Christmas kitchen55 Must-Try Portrait Poses Every Photographer Should Try
How do you take the best portrait shots? If you’re wondering what’s the answer, then you’re in the right place!
Portrait pictures aim to capture the facial features and personality of one, or more, people. Whether it’s for work purposes, memories, or personal reasons, the photographer’s role is to make the model(s) feel confident, safe, and seen to bring out their most authentic self. This can feel challenging at times, together with understanding what the right pose might be for different portrait occasions.
Through these words, we aim to clear these doubts out!
Portraits are the ABC of photography, the number one shot that will be ever asked for! So it is key that as a professional photographer, you get the right tools, tips, and information to ensure you capture the perfect portrait according to the different photoshoot situations you encounter.
Keep on reading to discover our 55 portrait photo ideas as well as professional tips that will effortlessly enhance the high quality and personality of your images.
Female portrait poses
Female and male portrait photoshoots can be slightly different, although it really depends on the model’s character and what you’re aiming for during your shooting.
Let’s get more specific about female portrait poses.
1. The Sensual
Women are naturally sensual beings, and especially when portraying them during a photoshoot, it is really beautiful to capture their sensual nature. Get your model to either sit or stand on the side with her face turned towards the camera, advise her to keep her lips slightly open and stare deeply at the camera. Her arms could either be crossed or loose on the hips.
2. The side look
This one’s a simple, yet elegant portrait idea for a close-up shot. It is also very easy to shoot as you only need to have your model's face sideways, better if her hair is tied up or behind the ears so that her neck and chin can be highlighted. This portrait pose will especially stand out if taken in front of a plain backdrop, which will allow the model’s facial features to enhance and stand out.
3. The poser
Here’s a portrait pose that will give elegant and ethereal vibes. Advise your model to stand on the side with closed eyes and place her hand on her chin. This will give a magic, fairy-effect that will enhance her profile while adding personality to the picture.
4. Deep eyes
A classical portrait photo idea includes a close-up face-front pose, where your model gets to look straight at the camera and showcase the depth of her eyes and her close-shot facial features. If you get her to hold the face with her hands, it will add some cuteness and frame to the shot.
5. Feel like a goddess
In this portrait pose you can have your model feeling like a true goddess. Make her dress up, sit, or lay like a Greek queen in a stunning location and embrace all her divine femininity. As a photographer, it’s your role to cheer her up and make her feel beautiful and comfortable so that her inner goddess shows up in your shots. Add up some royal vibes by shooting this pose in front of an ethereally divine backdrop.
Image from Pexels
6. If you want to play safe…
This is the type of shot that can’t go wrong if you want to play it safe. The over-the-shoulder pose is a classic feminine pose that will make every model look pretty while adding a touch of femininity and glam.
Image from Pexels
7. The lean-on
If you want to include some external details in the picture, you can get your model to lean on something to add some personality. Whether you choose to let her lean on a column, a bridge, a nice piece of furniture, or a chair… it will enhance your picture and make her feel extra classy.
8. 1,2,3… Freeze
If what you’re looking for is an artistic portrait photo then check this out: suggest your model to keep her hair loose and move, dance, swirl, and, while in movement, take several shots of her. Then see the result, and you’ll notice how her hair adds up movement and shapes to the motion picture. It will look extra good as a close shot too.
Image from Pexels
9. The siren
If you have the chance to shoot your portraits from a body of water, then this shot will be a game changer! Have your model immerse in the water (it works best in pools, lakes, or bathtubs where the current is still) and get her to lie down as if the water were her pillow. See how beautiful her facial reflection will be and how magical she’ll look immersed.
Image from Pexels
10. The slothful
For this shot have your model lie down with one of her arms holding her head, so her face can show up, while her body is in a “rest pose”. This picture will give the chance for a full-body portrait to appear while enhancing the facial features.
Image from Pinterest
Male portrait poses
What about male portraits? You may ask.
