Posing are among the few things that, when done correctly, can make an incredibly simple photograph iconic. But many portrait photographers know it’s not as easy as it looks to photograph. It is even going to be difficult to think about creative poses when you’re working besieged, so having some poses in mind before you begin shooting can really help ensure a smooth shoot. Here are ideas for female poses to relinquish you some inspiration for your next portrait photoshoot.
Remember to give a sneak-peek at our Hamstech Photography Course, which has over 4 different courses with a weekend course option to help those who are looking to switch careers.
First we are going to start with the posing styles for female models. Here are the posing styles for portrait photography.
1.Hands Together in the Front
This versatile pose works for a variety of shots for portraits. Facing slightly away from the camera, ask the model to bring her hands together in front of her face. This particular pose is not only slimming, but it can also be a good option if your model is unsure of what to do with her hands. Your model must be looking exactly the same as the above picture. See how beautiful the above portrait is with her hand in-front of her.
2.One Leg in Front of the Other
Sometimes simple works the best. For reference, how about a standing pose? For this pose, your model needs to face towards the camera, with one leg crossing in front of the other, that can either be the left foot or the right, depending on how confident she is and comfort with her outfit. Her hands could remain at sides, in her pockets or placed in front of her. A slightly forward lean may also add a playfulness and give you a stunning output of the photography.
3.Resting Elbows
Whether you’re shooting on location or working in the studio, this pose is an easy one that allows you to incorporate some interesting props. It can also help to make your model feel more easy. Whether your model is seated or standing, place her behind the object. For example, a gate if you’re on location or the back of the chair/table, as per your surroundings. Ask her to slightly lean forward and place both elbows on the object which you set for your photographing. Her hands can be in resting mode or one hand could be raised-up, placed under her chin.
4.Walking Natural
Walking shots don’t always look the best in all the cases. If you are thinking about getting a walking shot, don’t worry. Ask your model to pose as she is walking. This could be towards the camera for the front view, away from the camera for the back or across the camera for a slim and flattering pose. It is a good idea to have the leg closest to the camera i.e.; in front of the camera. Her eye contact can be of her comfort like – looking at the floor or ahead of her or for a more playfulness, she could tilt her head back slightly and laugh, which should resemble like she is laughing at someone while having a talk.
5.Chin Down, Looking up
There’s a good reason for almost every portrait photographer asking their model to adopt this pose at least once. This is nothing but, your model must be slightly tilting her chin down, that helps to elongate the face and make it look more slimmer, while the upward gaze is going to create a way of engagement and confidence. This pose is best and well suits for almost every type of shot and is easily suitable for everything. Don’t worry, here is an example of this pose. Look at the above picture, how attractive? Here when the chin is down, her eyes are the point of contact. Giving her eyes an expressive look will give you the playfulness for your photography.
6.Indirect Gaze
Very often an obvious thing is portraiture has the subject looking at the camera to create a sense of engagement. But, is that mandatory? No, not at all, that doesn’t mean you need to follow the same. Sometimes let us try something different. Ask your model not to look at the camera and create a sense of intrigue for a unique outcome. I know now you are wondering about, what is the subject looking at? And what are they thinking about? To guide your model where to look, move your hand around and let her follow it with her head. Finally, when you find a position that looks best, let her keep looking at what was exactly behind your hand. By doing this, you will be getting the best outcome than the ever direct contact with your camera.
7.Stretching Arm
This is a great pose for females for creative portrait photography. Without trying too hard, you can make it out easy and perfect. To make this pose, your model has to stretch her arm towards the camera. But, to make it perfect, you should be focusing on the model’s face by blurring the hand.
8.Looking Over the Shoulder
This is a common pose for women that can be almost used for any type of shot. Model slightly away from the camera, looking back at you over her shoulder. Be aware of not to turn too far so that the pose might look strained. See what feels comfortable with your model but still looks good. To add much fun, her hands may be in her pockets or resting on her legs.
9.Hands on the Hips
This pose is really easy to make out and a great way to make your model appear more confident. Model should be placing one hand on her hip, with the other resting on her leg. For more creative shots, your model can experiment with creating interesting angles with her body. By putting one leg intent on the side or both hands on her hips. This can easily be adapted depending on your model’s confidence and therefore the mood of the image.
10.Leaning Against a Wall
Another classic look, leaning against a wall. It is a great way to build interaction between your subject and the environment. Search for elements like a wall, window ledge or even rocks for your model to pose. She can lean against the surface either sideways or backwards. Look at the picture above, hands in her pockets and leaning backwards on a wall, it is a great choice if you want to show off the outfit. You can even use any background to narrate a story about the subject.
