30 Simple Poses for Boys Perfect for Casual and Cool Photos

Six different simple poses for boys.

Are you a photographer who’s just been assigned a boy photoshoot gig? Then you’re in the right place!

Many times, when photo shooting men, it can be easy to fall into routine, boring shots or panic on what to advise your model to do for the picture to have a good result…

But you don’t need to worry! The following words will share tips, advice, and inspiration on simple poses for boys so that you arrive well-prepared and motivated for your next gig!

Let’s get into 30 casual, simple, beginner-friendly boy poses!

Simple and creative pose ideas

If what you aim for through your photo shoot is to have a portray-looking shot of your model to enhance his physical features and highlight his face, then let’s dive into simple and creative pose ideas you can experiment and play with.

1. The thinker

Men mostly love to feel manly during their photoshoots, so thinking about poses that make them feel cool is a plus. One idea is to suggest he strikes a “thinker” pose with his hand on his chin.

A man strikes a “thinker” pose with his hand on his chin.

2. The friends

Sometimes boys like to have some support and pose with a friend. If this is the case you can get creative with the two models and have them match the outfits and pose eccentrically as cool brothers.

Two boys match their outfits and pose eccentrically as cool brothers.

Image from Pexels

3. The spontaneous

A simple idea that helps your model take the stress away is to have him walk spontaneously while you have a close-up shot of his authenticity taken. Creating depth of field is a bonus tip for this kind of shot.

A man wears a black turtleneck sweater and sunglasses.

4. The portrait

A boy pose must-do includes a shot of your model facing the camera and looking at the lens while striking a smile! A simple portrait shot that will enhance all his facial features.

A young man smiles brightly.

Image from Pexels

5. The nature lover

For the nature lover boys and the ones who think outside the box, consider having a shot of your model while his face lays on the ground, surrounded by wildflowers, to showcase oneness and uniqueness while focusing on his features.

A man's face lays on the ground, surrounded by wildflowers, to showcase oneness and uniqueness.

Image from Pexels

6. The hipster

Some men are all about the style. If your model happens to be the hipster kind then have him dress up accordingly while you proceed to shoot him while he moves eccentrically in front of an abstract backdrop that will add to the photo’s personality while focusing on his unique style.

A man in a suit and sunglasses sits confidently.

7. The cool boy

The same variation can be shot with the model facing directly the lens, for a less personal but more facial-enhanced shot.

A bearded man in sunglasses leans casually against a wall.

8. The framing

If your model struggles to decide what to do with his hands, or if he wants to be particularly unique with his pose then this might be perfect for you - suggest he frames his eyes with his hands in a director-looking style. Focus your lens on the eyes between his fingers.

A man frames his eyes with his hands in a director-looking style.

Image from Pexels

9. The fruity smile

For a unique outcome, consider using a fruit like a watermelon, as a prop to play with for an extra fun and color addition to the shot. Have him place the piece of fruit in front of his mouth as if it were his smile!

A man place the piece of watermelon in front of his mouth as if it were his smile!

Image from Pexels

10. The Fancy

Some men are all about elegance and class. If this sounds like your model then take advantage of his fancy personality and shoot him while wearing a classy outfit and striking a confident pose.

A man wears a classy outfit and striking a confident pose.

11. The creative

A way to shoot your model in an elegant way while still having a “think outside the box” shot is by having him stand while holding onto something creative, like a mirror, a plant, a small sculpture.

A man in a suit stands confidently, holding a mirror in his hands.

Image from Pexels

12. The aesthetic

If what you crave is a more aesthetic and artistic result, you can consider shooting at sunset to play safe while you play with the flares and sunshine!

A man is silhouetted against a vibrant sunset sky.

13. The smoker

Smoke is a smooth photo enhancer, as it can be easily played with to create a cool, artistic, and stylish outcome! Advise your model to light up a cigarette and smoke it up to create a sensual, mysterious, and creative photo outcome.

A man sits in the sofa, lighting up a cigarette.

Image from Pexels

14. The lean on

Another way your model can take away the pressure of finding something to do while resulting in a cool-looking shot is by suggesting he leans on something - like a chair or a column - in an unbothered, and confident way.

A man with long beard leans on a chair in a confident way.

Image from Pexels

15. The poser

A variation to leaning on is sitting on something like an urban scenery or graffiti wall - or urban-looking backdrop.

A man sits on the ground with one hand resting on his knees.

Image from Pexels

16. The casual

Without overthinking your shot so much, try going as minimal as possible for a casual and simple pose for boys - like one where your model stands in front of a plain backdrop while simply casually staring at the lens.

A man stands in front of a orange backdrop while simply casually staring ahead of him.

Image from Pexels

17. The classy

For a more classy result, advise your model to dress up less casually, maybe wearing a nice shirt and posing while fixing up his collar or necktie if he decides to wear one.

A man wears a nice shirt and posing while fixing up his collar.

Image from Pexels

18. The stylish

If your model is one of a kind and the type of man who loves to express his personality through his stylish way of getting dressed, have him wear his favorite eccentric outfit, with accessories such as hats and sunglasses, and pose in it self-assured.