We’ve got you covered! Keep on reading to get the best tips for men’s poses.
11. The handsome
Men don’t necessarily need as many details as women do for a great photoshoot. For a good men’s portrait, you can simply get your model to face straight at the camera, with a serious look or a bright smile. It will give a self-assured, confident look while enhancing his features.
Image from Pexels
12. Play with the shirt
A great tip for men’s portraits is to get him to play with his shirt or collar. It gives a somewhat sexy look while allowing him to have something to do with his hands.
13. Don’t forget the tie
Another variant of the same pose includes playing with the tie. If your model gets to dress up all elegant and his outfit includes a tie, this is a great alternative or extra shot you could take of him. Have him play with one hand on the tie and another in the pocket to play it extra cool. Make sure you shoot this in front of a plain background or matched-color backdrop, to allow his outfit to truly stand out.
14. The flirty
For another shot that will take away the awkwardness of what to do with the hands, you can get your model to pose in a stand-up position, staring in front of the camera, with one arm crossed and the other one on the chin - for an extra flirty look have him bite his finger while looking straight at the lens.
15. The cool one
Here’s a simple men’s portrait idea you can shoot for your model to feel secure and look extra groovy. Get him to simply stand in front of a nice wall or cool backdrop with either his hands in the pocket or arms crossed. Make him look straight at the camera or slightly on the side. It’s a simple, yet successful shot.
Image from Pexels
16. Take a seat
Get your model to sit down for a full-body portrait pose. Stairs are a great option to give a more urban vibe to the shot or you could get him to sit on a chair in a studio for a more elegant result, or add a themed backdrop, for a more personalized outcome.
Here’s a great portrait pose that will make your model look handsome, magnetic, and elegant. Have him lay on the side, or sit with a table support, and advise him to hold his head with one arm and place the other arm on his muscle. This portrait pose will ensure he uses both arms in a manly and pretty way, while his facial features are enhanced.
18. Time to look interesting
If what you’re aiming for through your portrait photos is to make your shot and model look interesting and characteristic, try this out. Get your model to sit in a cool location or in front of a nice backdrop writing in a notebook, reading a book, or a newspaper, while looking at the camera. This will make sure his facial features are fully highlighted but the overall scenery will add up to the photo’s personality and depth.
19. Embrace your inner gentleman
This one’s a portrait pose that will make your photo look elegant and your model like a classy gentleman. Make him face backward while looking towards the camera and a jacket over his shoulder. If he’s dressed up in a fancy way it will look refined and sophisticated; if he’s dressed up a bit more casual it will give a cool and groovy look. Both will end up in an attractive and appealing shot.
20. Head’s tickling
Whether your model has short hair or a slightly longer length, holding his arm in his mane as if he’s trying to fix it for the camera, will add to the portrait’s identity and your model’s personality.
Couple portrait poses
Now that we’ve explored some of the individual portrait ideas for both females and males, let’s get into the couple’s portrait poses.
These are some of the most asked-for portrait photoshoots as couples want to get their shooting together, especially for an engagement or during/after marriage to forever capture their love in time and always go back to it through the final shots.
So you, dear photographer, have a really important role here: to capture the depth of love! Couple portraits don’t only need to be professional and pretty, they need to express a feeling, the most beautiful of them all - the feeling of love and intimacy! You’re in safe hands! Keep reading to get our best tips and recommendations.
21. The smooch
Let’s start with the most classic couple pic: the kiss. There’s nothing more intimate and loving than a kiss between a couple to showcase their love and union. Take a close-up of their smooching moment, and keep your finger on the shutter button the whole time. This will allow you to take several shots of the moment: before, during, and after so that you get to capture them in motion and time.
Great tip: This shot looks best during sunset or sunrise, with the sun flairs and reflections between the lovers.
