No matter how skilled you are or how beautiful your model is, it is essential that you know how to pose your model.
Usually, knowing how to pose models and make them confident is the difference between a successful shoot and a mediocre one.
In this article, we will show you amazing model poses that are guaranteed to produce gorgeous images. We’ll take a look at the classic poses from standing and seated poses, right through to special poses and even action poses. So let’s take a look and find the perfect model poses for you.
Standing Poses
Standing poses can be tricky to master but follow our guide for flawless results.
1. Model Facing Camera: Wide Legs
Simply stand your model in front of you, facing you, with their feet fairly wide apart. This creates a shape with the model’s body, which takes a basic idea from boring to brilliant.
![A model stands on a road holding an umbrella](https://www.photoblog.com/learn/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Photo-by-Ali-Pazani-on-Unsplash-6-819x1024.jpg)
2. Model Facing Camera: Shot from Below
Keep the same pose as number 1, but crouch down low and shoot from below: this makes your model appear taller and thinner. Ask the model to bring their hands to their collar for more of a fashion shoot feel.
![A model in yellow faces the camera with her hands holding her collar](https://www.photoblog.com/learn/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Photo-by-Dom-Hill-on-Unsplash-740x1024.jpg)
3. Model Facing Camera: Legs Crossed
Keep the basic model pose the same, but ask the model to cross their legs one in front of the other. This can change the mood of the shot by making your subject seem shy or thoughtful. You could also ask them to turn their head away slightly if necessary.
![A model stood in a pink coat underneath some arches](https://www.photoblog.com/learn/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Photo-by-freestocks.org-on-Unsplash-683x1024.jpg)
4. Model Facing Camera: The Fake Walk
If you have limited space to work with, a fake walk works well. Keep the same basic facing pose but ask your model to start to take a natural step forward with their front foot, but to freeze as they bring that foot down.
![A model in a blue top and skirt walking down a road](https://www.photoblog.com/learn/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Photo-by-Sharon-McCutcheon-on-Unsplash-683x1024.jpg)
5. Model Facing Camera: The Fake Step
Still facing the camera, you need a staircase for this pose. Ask your model to step down naturally onto the next step, while her other foot remains on the previous step. This is great if the model is wearing a long dress or has long hair, as it captures movement.
![A model in a red dress and sunglasses walks down some steps](https://www.photoblog.com/learn/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Photo-by-Melody-Jacob-on-Unsplash-683x1024.jpg)
6. Model Facing Camera: The Angled Glance
Ask your model to turn their body so it is at a 45-degree angle to the camera. The leg nearest the camera should be slightly bent and their head should face in the opposite direction to their body, slightly turned away. This creates a nice shape in the model’s body.
![A model in a red dress is reflected in a mirror, framed by a window in a door](https://www.photoblog.com/learn/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Photo-by-Ben-Scott-on-Unsplash-644x1024.jpg)
7. Model Facing Camera: The ‘s’ Shape
Here the model creates a sharp ‘s’ shape with her body. You must get her to lean slightly onto one hip, place the hand from the same side onto the opposite hip, and her other hand on the side of her head. The model should look past the camera.
![A black and white photo of a model with her hand on her head](https://www.photoblog.com/learn/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Image-by-Irina-Gromovataya-from-Pixabay-785x1024.jpg)
8. Model Facing Camera: Use Props
Use some props to create a more relaxed look. Fairy lights, hats, scarves to statement big jewelry can add an extra something to your shot.
![A model stands in the woods holding a string of tiny lights](https://www.photoblog.com/learn/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Photo-by-Allef-Vinicius-on-Unsplash-683x1024.jpg)
9. Model Facing Camera: The Twist
Ask your model to join their hands behind their lower back and twist so that one of their shoulders is facing the camera. Their face should also be pointing towards the camera, with a neutral expression.
![A model in a red dress and blue headdress facing the camera](https://www.photoblog.com/learn/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Photo-by-Carlos-Vaz-on-Unsplash-643x1024.jpg)
10. Model Facing Camera: Body Framing
Framing your subject is one of the most simple yet effective model poses to master. You could use a doorway, archway or even the model’s arm and hairstyle to beautifully frame them.
![A model in a pale blue jumper](https://www.photoblog.com/learn/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Photo-by-Fezbot2000-on-Unsplash-718x1024.jpg)
11. Standing: Back to Wall
Ask your model to lean back against a wall and turn her body at a 45-degree angle to face you. Direct her chin towards the camera and to use her arms to frame her face.
![A model in a burgundy dress stands with her back to a wall](https://www.photoblog.com/learn/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Photo-by-Ali-Pazani-on-Unsplash-8-819x1024.jpg)
12. Standing: Shoulder to Wall
To create a more relaxed leaning pose, the model can lean against the wall using only their shoulder, facing you, with their hands in their pockets. This is one of the best model pose for headshots.
