30 Simple Poses for Boys Perfect for Casual and Cool Photos
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.