Image from Pexels
22. Twilight
Want to recreate some Edward and Bella in Twilight vibes? Here’s your shot! Get your beloveds to lay down (preferably outdoors, in nature, sand or grass, in an intimate bedroom, or on top of a floral backdrop) on opposite sides facing each other and holding one another with their arms. Shoot them from the top so you make sure to capture their loving expressions and their bodies lying down. It will look ethereal and magical.
Image from Pexels
23. The happy lovers
For this shot, you can get your models to sit in a natural, floral location filled with pretty details that will add to the scenery. Have them sit close to each other while facing the lens, and make them feel comfortable and safe to be themselves so that they can embrace their love and show it to the camera.
Image from Pexels
24. The protector
There’s nothing that feels more protective than a forehead kiss. This gentle kiss transmits a warm feeling of safety and affection. Get your models to stand sideways, one in front of the other while holding hands and suggest to the man of the couple (or the one’s that taller in the couple) to kiss the forehead of his beloved. It will turn into a tender, everlasting memory.
Image from Pexels
25. The Embrace
Hugs are another beautiful way to showcase deep love and intimacy. Since a simple hug photo could feel overrated, try getting your lovers to sit facing backward, next to each other, and hugging one another from the side. You can even suggest they touch their foreheads as if they’re leaning toward one another in a form of worship and respect.
Image from Pexels
26. Let’s run towards the future!
This is a great couple portrait idea, especially for lovers who just got married or are about to. The “running towards the future” is a shot that consists of the lovers holding each other’s hands and running - either facing the camera, facing backward, or both. Capture them in motion and see how artistically romantic this shot will turn into!
Image from Pexels
27. The spontaneous beloveds
If you’re capturing a real-life couple (and not doing a couple photoshoot for a particular campaign), this one’s the best portrait you could take of them: capture them in their spontaneity. Couples crave to have a photo shoot together so they can look back at the pictures and have their love framed in a photograph! The couple’s portraits are less about posing and more about showcasing a deep feeling of passion and devotion. Make them laugh, make them be themselves, and document it!
Image from Pexels
28. Sexy duo
If your models ask for it, or if you feel comfortable enough to suggest it (remember to always be respectful and empathic during your photoshoot: making your clients feel safe is the most important thing!) you can take a more intimate and personal shot of a moment resembling a lovemaking embrace. If they feel comfortable you can shoot them nude or with lingerie/sheets on. It will be a sexy, sensual, and private photo that they will always want to look back to!
We all know that couples dancing makes everything extra sweet and romantic! Invite your models to dance, put some music on to make them get in the mood, and capture them in their spontaneous motion moment. You can make this picture look extra characteristic if you capture it in the middle of a deserted street or front of an urban-looking backdrop.
30. Just married!
Here’s a classic, old-school, must-do shot especially for a recently married couple, or during a wedding: the man holding his lover in his arms. However, it doesn’t necessarily need to be taken only during or after marriage as wherever it will be taken it will look sweet, cheery, and romantic, especially if taken at the beach!
Family Portrait Poses
Another ever-asked-for photoshoot includes family portraits! Parents always crave a family shoot to capture in time their growing family, their young love that will inevitably age, and their babies or kids that will soon not be babies and kids anymore.
In family portrait poses, same as in couple’s photoshoots, it is essential you capture the bond, the tenderness, the spontaneity of the moment.
Let’s dive deeper!
31. The heart
An adorable family portrait idea includes the representation of a heart within the family embrace. It is especially great for a family of one or a maximum of two. Get the parents to stand one in front of the other while holding one kid each in the arms. Suggest them to look down towards the kid(s) while hugging each other! See how cute the outcome will be! This photo will turn out especially magical in backlit or with sun flairs.
Image from Pinterest
32. The pyramid
Think the Addams family but more smiley and colorful! Ideal for a large family photo shoot, get your family models to sit on the ground with the dad either being the base or the point, or and the other family members sitting accordingly to recreate a pyramid-style family portrait. This shot will look great outdoors or in front of a nature backdrop!
