
I had to restructure my blog posts recently and don’t have a whole lot of fashion based content coming only because most of us are not shopping and have been living in comfies for the past month. I can certainly add more fashion content back in if that’s what you all want to see so let me know in the comments below. Today, I’m talking posing; for photos that is and different ways you can do it.
I wanted to share what I’ve learned through trial and error over the years and put it all in one spot for you to reference. See the bottom of this post for more related blog posts. I’ve come a long way from the unflattering close up selfies and have tried many poses and angles to mix up my feed. Check out my Instagram account to see for yourself! There are so many things you can do to mix up your photos and my suggestions are below.
The Leg Out
Put a leg in front of you, off to the side or cross it over the other. It stirs up an otherwise boring straight on shot. Also, play with angles. By placing your camera lower to the ground at an upwards angle, it gives the subject more height. This method makes you look taller and makes your legs look longer. Play with your arm placement. Put your hand in your hair, on your hip, lean it on your leg or let it float out there.



The Squat / The Sit
The squat pose is more edgy and sassy and can really play up an outfit. This method also requires that your camera be placed lower to the ground so that when you are squatting/sitting, you’re looking into your camera at eye level or lower. The sit pose allows you to elongate your legs by stretching them out or crossing them to make the photo more visually interesting.



The Lean
Lean on someone or something to add angles into your photos. I like to do this post when next to buildings to make my photos more interesting. This method also allows you to pose with a bended knee or put your arm out.



Straight On
Straight on photos we’ve been doing since we started taking photos with those wind up cameras, anyone with me? It’s what I see the most of. Straight on is just that, straight at the subject; looking right at the camera. Don’t know what to do with your hands? I always put them in my pockets but you can put them in your hair, on your hip, let them hang, throw up a peace sign, blow a kiss.. play around with it.


The Close Up Selfie
I don’t do a whole lot of close up selfies anymore only because I like to capture my whole look or my surroundings. Tips for close up selfies: Put your tongue on the roof of your mouth and keep your lips slightly open. Bring your neck forward and tilt your head. Bring a shoulder forward. Elongate what you want to accentuate and expose your vulnerable features like your neck and collarbone.
The Mirror Selfie
I’m no stranger to showcasing an outfit via mirror selfie. Make sure you have a good background and it’s not too busy or messy and take it in good lighting like next to a window. I like to bring a leg forward to make it more interesting.


The Look Back
This pose is great if you want to showcase the back of an outfit and also it’s just more visually appealing than a straight on shot.



From The Back
Taking photos of your back is not only a great way to showcase the back of an outfit but also can bring the focus to a landscape.


The Landscape
Pose like you are part of the surrounding and not necessarily the focus. This is why I prefer not looking at the camera. For most of us, photos are for the memories and wouldn’t you want to remember the landscape of your favorite trip vs. just you standing on a beach in a tightly cropped photo so you can’t really tell where you are? Another example is above on the pier. Grab as much of your surroundings as you can.


Lifestyle – In Action Shots
I love lifestyle photos. Think of it this way; someone is videoing your life and from your highlight reel you take a few snapshots. That’s my view on lifestyle photos. The in action poses that are over posed but look effortless and fun. These shots create movement and I that’s why they’re my favorite.


The Kick
My new found love! I love a good kick pose to accentuate the legs, my shoes, or just to create new and fun angles. Try swinging your arms too, it makes it more interesting! Remember that a kick does not always have to be forward. Raise a leg back or just bring your knee up slightly for a bend.



The Profile
This pose can really show off your curves if you know how to to do it correctly. Instead of just standing to the side, bump a leg out, put a hand on your waist, do a slight turn of your shoulders and play up your strengths.



Also See
What Apps I Use To Edit My Photos
Thank you all so much for reading. Until next time,
Love all of these!! I tend to go with sitting or leg out! I haven’t been outside to take a photo in so long that I may forget how to take them! haha jk
Author
I feel the same way. I was making this post and reminded myself of all these, haha!
So many cute poses!! I’ll definitely be bookmarking this blog post for later. Thanks for the tips!
Miles of smiles,
Grace
gracefulrags.com
Author
Thank you so much, Grace. I’m so glad you found this post helpful. Be sure to subscribe too for more tips, styling tips and more!
Okah I am pinning this. So many great tips.
Author
I’m so glad you found this helpful! Thank you for pinning! 🙂