Best photoshoot poses
Here at Flytographer, we easily connect people with trusted photographers for fun photoshoots and have already captured over three million memories worldwide. Today, we asked our local, professional photographers to show us their all-time favourite photoshoot poses and prompts to ensure natural and beautiful vacation photos. We can’t wait to share them with you!
Photo: Flytographer in Whistler. Tori and family capture memories in Whistler with a family photoshoot at Rebagliati Park.
TLDR
- Headshots & portrait poses – we know being solo on a photoshoot can seem intimidating, but it doesn’t need to be in reality! We’re here to share with you four great posing tips, featuring movement to help make you show off your powerhouse, dynamo self.
- Best couple poses – having your partner by your side is one way to make your photoshoot FUN! Get close, get comfy, and get in the frame together with these four awesome photoshoot poses.
- Posing tips with kids – the key to successful photos with kids is figuring out how to work together in a silly, playful, and comfortable way! Our posing tips for families include some of our tried-and-true, wildly successful family photography tips.
- Posing tips with friends – having friends together on a photoshoot usually means everyone is game for a great time! Candid poses with your BFFs make for some of the best photos to capture in front of the camera.
Headshots & portrait poses
@flytographer Posing tips for a new headshot, to document a special time (like senior photos 🎓), or simply just for you! #posingtips ♬ original sound - Flytographer
1. The Vogue
Movement is the key to gorgeous, natural, effortless photos, and the Vogue is the perfect pose to keep at the forefront of your mind before and during your photoshoot! The best part about the Vogue is you don’t actually have to be a model, but you can nail that model look with absolutely zero experience – bam! 💥 Since you’re getting back still photos rather than a video of you on a runway, have no fear about looking awkward – your photographer will be sure to select the most flattering movement shots for your very own magazine cover. 😉
Prompt: Three words: strut and spin! When you strike this pose, the world is your runway. 📸 Bonus points if you have a dramatic coat, skirt, or dress to flare! The Vogue is a portrait photography home run and one of our favourite photoshoot poses.
2. The leg cross
The leg cross photo pose is one that many of us are familiar with and gives us something to do with those oftentimes awkward-feeling limbs. 🦵 With the leg cross, your legs look longer, and your body instantly becomes taller. You can then place your hands on your hips, in your pockets, play with your hair, etc. Trust us, the leg cross gives you major model vibes and helps you land the very best photos. 😎
Prompt: Cross one leg in front of the other to create flattering lines and upgrade your go‑to standing pose.
Photo: Francesca in Rome for Flytographer. Susie captures memories in Rome with a headshot photoshoot.
3. The “Who, me?”
Don’t forget – you don’t have to spend all your time with your body facing the camera! Shots from behind are always a fun change of pace, and with the “Who, me?” we still get to see that beautiful smile of yours! This is a great shot when you want to show off an amazing wide-angle background… and/or the back 50% of an amazing outfit. 😜
Prompt: As you’re walking away from the camera, look back for a perfectly planned pose. 😘
Photo: Gabriela in Dubai for Flytographer. Michelle captures memories in Dubai with a headshot photoshoot in the Dubai desert.
4. The casual lean
The casual lean is a perfect photoshoot pose for anyone who is flying solo on a photoshoot (or even for those possibly unenthusiastic partners or teens)! Oftentimes, people feel anxious in front of the camera because they feel stiff and unfamiliar, but giving your body the chance to lean casually takes away so much worry. It’s amazing how much more at ease you can feel when you’re given something to lean on or lean into! 👍 The casual lean is awesome for close-up images, and it’s one of our favourite photo ideas for stunning eye contact. 👀 (Hot tip! The casual lean is also great as a sitting pose!)
Prompt: This is a pose you can truly take anywhere. Just find the nearest photo‑worthy doorway or wall!
Be sure to check out our ultimate guide to headshots and save it for later!
Photo: Ronise in Lisbon for Flytographer. Ferhayn captures memories in Lisbon with a headshot photoshoot in Portas do Sol Square.
Best couple poses
@flytographer If you love taking photos with your partner but your poses are starting to feel like “copy & paste,” we have new inspiration to share! #posingtips ♬ Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes) - Edison Lighthouse
5. Snuggle up
The most successful, genuine, and easy-to-remember couple pose is the snuggle up. Being on a photoshoot with a partner means whenever you feel uncomfortable or awkward, there’s always someone who has your back to laugh with… or at! When all else fails, use the comfort of your partner to feel safe and secure, and snuggle up together! 🤗
Prompt: Hold hands and get cozy with this sweet and simple pose. Bonus points for whispering sweet nothings to each other too! 🤫
Photo: Cheryl in Miami for Flytographer. Alexandra and partner capture memories in Miami with a couple photoshoot at Bill Baggs State Park.
6. Kiss attack!
Although many partners aren’t super comfortable with overt PDA, take advantage of tiny kisses to inspire lots of giggles! 💋 Tiny kisses can be surprise chicken pecks, gentle kisses on the head, smooches on the hands, or more. Kissing can feel sweet, sentimental, silly, and romantic… no public makeout required! 😅
Prompt: On your next photoshoot, give your partner a few sweet kisses before surprising them with a sneak attack of kisses for an extra sweet moment of playfulness. 😚
Photo: Natalie in Honolulu for Flytographer. Michelle and children celebrate a birthday in Honolulu with a birthday photoshoot.