33. The nature lovers
If your clients love nature and want more of a farm-like environment photoshoot to make their family portraits look extra wild, you could get adventurous and look for a nice horse farm, or lake where you can get your models to sit and smile while the environment does its magic! If you don’t have the chance to wander, you can always opt for a nature backdrop that will allow you to have the same professional result but inwards, without the need to go too far away!
Image from Pexels
34. Home sweet home
If you would like your family portraits to have a less-posed and more natural and spontaneous vibe, this may be your perfect shot! Get them to sit in a bed (better if it’s their bed in their house to make it even more intimate) and shoot them during loving and tender family moments - a hug, kisses, cuddles, tickles, spontaneous laughs! This is especially great for families who have a newborn baby!
Image from Freepik
35. The squeeze
Who doesn’t love family hugs and snuggles!! For this sweet family portrait pose, get the mom to hold her son/daughter in her arms while the dad hugs both of them if there is only one child, or holds the other kid! This shot works great with a family of three but could work too with a fourth child held by the dad!
Image from Pexels
36. The unplanned shot
All families that aim to have a photo shoot to capture their ancestry love, crave to have their affection, timelessness, and uniqueness seized in time! A great family portrait idea and photographer’s tip is to have them get together in a group and while they get ready start shooting them, without telling them, without them having posed yet! This will grant access for you to arrest precious moments that only a spontaneous, unplanned shot can create. I’m sure they will really love and be surprised by the result!
Image from Shutterstock
37. The squad
A classical, memorable, family portrait photo idea includes having all the family members stand in a horizontal line while holding hands and walking toward the camera - a great variation can be done while facing backward. Have them walk naturally and capture them in movement! This shot will look great with all types of families, from a family of three to a large group.
Image from Shutterstock
38. The family tree
If you’re looking to shoot the whole family tree - ants, uncles, brothers, sisters, grandparents, etc. this one’s a really cute and sweet shot that will be forever cherished! Get the family tree roots (usually the grandparents) to stand in the front, while the rest of the family stands in the background. Make the grandparents hold each other’s hands, or hug one another as a symbol of ancestral creation.
39. The tunnel of joy
Here’s a fun idea that will be bonding for the family and will end up in a great shot too! It is only possible to shoot for a large family. Get the elders to stand in pairs one in front of the other with the arms up and stretched creating a sort of tunnel, and get the young ones to run into it towards the camera. A great tip is for you to stand on the ground so you can shoot the image from downwards to up.
Image from Shutterstock
40. Human train
Another playful family time idea involves getting your models to create a “human train”, with the dad as the front wagon, the mom, and the firstborn following. It’s a family portrait idea that works best with a large family group. You could either have them create a classic train, with both hands placed on the shoulders, or simply hold hands while moving forward. Both versions will ensure a creative and fun shoot.
41. The hug
A good-old classic and safe-played family portrait involves the whole family sitting, or standing, facing backward, and side by side hugging one another. This is a creative photo that will resemble unity, affection, and bonding and that your clients will for sure love looking back at.
Image from Shutterstock
42. Mom’s ours!!
If you’re looking for a more creative and unique family portrait idea, you can suggest a fun scene: get the parents to hug each other sweetly and their kid(s) to pull the mom towards them almost claiming “Mom’s only for us!!”. It will make your family models laugh and smile while shooting this scene and you’ll be able to capture really cute and spontaneous moments transforming into an everlasting fun picture.
Image from Pexels
43. The sandwich
Here’s another classic, yet fun family portrait idea that consists of getting the dad to lay down on his stomach, on top of him the mom, then the first-born and so on, to recreate a sort of sandwich, with the kids and dad being the bun and the mom being the filling! See how entertaining and amusing this will be to shoot! The most diverting photos always end up having the coolest and most spontaneous result!
Image from Shutterstock
44. The teammates
This shot works best with an even number family, a family of four or six (or more, of course). Split them in two groups and get the parents to sit opposite sides leaning onto one another’s back and holding their kids in their lap. This will give a nice “teammate” vibe to the picture resulting in a memorable family portrait.
