Getting your portrait taken can be intimidating for the ordinary person. After all, not everyone thinks they’re photogenic. Nor does everyone have modeling experience under their belt.
But what if we told you that you could still look like a model with the right pose and confidence? For women out there who are at a loss for what to do during shoots, we’re here to help you out.
We’ve compiled some of the best poses for women to try out the next time you get your picture taken. Though your photographer will guide you, it’s important to have your own ideas about the pictures. You can practice some of these poses and be picture-ready whenever you need it.
Choosing the right pose can make a huge difference for how your picture will turn out. If you’re ready to check out which poses to try, then continue reading!
The 20 Best Poses for Women During A Photoshoot
- The S-Curve Pose
- Look Over the Shoulder
- Adjust Your Outfit
- Hands on Cheeks
- The Strut
- Knees Up or Legs Curled
- Hands in Hair
- Hands Behind the Neck
- Hands in Pockets
- Do a Twirl
- Lean Against a Wall
- Crossed Legs
- Lean Back
- Head Tilt
- Hand on Hip
- Use your Surroundings
- Rest Your Elbows
- Hide Behind a Scarf
- Raise Your Arms
- The Candid Look
1. The S-Curve Pose
The S-Curve pose has been a classic pose for female models. It’s meant to emphasize the curves of the body. To do this, you stand with one foot forward and the other slightly behind. Then, you put weight on your back leg.
Afterwards, tilt your shoulders and hips in opposite directions. This will give you that S-shape to emphasize the waistline and showcase your form.
2. Look Over the Shoulder
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Pick this pose for something with a little sass and a lot of confidence. With your back to the camera, look back slightly over your shoulder. The pose is a classic for taking confident and even whimsical shots. It’s perfect for any location or lighting setup too.
3. Adjust Your Outfit
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In a shoot, you always make do with what you have, whether it be your features or your outfit. With this pose, all you need to do is subtly fix your outfit. You could be rolling a sleeve, adjusting your sunglasses, or smoothening a dress.
You can use both hands or let one hand rest or support the action. This pose gives a candid feel to any portrait. It’s perfect for highlighting the details of your outfit and your natural grace.
4. Hands on Cheeks
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If you’re looking for a playful or youthful pose, then this one’s for you. Using both hands, gently cup your cheeks while facing the camera. Keep your fingers spread for a natural and delicate look. You can do this pose while sitting or standing.
5. The Strut
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Did you know that your natural walking stance can be the most chic pose to go for? Take a few steps towards the camera and have your photographer follow you. You can look straight ahead or off to the side.
The natural motion captured in this pose will give your portraits a dynamic and natural look. It’s perfect for outdoor shoots and for showcasing your full outfit.
6. Knees Up or Legs Curled
For relaxed shoots, putting your knees up or curling your legs while sitting is a great pose. There are a couple of ways to execute this pose. While sitting down or reclining, draw your knees to your chest. You can also keep your legs curled to the side.
While in the pose, you can wrap your arms around your knees. Or, you can casually rest your hands and arms on your legs. This pose evokes a sense of comfort and vulnerability. It’s perfect for more cozy and intimate shoots.
7. Hands in Hair
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Your hair is one of your most important assets as a girl, and you should use it! To do this pose, place both hands in your hair. Do it with a subtle lift of your chin and a smile to create that confident look. If you want something more subtle and dainty, you could also try tucking your hair behind your ear.
8. Hands Behind the Neck
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An elegant pose to try is placing your hands behind your neck. Put both hands behind the neck, with the fingers interlaced or gently touching. By doing this pose, you open up your chest and elongate your neck. This creates a graceful line and highlights your posture. Doing this in portrait shoots is perfect, because it accentuates the upper body and arms.
9. Hands in Pockets
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Going for this pose will give you a casual yet confident result. While standing or leaning slightly, place your hands in your pockets. You can pocket your hands fully or hook your thumbs on the outside.
To get the most out of this pose, make sure your posture is straight but not stiff. Combine this with a slight shift in weight to one leg for a more dynamic angle. This pose gives a laid-back, versatile and stylish vibe all at the same time.
10. Do a Twirl
Taking a picture while in motion creates the most dynamic and candid results. You could execute this by doing a twirl or moving as the shutter clicks. It’s best to do this while standing so you have more freedom of movement.
