out the best photo poses for couples here! We also released a cool list of photo poses for families here.