11.Touching the Face
Posing by touching your face is really a great option for close up portraits and a quick way to add playfulness to your photos. For this pose, the model should place one hand on her face, touching her cheek, chin, mouth or even hair. Keep in mind where she places her hand as it plays a crucial role as it has an impact on the mood of the image. For example, placing her hand on her mouth may come across as a beautiful photo than if she places it on her chin. Make sure to pay attention to the positioning of her fingers as well, they should form an elegant ‘staircase’ shape.
12.Sitting on a Sofa
Are you shooting indoors and looking for something different other than your usual standing poses? Model sitting on the edge of a sofa can be great for a relaxed casual shot. Ask your model to position on the arm of the sofa, which will allow to comfortably lean back and rest her elbow on the back of the seat. The eye look of your model can be of her choice, either she can look directly towards the camera or into the distance. If you’re shooting slightly wider, for a more confident, elegant look, ask your model to cross her legs.
13.Lying on the Floor
This is the utmost simplest pose ever. This pose must be so relaxed, all your model needs to do is just lie on the floor casually. To look more relaxed, your model can put hands in her hair, raise her legs up, weigh on her stomach and much more which makes the model look so casual and relaxed. This is so functional, as it goes very well with any kind of portrait photography.
14.Sitting with Knees Up
This is a great pose for your set on location as well as female portrait studio shoots. Set a suitable position for your model to sit, this might be either the floor or a chair within the studio or somewhere outside in locations, ask the model to bring her knees crossing towards her chest. And rest her arms on knees. In outside location sets this may create a stimulating perspective and permit you to include items like grass or flowers for a more interesting composition.
15.Power Pose
Add a bit more attitude to your images. This is a way to make your model look cool, confident and in control. Your model should shift her weight on to one leg and step the opposite one outside. For Clear understanding, if her weight is on her right leg, her left leg should be out by the side. Her right hand should reach up to her hair. For a more powerful pose, place her hand on her hip. The other shoulder should be slightly raised along with her hand resting on her leg. Your model looking away from the camera can provide a more aloof feel. But this pose works well with a direct look at the camera too.
16.Hands in Pockets
This is a great option for relaxed portraits with outfit-dependent. Having hand in pockets makes your model feel more comfortable if they’re not keen on what to do with their hands. For a simply casual look your model should put her hands in pockets or even just hook in her thumbs into pockets. To create some interesting angles and shapes for something more fun, the model can lean towards the camera slightly and angle her elbows out. This will go smooth for full-length portraits as well.
17.Hair Flip
Flipping hair is even though a common female photography pose, you can add this also to your photo list. Only the thing that your model needs to do is just flip her hair by closing her eyes. This will avoid awkward expressions. For this pose, you should be using a fast shutter speed to take sharp photos.
- Sitting on Stairs
Staircases offer plenty of posing opportunities along with making some interesting backgrounds for photoshoots. Ask your model to take a seat at a slight angle, extending her legs in front of her along with her ankles crossed, in a very comfortable position. The hand which is close to the camera should rest on the stairs next to her. The other hand can be resting on her knee. Alternatively, she will be able to also rest her face on her hands or just cross her arms by leaning forward onto her knees.
These are some of the common poses for women that you can try yourself for your next portrait photography shoot.
Since there is so much to learn in this field, it is important that you choose the right course and college to pursue. Hamstech, with its experience of over 29 years in the field of creative education, is known as one of the best institutes to learn Photography. Our course in Photography is perfect for beginners and if you want to improve your skills. Hamstech offers you different courses like – BA Hons, Short term course , certificate and weekend courses, which you can pursue either online or regular. With our constant support from our professionals and celebrity mentor Avinash Gowariker, you can enhance all your photography skills. By the end of the course, you can be placed in one of our 200+ placement partners, which will be a good start for your career.
Avinash Gowariker is an Indian photographer who has predominantly worked in the Indian film Industry. Is one of the most celebrated photographers in Bollywood because of the distinguished contributions he has made through his photographs. He has captured celebrities like Amitabh Bachchan, Amir Khan, Hema Malini, Arjun Kapoor, Sonakshi Sinha among others. He has shot for clients from PETA to D’Décor and editorials for Filmfare and L’Officiel, to name a few. Through Hamstech’s Photography classes, he will share his thoughts and suggestions in this competitive industry and his experience working with some top brands which helps students to get more passionate and inspired.
So, why late? Join now in our Hamstech Photography Course and turn your passion for photography into the profession. Enroll now!!