![A model faces the camera, leaning her shoulder against an orange wall](https://www.photoblog.com/learn/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Photo-by-Bruce-Dixon-on-Unsplash-683x1024.jpg)
13. Standing: Arm on Wall
This is similar to the last pose but uses the model’s arm instead of their shoulder. The model leans on the wall using one arm or hand for support, looking down or towards the camera.
![A model leans against a wall using her arm with a backlight behind her](https://www.photoblog.com/learn/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Photo-by-Ali-Pazani-on-Unsplash-2-1024x643.jpg)
14. Standing: Face the Wall
To give images a more intimate feel, ask your model to face and lean forwards onto a wall, but to direct their face towards the camera.
![A model leans against and faces a wall](https://www.photoblog.com/learn/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Photo-by-Mehrdad-Haghighi-on-Unsplash-1024x683.jpg)
15. Standing: Looking Back over Shoulder
Ask your model to face a 45-degree angle away from you, but ask her to look back at you over her shoulder. This adds sultry depth to any shot.
![A woman in a long white dress looks back over her shoulder at the camera](https://www.photoblog.com/learn/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Photo-by-Ali-Pazani-on-Unsplash-3-819x1024.jpg)
16. Standing: Sideways Glance
Ask your model to stand sideways and gently hug herself using one or both arms. Then ask her to look at the camera with her head tilted slightly backwards, creating a soft ‘s’ shape with her body.
![A black and white image of a woman standing in a field looking back over her shoulder](https://www.photoblog.com/learn/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Photo-by-Ryan-Moreno-on-Unsplash-1024x683.jpg)
Seated Poses
You don’t always have to have your model stand to get a good shot. Seated poses can be just as effective; let’s take a look.
17. Sitting: Facing Camera
Start your seated poses with the model facing the camera and her knees tucked into her body. The position of her knees allows her to lean on them to frame her face. Raise her chin towards the camera to create a slimmer look.
![A woman sat in front of a yellow wall and a white door](https://www.photoblog.com/learn/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Image-by-Pexels-from-Pixabay-1-1024x683.jpg)
18. Sitting: Facing Camera on Chair
Add a bit of edge to the previous pose by asking your model to sit on a chair. Move around the model’s limbs to create sharp angles.
![A black and white image off a woman in a bid jumper sat on a chair](https://www.photoblog.com/learn/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Image-by-Irina-Gromovataya-from-Pixabay-1-647x1024.jpg)
19. Sitting: Facing Camera with Chair and Table
Add a table into the mix and get your model to exaggerate angles with her body. Get her to sit and lean onto a table to create a ‘slash’ shape.
![A woman in a beret and sunglasses sits on balcony chairs, resting her chin on her hands on a table](https://www.photoblog.com/learn/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Photo-by-Violette-Zhou-on-Unsplash-1024x819.jpg)
20. Sitting: Facing, Hide Half the Face
Use wardrobe in the shoot. If you have a large scarf, poncho, or a jacket with a big collar, ask your model to hide half her face with it, then look towards the camera.
![A woman faces the camera but half hides her face with a large scarf](https://www.photoblog.com/learn/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Image-by-Pexels-from-Pixabay-2-1024x683.jpg)
21. Sitting Sideways: Profile Twist
For a classic profile shot, ask your model to sit sideways to you, then twist her torso towards the camera. She can face you or face to the side.
![A woman in a long purple dress sits in front of a purple background](https://www.photoblog.com/learn/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Photo-by-Ussama-Azam-on-Unsplash-719x1024.jpg)
22. Sitting Sideways: Profile Shot with Chair Backwards
Mix up the profile shot by positioning the chair with its back towards the camera. Ask your model to sit sideways on the chair, using one arm as a frame around her face, while the other hangs down.
![A black and white image of a woman in a black jumper, sat on a chair, leaning back](https://www.photoblog.com/learn/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Photo-by-Yuliya-Kosolapova-on-Unsplash-682x1024.jpg)
23. Sitting Sideways: Leaning Down
If you want to capture great clothing shots without the model standing, ask your model to sit sideways and simply lean down to touch one shoe.
![A woman in a pink dress sits sideways while leaning down](https://www.photoblog.com/learn/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Image-by-Bernadette-V-from-Pixabay-683x1024.jpg)
24. Sitting Sideways: Fetal Position
A variation of the last pose is to ask your model to sit sideways but upright, and then hug her knees into her chest.
![A woman wearing a white dress sits on the ground under a tree](https://www.photoblog.com/learn/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Photo-by-Larm-Rmah-on-Unsplash-683x1024.jpg)
25. Sitting Sideways: With Chair
If you have a chair with armrests, ask your model to sit sideways to you on the armrest.
![A woman sat sideways on a chair arm in front of a red backdrop](https://www.photoblog.com/learn/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Photo-by-Ksenia-Varapaeva-on-Unsplash-759x1024.jpg)
26. Sitting: Angled Look
Ask your model to sit on the floor at a 45-degree angle away from you. Her feet should be facing away from the camera. Ask her to look back at the camera over her shoulder, with her hand resting in her hair.