Image from Shutterstock
45. The twirl
An unmissable shot includes a lively family dance, where your models get to amusingly connect and express their quirkiness with their best moves! Get them to simply be and enjoy themselves plus one another. This family portrait will showcase their unique bond and their groove.
Image from Shutterstock
Kid Portrait Poses
Kids' portraits are another type of photoshoot that is always asked for! This is because kids get to grow so fast, without even realizing it, and parents aim to capture their essence, youth, and cuteness in an eternal frame that will boundlessly preserve them.
Kids are not professional models, nor they’re willing to stay still and pose. So kids’ portrait poses can be especially challenging for photographers but don’t worry, we’ll dive into some tips and great ideas so that you can capture the purest essence of children too.
Keep reading!
46. Let kids be kids
You can’t expect children to do exactly what you’d like them to or to stay still (at least not most of them). If you want to play safe during your kid portrait and have a great result: let kids be kids. Especially if your shoot involves more than one child, go out in nature and let them play - jump, dance, smile, wear costumes, or bring their toys. This will end up in a beautiful picture that won’t just capture their innocence and youth, but also their joyful and playful nature.
Image from Shutterstock
47. The wild ones
A similar variant can be of the kid(s) running in a wild field or beach. This will be especially powerful and impactful if captured from the back as it will represent the kids wildly running towards their future, but it can also be beautifully recreated shot front ways with their expressions captured too.
Image from Shutterstock
48. Cutie pie
A kid portrait must-do involves a close-up of the child. He/she won’t have that cute, innocent, baby face forever and it is beautiful to have it endlessly captured! For this shot, have the parents standing next to you to make their child laugh, smile, and feel as comfortable as possible. While they do so, make sure to take several shots while also contributing to the safety and ease of the kid - crack a joke, be friendly and tender. This shot will look great in front of a cool backdrop you could also get your model kid to choose the backdrop to involve him/her in the shooting’s scenery.
Image from Pexels
49. The cool kid
This is the same variation, but, instead of cracking jokes and getting the child to smile or laugh, make him/her feel like the coolest kid ever! Give him/her some accessories like stylish hats, scarves, and sunglasses… then get him/her to feel like a superhero or like a trendy movie character. This will create a bond with you and transform into a personality-filled photograph.
Image from Pexels
50. One with the furry friend
If the model kid has a pet who he’s connected with, it would be great to have a shoot together! Pets are a very important and special part of a kid’s childhood and it will be such a tender and sweet memory to look back at one day. Also, including the pet will make the child feel at home, safe, and accompanied during the shooting which will also make it easier for you to capture some incredible photos.
Image from Pexels
51. From the top
Another close-up idea to make sure you get all the kid’s features captured includes a picture from the top. Get the child to lie on the ground (it’s best taken in nature) and again suggest the parents stand next to you so they make their kid feel at ease and laugh. This shot will be great if you get the kid to look at the camera
Image from Pexels
52. Sibling’s love
If your kids’ portrait involves siblings, a great idea is to recreate the same picture from the top but with the brother/sister love. This shot will look great especially if it includes a newborn baby so that the age gap can be enhanced through the top shot.
Image from Pexels
53. The flower child
Flowers simply make everything beautiful! Kids are already super sweet and cute by nature, but with the addition of flowers or a flower field, the beauty of the shot will effortlessly enhance. Give your little model a flower to play with or bring her/him to a blossom field for your portrait photoshoot and see how the pictures will immediately take personality.
Image from Pexels
54. Bubbly!
A great photographer tip for your kid portrait is: to make the photoshoot as fun as possible! Make it feel like a game, like an entertaining moment for the child to enjoy and be excited with so she/he can showcase it to the camera too. To make this possible, a good idea is to bring a bubble blower - this will not only allow your little model to have fun, feel comfortable, and enjoy the moment, but it will also add to the photo’s scenery making it look extra vibey and pretty.