7. Singing in the Rain
We all know a kid would never pass up the opportunity to take a solid spin around a lamppost, so make sure you don’t either, even if you’re a grown adult! Go full-fledged Singing in the Rain mode and bust a spinning move! ☔︎
Prompt: Studies show that it is impossible to take a cute photo with a lamppost without swinging around just like the movie! 🎶
Photo: Rachael in Paris for Flytographer. Katie and partner capture memories in Paris with a couple photoshoot.
8. The carry-on
If you haven’t noticed yet, a lot of our favourite poses are our favourites because the movement inspires genuine reactions. 🥳 The carry-on is a perfect pose for when you want to be close to your partner, laugh a lot, and rest your tired feet for approximately… 10 seconds… (at least if you’re the rider!) 🤣
Prompt: You’re never too old for a piggyback ride! Get on board. ✈️
Check out our ultimate guide to couple photoshoots with six actionable tips!
Photo: Darine in Lake Louise for Flytographer. Luis and partner celebrate a birthday in Lake Louise with a birthday photoshoot at the Fairmont Chateau.
Look amazing in photos
Get 50+ insider tips on how to prepare, what to wear, and easy posing ideas for your next photo shoot!
Posing tips with Kids
9. Kiss sandwich
We dig a good kiss sandwich. 😽 Nothing says “I love you” like squishy cheeks surrounded by loved ones. This is truly one of the best poses to pull off with little ones, especially since their cheeks are so squishy, but don’t forget you can do it with older kiddos (or mom or dad) too!
Prompt: Extra love, hold the ketchup! 🥪 No condiments are necessary for this sweet pose.
Tip – Turn this pose into a “secret mission” for the kids to surprise your loved one with a kiss sandwich! 🤫
10. Jump in the air
Jumping shots have been wildly popular for ages now, and for good reason! They’re so fun, and a great idea when kids are involved. Usually, practice makes perfect with this one, so give yourselves a few minutes to jump, jump, jump! For grown-ups who may not feel like bouncing, you can always stay on the outside edges and hang on, look cute, or even just pretend. Don’t worry, we won’t judge. 😉
Prompt: Hold hands, count to three, and jump! 🤝 If you’re jumping off a small ledge, curb, or other lifted surface, be careful if you have little ones connected to one another. Oftentimes, they tend to drag other little friends down with them (#ouch 🩹). So for little ones, we recommend letting them be in charge of their own hands, just in case!
Photo: Natalie in Honolulu for Flytographer. Montoya and family capture memories in Honolulu with a family photoshoot at Waikiki Beach.
11. The swing set
Giving kids the opportunity and space to let loose and play helps everyone feel safe and comfortable, allowing them to show off their most natural, genuine smiles. Use each other to play, climb, and explore (safely of course)! 🛝
Prompt: Have more than one kiddo? ✌️ Make like a playground and have them climb on your back or shoulders.
12. Dance party
If the silence during a photoshoot feels deafening, or if the quiet makes you feel a little out of place, turn on some music and have a little dance party!
Prompt: Turn on your family’s favourite song and dance it out! 🎶 Not only does this make for a sweet family memory, but it also shows off everyone’s unique personalities in front of the camera and is sure to bring laughter! 👯♀️
Check out our ultimate guide to family photos with ideas for all ages!
Posing tips with Friends
13. The victory lap
Where my people at!? This is a total power move and is so fun to pull off in front of the camera with your best friends – it’s easy, filled with movement, and loaded with energy! Grab hands and raise them up and down, pausing at the top for a big ol’ cheeeeeer! 📣
Prompt: Link hands and throw them high 🙌 like there’s an Olympic sport for photoshoots and you just won the gold!
14. The friendship bracelet
The friendship bracelet is perfect for your friend photo session! It’s always helpful to figure out ways to connect in-frame with those in your party, and this photoshoot move is one of our Flytographer favourites. The fact that everyone is together for a photo is celebratory in and of itself, so be sure to cherish this special time together! 👯♀️
Prompt: The perfect pose for your squad! Have everyone weave together with linked arms and step in sync for an extra slice of drama. 👠👟👞 Perfect for all types of groups!
15. The Abbey Road walk
Capturing crosswalk shots are always a fun and classic way to capture your cool crew looking fabulous in a great city. The Abbey Road walk is perfect for your next city photoshoot, no matter the size of your party.
Prompt: You don’t need to fly to London to feel like a star! ✈️⭐️ Keep your eyes peeled for the nearest crosswalk, look both ways, and recreate The Beatles’ iconic album cover.
Check out our ultimate guide to best friend photoshoots and save it for later!
Capturing candid moments
“We love Tati!! She is super friendly, professional, fun, knowledgeable, and passionate! Throughout the shoot, Tati gave us suggestions and feedback on outfits and poses and made us feel comfortable. She also reviewed our ideas ahead of time to make sure she was taking our perspective into account. We’re obsessed with our pictures and can’t wait to share these with loved ones.”
Gurpreet
“Bree was the perfect photographer for our family. She really “got us” and understood the assignment as they say. We are not the easiest family to take pictures of, and she was absolutely perfect. She was willing to go with the flow and gave just enough direction to make our photos amazing. She also had great ideas for poses, etc. I would highly recommend her!”
Monica
“While this was only my second time getting photos taken by a professional, it was definitely the best experience! Elana is incredibly personable making it easier to relax in front of the camera. Her attention to detail is impeccable, fixing my jewelry and hair when needed and helping us with our posing. We got our photos back quickly and we’re amazed at how stunning they are. Honestly speechless.”
Ashley