![A woman sits on the floor with her arm resting on her knees](https://www.photoblog.com/learn/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Photo-by-Ali-Pazani-on-Unsplash-5-1024x625.jpg)
Special Model Poses
Now we’ve covered the basics, it’s time to get creative. Let’s bust out those special model poses that guarantee eye-catching results.
27. Stand on Tiptoes
Depending on what type of shoes your model is wearing, ask them to hop onto their toes, while you capture the shot using fast shutter speed.
![A man in a hoodie stands on his tiptoes in front of a white background](https://www.photoblog.com/learn/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Photo-by-Patricia-Palma-on-Unsplash-683x1024.jpg)
28. Stand on Half Tiptoes
An alternative to the full tiptoes shot is to ask your model to only tiptoe using one foot.
![A man wearing a hat stands on half tiptoes in front of a red door](https://www.photoblog.com/learn/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Photo-by-Clem-Onojeghuo-on-Unsplash-1-576x1024.jpg)
29. Add Make-Up & Hair
Hire a make-up artist to give your model a make-over, including hair and make-up. Make sure that everything is perfect and in frame before you take the shot.
![A woman looks up at the camera wearing beautiful make-up](https://www.photoblog.com/learn/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Image-by-M-Jurcevic-from-Pixabay-2-1024x663.jpg)
30. Include Tattoos
If your model has prominent tattoos, make a feature of them. Remember that every tattoo tells a story, so make sure that you capture them clearly using the correct lighting and angles.
![A woman with tattoo sleeves on her arms](https://www.photoblog.com/learn/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Photo-by-Clem-Onojeghuo-on-Unsplash-1024x710.jpg)
31. Use Natural Laughter
Humour is worth its weight in gold if you can capture your model laughing naturally. To obtain a natural laugh, make some jokes (especially about yourself).
![A laughing man in a white T-shirt sits in front of some steps](https://www.photoblog.com/learn/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Photo-by-Jennifer-Venter-of-Fleetingtime-Photography-1024x683.jpg)
32. Fetal Position on Chair
Use a chair and ask your model to pull her legs into her chest for a seated fetal look. You can then use a prop to occupy the model’s hands.
![A woman sits in a fatal position on a chair while holding a drink](https://www.photoblog.com/learn/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Photo-by-Aigdy-Aukkaraya-on-Unsplas-696x1024.jpg)
33. Seated: Wide Legs
This is a combination of a couple of the earlier standing and seated poses. If your model is wearing a pair of trousers, sit them on a chair with their feet placed wide apart. This pose can add some attitude to an image.
![A woman sits on a chair with her feet wide apart](https://www.photoblog.com/learn/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Photo-by-DANNY-G-on-Unsplash-1024x681.jpg)
34. Goof Around
Encourage some goofiness from your model; ask them to pull funny faces or play with her hair.
![A woman with braids pulls a funny face for the camera](https://www.photoblog.com/learn/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Photo-by-Brooke-Cagle-on-Unsplash-683x1024.jpg)
35. The Crouch
A great way to capture a model’s outfit is to use the crouch model pose. Get them to crouch close the floor, they can face the camera or be at an angle.
![A woman in a woolly hat and scarf crouches over a puddle](https://www.photoblog.com/learn/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Photo-by-Ali-Pazani-on-Unsplash-7-819x1024.jpg)
36. Play with Positions
![A woman in a green and white dress stands on a rooftop](https://www.photoblog.com/learn/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Photo-by-Ali-Pazani-on-Unsplash-662x1024.jpg)
Play with positioning the model in different poses to vary your shots. Place the model’s arms and/or legs at quirky angles to see what works. Allow time to experiment and see what happens.
37. Use Barriers
Place your model behind a fence, window or prop, to add a new dimension to an otherwise mundane shot.
![A woman stands behind a wire fence](https://www.photoblog.com/learn/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Photo-by-David-Hurley-on-Unsplash-683x1024.jpg)
Action Model Poses
Finally, we have action poses. Time to add a little fun to the photo session. Let’s take a look at just how creative you can be.
38. Dare to Dance
If your model can dance, be that classical or hip hop, get them to show you some moves. Capture their talent with fast shutter speed.
![A woman dances, framed by fountains](https://www.photoblog.com/learn/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Photo-by-JoelValve-on-Unsplash-683x1024-1-683x1024.jpg)
39. Jump to It
If your model is not keen to dance, ask them to jump instead. This will be a fun way to wind down the session.
![A woman in a denim jacket and glasses jumps in the air](https://www.photoblog.com/learn/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Photo-by-Anthony-Ginsbrook-on-Unspl-1024x683.jpg)
40. The Throw
Ask your model to smile and then throw her hat or scarf at the camera and capture this movement.
![A woman throws a white hat at the camera](https://www.photoblog.com/learn/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Photo-by-Spencer-Davis-on-Unsplash-819x1024.jpg)
A Final Note
Always be mindful of body types and outfits; make sure the clothing and poses suit your model. If your model is not comfortable with a pose, move on to another one.