A man with long hair wears hats and sunglasses, and poses in it self-assured.

Image from Pexels

Personality-filled Pose Ideas For Boys

What if your photoshoot is not only about physical features, but aims to capture the vibe and personality of your model? Then, you must connect with your client’s essence to truly understand his authentic nature and what he aims to convey through the shot.

Here are some ideas.

19. The adventurer

If he aims for his adventurous and curious energy to be captured through the shot, you can consider choosing a stunning-looking location where your model can sit or stare while you proceed to capture both him and the natural beauty, in a real adventurer-looking style.

A man sits in a cave, gazing out at a breathtaking mountain view.

Image from Pexels

20. The intellectual

If your model cares less about appearance but prefers to highlight a vibe through the shot, consider connecting with his essence. Maybe he’s the intellectual, poetical kind of man who would love to express his literal side by having a shot of him captured while writing or reading.

A man sits at a table, focused on a book placed in front of him.

21. The technological

To showcase more of the businessman kind of vibe, consider taking a shot of your model working on the laptop and maybe on the phone. This shot will give a successful man vibe.

A man works at a table, focused on his phone and laptop.

22. The whiskey lover

One for the classy men who love their whiskey on the rocks cannot be missed! Consider shooting this at a night pub or re-creating a pub-like scenery in your studio in front of a backdrop. Have your model sip on whiskey for a mysterious, classy, and vintage effect.

A man sits at a bar, casually enjoying his whiskey.

Image from Pexels

23. The manly ride

Nothing whispers more manhood than a man driving his car with confidence and connection! Consider taking a shot of your model while driving, either from the backseat or from outside while his window is open.

A man in the driver's seat, hands on the steering wheel.

Image from Pexels

24. The biker

For the biker boys, another variation can be taken by shooting your model on his bike instead of the car.

A man wearing sunglasses confidently rides a motorcycle.

25. The sporty

Some men love to be captured for their sporty, athletic nature. Maybe they love to box or to play basketball or football. Have a shot of them while rocking their favorite sport.

A man is boxing with another man.

26. The wild one

Is your model more of the wild kind? An idea would be to shoot him in nature, perhaps with his dog or with some wild animals, or in front of a wild-looking backdrop.

A man poses in nature, with his dog.

Image from Pexels

27. The dancer

If while discussing with your model you realize that he has a passion for dance and movement, you should take advantage of this art and take some shots while he strikes a move or follows the rhythm of his favorite song.

A man is dancing, following the rhythm of a song.

Image from Pexels

28. The athlete

A picture while your man is on the move - running, jumping, doing a handstand - is a great way to showcase his talent while taking a great in-movement shot.

A man with hat and orange T-shirt is running.

Image from Pexels

29. The yogi

Whether your model is into yoga or not, having a shot of him sitting in a lotus position with his palms together is a great way to showcase peace and connection through the shot. This is great if your model aims to convey a message of serenity and depth.

A man is into yoga, sitting in a lotus position with his palms together.

Image from Pexels

30. The surfer boy

What if your model is the surfer boy kind instead? He doesn’t necessarily need to be a surfer, but maybe he’s more of the beach boy type that prefers to be bare chest and do the shakas with his hands! If this is the case, have him pose with a surfboard on the beach for a cool, personality-filled, outcome.

A man poses with a surfboard on the beach.

How to Select the Perfect Backdrop For Boy Photoshoot?

Of course, boys can be captured in a beautiful location wherever you both feel it better fits the theme you wish to convey.

However, shooting in a studio always makes things easier as it takes away the stress of finding the perfect location, the perfect weather, and the privacy wanted. Also, when shooting in a studio there is always the chance to purchase the most desired backdrop that perfectly fits the vibe while adding up professionalism and quality to the final result.

Here are some tips you need to consider before choosing your backdrop:

1. Understand your client’s desire

Communicating with your client is key before you pick your backdrop. This is essential to understand what is the desired outcome of the shot - for example, if your model aims to have his facial features enhanced then it will be best to select a seamless paper backdrop, if, instead, he’d prefer to have a personality-filled outcome then a themed backdrop would be ideal. Only through open communication can you truly have the desired outcome and therefore choose the perfect backdrop.

A man in black stands with his hand on his head.

2. Agree on the outfit selection

It is as much important to discuss the wanted vibe, as it is to discuss the outfit. If your model has an outfit idea in mind it is key that you know this before selecting your backdrop so you make sure you choose a compatible or contrasting backdrop color scheme so the outcome will be harmonious and pleasing.

A man in a green hat and a leopard print shirt poses confidently for the camera.

3. Take the correct measurement

You need to make sure you choose the perfect size when selecting your backdrop by properly measuring your studio and understanding the amount of external elements and props that will be needed for your shooting.

A man in a suit sits on a chair beside a lamp.

You can read our full guide on how to properly select the perfect backdrop size here.

There truly are so many shots ideas and tips for all kinds of models. Whether your model is the sporty type, the spiritual, the intellectual, or the classy handsome… It is great to showcase his personality and capture it in an everlasting shot.

Leave a comment

All comments are moderated before being published.

This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.