Image from Pinterest
55. The Picasso shot
Another option to make the kid's portrait creative and artistic is to bring some youth-friendly colors and make the little model embrace his/her inner painter. This is a great idea because you could shoot the kid in painting action and once finished you can take some close-ups of him/her with the final result and with the painting all over their hands and face. It will be engaging for the kid and fun for you to capture. You can add up some extra color by shooting this picture in front of a rainbow paint backdrop too!
Image from Pexels
Whether you will capture a portrait of a solo person, a couple, kids, or families… we hope these ideas left you inspired and filled with creativity so you can suggest the best, and most effective, pose for your model(s) to strike!
Let us share more!
Backdrops - The Portrait Photos Game Changer
Yes, using backdrops during your portrait photoshoot will ultimately step up your photography game!
However, what is more important than using backdrops is selecting the perfect backdrops that will match the vibe, the lighting, the personality, and the color scheme of your shooting.
When properly chosen, backdrops have the power to enhance your photo aesthetic, completely transforming it into a high-quality and personality-filled result!
When selecting your perfect, and most suitable, backdrop you need to make sure that it:
- Enhances beauty
- Boosts personality
- Adds up depth and dimension
- Creates harmony
- Increases professionalism
Let’s dive deep into each one!
1. Enhances Beauty
Many people, when wanting a portrait taken, aim for their facial features to truly enhance and stand out! This is why you must choose simple backdrops that are simple, don’t have lots of patterns, or are solid colors.
This selection will allow your subject to stand out, highlighting your model’s beauty, features, and expressions as your backdrop will not be distracting or disturbing. Instead, it will provide a clean and subtle scenery that will give space for your model to shine!
Bonus tip: make sure you keep the focus on the subject by minimizing shadows, using the perfect lighting, and not using distracting accessories.
2. Boosts Personality
Before taking a portrait you must ask yourself what is the emotional impact you aim to achieve through the shooting.
Once you take some time to analyze this, choosing the perfect backdrop will be way easier and it will help you set up the mood and tone you wish to give to your images.
Do you wish to convey a joyful and lively feeling through the shots? - then a vibrant backdrop will be ideal…
Or you’re more about a calm and introspective mood? - definitely go for the softer tones.
Maybe you want to go all the way into a loving scenery - a romantic backdrop is right for you.
The backdrop you select plays a significant role in expressing the emotion and style you desire to convey, as well as adding up so much personality and identity.
3. Adds Up Depth and Dimension
Selecting the perfect backdrop also results in enhancing the depth and dimension of your photo outcome!
If you aim to create this deeper, visually interesting, effect, then a textured or layered backdrop will be ideal to add more attraction, without suppressing the main subject(s). Slightly gradient backdrops can create a sense of space and perspective giving a sense of being outdoors but with the comfort and professionalism of being in your studio - some textured backdrops that add dimensions include brick walls or fabric drapes.
4. Creates Harmony
The theme is essential when choosing a backdrop as it is all about the essence you aim to convey through the picture, the model’s outfit, and the accessories you wish to add to enhance the photo’s personality and style.
Make sure you coordinate colors and styles with your model by having an open communication with your subject and make sure you both create a harmonious look that creates a homogeneous vibe that does not clash but rather feels good to the eye!
5. Increases Professionalism
When you invest in high-quality backdrops, you are also investing in your photo’s professionalism. That’s why it’s important to pick a backdrop that is durable and versatile, avoiding choosing low-quality ones that might get damaged and wrinkled, resulting in poorer photo quality.
After you select your high-quality backdrop, make sure you also take good care of it by giving it the right maintenance!
Selecting the right backdrop can be all you need to transform the quality’s result of your photo shoots!
We hope you found these tips and ideas helpful and inspiring so that you will be extra prepared and motivated during your next portrait gigs.
Remember to make your models feel at ease and capture their essence to ensure your pictures have the best outcome!
