When done right, posing might appear wonderfully straightforward, but as many portrait photographers know, it’s not as simple as it looks. Moreover, it might be challenging to come up with original positions while under time constraints, so planning a few poses ahead of time will assist guarantee a seamless shoot. Here are 10 female position ideas to help you be creative for your next photograph session. For additional fantastic advice, don’t forget to watch our lesson on posing your subjects or go through our portrait photograph Pose Ideas course, which offers over 80 classes with lighting arrangements, position suggestions, and creative inspiration.
Offering suggestions for a female model
1. Putting hands together in front
From artistic photos to more formal business photograph Pose Ideas, this incredibly adaptable stance can be used for a wide range of situations. Ask your subject to bring her hands together in front of you while she is at a three-quarter angle and facing somewhat away from the camera. Not only is this specific stance extremely slimming and attractive, but it can also work well if your client is not sure how to hold her hands.
2. Arranging one leg ahead of the other
Simple is ideal sometimes, like in this standing position. Ask your model to adopt this posture, facing the camera and putting one leg in front of the other. One could point the front foot, as in this case, or the rear foot. Your model’s hands may be by her sides, in her pockets, or in front of her, depending on her level of confidence and the style of clothing she is wearing.
3. The “natural” gait
Don’t stress if you’re trying to get a walking shot and it’s not working; they don’t always look their finest when done correctly. As an alternative, have your model strike the walking position, which is what was done to get this image. This could be done crosswise or in the direction of the camera. Should the latter be the case, it is wise to position the leg nearest the camera in front. The model can be staring ahead of her or at the ground. She could also giggle and tilt her head back for a more lighthearted and enjoyable vibe.
4. Slack off and glance up at the camera
There’s a solid reason that nearly all portrait photograph Pose Ideas have at some point in their careers requested their models to strike this particular position. While an upward glance conveys engagement and confidence, a tiny chin tilt can assist extend the face and make it appear thinner. This stance works well for practically any kind of picture, from close-ups to full-length shots, and it can be applied to both informal and formal pictures.

5. Resting elbows
This is a simple posture that lets you use some intriguing items, whether you’re working in a studio or out on location. Additionally, it can aid in putting your subject at ease. Whether your subject is standing or sitting, position her behind the item. If you’re on location, you may position her behind a gate like this one, a table, or the back of a chair. Request that she slightly slant forward and rest both of her elbows on the ground. She may have both hands resting or, as in this picture, one hand raised and positioned beneath her chin.
6. Hingeing on a wall
Women frequently strike this position, which works well for practically any kind of photo. Ask the model to cast a backwards glance at you over her shoulder while keeping your back to the camera. Take care not to twist her to the point that the stance appears forced. Talk to each other to figure out what looks excellent while being comfortable. Her hands might be softly resting on her legs or in her pockets for full-length or three-quarter views.
7. Glancing indirectly
In order to evoke a sense of involvement, portraiture frequently has the subject staring directly into the camera, but you are not required to adhere to this convention. There’s a certain fascination that can occasionally be created by the model not looking into the camera. What is the topic examining? How do they think? Move your hand in several directions and ask your model to follow them with her head to determine where she should look. After you’ve found a suitable angle, ask her to continue staring at the object behind your hand while you snap the photograph Pose Ideas.

8. Glancing back over one shoulder
In order to evoke a sense of involvement, portraiture frequently has the subject staring directly into the camera, but you are not required to adhere to this convention. There’s a certain fascination that can occasionally be created by the model not looking into the camera. What is the topic examining? How do they think?
Move your hand in several directions and ask your model to follow them with her head to determine where she should look. After you’ve found a suitable angle, ask her to continue staring at the object behind your hand while you snap the photos.
9. Putting hands in pockets
This posture depends on your clothing, but it’s a wonderful choice for casual, playful photograph Pose Ideas. Additionally, if your subject is unsure about what to do with their hands, this is a terrific method to help them feel more at ease. Asking your model to put her hands or even just her thumbs in her pockets will create a carefree, laid-back vibe. For something more playful, you could urge her to slant her elbows outward and lean slightly in the direction of the camera to produce some intriguing shapes and angles. Karl has used this posture for everything from jumping shots to business portraits, and it can also be used for full-length photograph Pose Ideas..
10. Shoulder angled
Asking the subject to drop her nearest shoulder and slant slightly in the direction of the camera is a standard portrait position. This produces a carefree, easygoing pose that works well for both sitting and standing photos and can be highly attractive on a variety of subjects. Asking the model to do the opposite and elevate the shoulder that is closest to the camera may result in a more stunning pose with an extra touch of attitude or even playfulness. When the model’s hands are visible, you may instruct her to either bring her hands together in front of her or place one on the arm across from her, as in this example.