11. Lean Against a Wall
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Women use this pose for any type of shot. You can opt to lean your whole back or your shoulder against the wall. Also, you can keep your back straight for a firmer stance or arch your back a little for a more relaxed look.
12. Crossed Legs
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An extra amount of poise won’t hurt anyone, and you can achieve that with this pose. While seated or standing, cross one leg over the other at the knee or ankle. If you’re seated, you can rest your hands gently on your lap or on the arms of a chair. When you’re standing, you can place your hand on your hip or let it hang by the side.
Keep your back straight and your expression confident. This pose is great for accentuating the legs and creating graceful lines.
13. Lean Back
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In a photoshoot, the leaned back pose conveys a sense of relaxed confidence. You can do this pose while seated or standing against a surface. To do it, lean your upper body back slightly with a subtle head tilt. You can extend your legs slightly forward and rest your hands on your seat or behind you. This creates a dynamic silhouette while still keeping a laid-back vibe.
14. Head Tilt
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The slightest movement can change an image. A simple head tilt can transform your portrait from charming to introspective. In any position, you can tilt your head slightly to one side, creating an inviting look. You can look away from the camera or straight at it.
Or, you can also choose to tilt your head down and gaze at the camera. This subtle shift emphasizes your facial features, especially your eyes and jawline.
15. Hand on Hip
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Placing your hands on your hips is a classic pose for instant confidence. While standing, place one or both hands firmly on your hips. This creates a strong and assertive stance while accentuating your waist.
Make sure your posture is upright, with shoulders back and an open chest. This pose highlights your figure and makes it ideal for shoots where a powerful image is desired.
16. Use your Surroundings
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Nature is your best friend, especially when you’re taking outdoor pictures. This pose invites you to interact creatively with your environment. You could stand amidst trees, sit on a rock, or lean against a tree trunk. If you’re also near flowers, you could position your face next to the blooms for a romantic picture.
Keep a relaxed posture and expression to complete the natural look. You could maintain a curious or thoughtful look to add to the serene vibe. This is perfect for outdoor shoots where you can harmoniously engage with nature.
17. Rest Your Elbows
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Resting your elbows on a nearby surface is an elegant yet understated pose. In any position, simply place your elbows on a railing, table, armrest, or any available surface. Keep a relaxed posture, with slightly lowered shoulders and a straight back.
You can keep your fingers loosely clasped or lightly touch them on the surface. A gentle gaze into the camera or into the distance will complete the portrait.
18. Hide Behind a Scarf
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This pose is simple, charming, and alluring. Using a lightweight scarf, partially cover your face or create a veil-like effect. You can choose to just show your eyes or cover half of your face.
This pose is great for emphasizing the color of your eyes or your makeup. It brings attention to your features and natural expression. You should also use a scarf that will complement both your skin tone and the background.
19. Raise Your Arms
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Keeping your hands in the air will give you a portrait that screams energy and freedom. With your arms raised above your head, your figure is more emphasized and elongated. This also helps frame the face with the arms leading the viewer’s gaze to your features.
Your hands can be held together, loosely intertwined, or spread apart to add dynamic lines. This pose is perfect for elongating the body and highlighting your posture. It captures grace and vitality while in movement.
20. The Candid Look
The best portraits are the ones that are most natural. A candid pose all boils down to what you do naturally. You could be photographed while conversing or just laughing heartily to yourself.
This look is perfect if you want a sense of playfulness and charm in your portraits. You could improve this with a little creative direction. But, it’s best to trust your features and body to create the most unique photo.
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And that’s a wrap! Those were some of the best poses any woman can consider for their next photoshoot.
Contrary to popular belief, anyone can transform into a model in front of the camera. All it takes is a few shifts in posture, expression, and movement. More importantly, you should have confidence in yourself to execute any kind of pose!
Additionally, you should also remember to depend on your photographer for creative direction. With their expertise, they’ll recommend the best poses for you. Feel free to show them the poses here as inspiration.
We hope you were able to find a pose you liked in this list. Do you have other recommendations for graceful poses for women in photoshoots? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!
For a similar guide for men, make sure you read our list of the best photo poses for men! You are joining a photoshoot as a couple? Then read our guide on the best photo poses for couples. We also have a nice list of photo poses for families!
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