12 Poses to Make Your Pictures Pop

Whether you are taking senior pictures, updating your modeling portfolio, creating your brand, or just having fun creating, these twelve poses are simple and sure guides to make any photoshoot stand out.

Let's be real, photoshoots can be intimidating. Especially, if it's your first time stepping in front of the camera. So I wanted to create a look guide that can prepare any model and hopefully take some of the pressure off on your big day. Winging it can be fun, but when you are documenting a milestone (and paying for it) you want to be sure the end product will come out satisfactorily. Just how a dancer needs to rehearse before taking the stage, a model needs to practice posing before the camera. A lot of effort goes in to looking effortless. So set up your smartphone and mirror and lets get to posing!

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Photo by @oliviaannagail (model) & @dontwaitphotographyyy

12. Lifted Leg Cross

A simple yet elegant pose for any dressier look. Especially stunning with heels and a mid length dress. Although a pant suit and kitten heel combo could steal the show any day. The key here Is to sit on the edge of whatever seat you choose and not sink back into the chair. Shoulders are pulled down and back and the crossed leg is lifted to where the calf just touches the bottom knee. This ensures a poised and natural photo, casual, but not typical.

@oliviaannagail on Instagram

Photos by @oliviaannagail (model) & @dontwaitphotographyyy

11. Twirly Girl

This next pose is as easy as it sounds. Don't overthink it, just grab your flowiest fit and frolic! Whether you're shooting wide or close up candid this pose works all the same. The key is to keep your chin up and smile naturally. You're dancing after all. Try turning different directions and different speeds. Arms can be in the air, holding your dress, or relaxed at your sides. These pics are sure to shine.

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10. Sit and Stare

Pro tip: this pose is easiest achieved in heels or platform shoes. This way you can sit all the way back on your heels to acheive a relaxed/experienced feel. Arms should rest on your legs as your hands hang out and over.

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9. Lipgloss

Details are everything! Putting on lipgloss or lipstick in the mirror is the perfect getting ready picture. Especially when the lip shade matches your top. This pose looks best with an open relaxed mouth or a smile.

Pro Tip: Add complimenting rings and necklaces to really fill in all the spaces in this detail shot.

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8. Say Cheese

Of course I love the high fashion mog, but no portfolio is complete without a big beautiful smile. Joy can be spread through a picture just as easy as in person. Why not capture a happy moment to share.

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7. So Over It

This one is for all you actors out there. You can lay on a bed, a car (parked of course), the floor... the opportunities are pretty endless for this pose. Take a break, kick your feet up and rest your head on one hand while tilting your head and looking the opposite way.

Pro Tip: When you look to the side look slightly up so your eyes look wide open on camera. Looking down can make your eyes look closed even when they feel very natural and open.

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6. Fix Your Shoes

Your shoe is untied! Oh wait... theres no laces. Well, you should still perform an inspection just in case you want some effortlessly elegant photos. Remember to keep your shoulders down and back even while leaning to the side. Chin should be up, out, then down to create an elongated neckline. If it feels like a workout, you're doing something right!

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5. Put Your Records On...

or books, or video games, or make up palettes, or legos. This one is best suited for seniors and branding sessions. Whatever you're advertising, celebrating, or reminiscing, bring it to your shoot! Bonus points if you grab Items that match your color scheme.

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4. Hold It All Together

Now it is time to mog. For those of you who aren't Gen Z, I'll translate: Mog = slay, outclass, stun, you get the idea. Throw your hair around, stare down the camera, and grab on to your head like you have the worst headache imaginable. I swear it works!

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3. Head In the Clouds

This photo comes from one of my favorite sessions EVER with my good friend @dontwaitphotographyyy . The sky will forever be the best background for any photo. If your photographer is below you and you lean/stand over them you end up with the most beautiful ethereal photos.

Disclaimer: Do Not climb onto rooftops or any other dangerous structures for a photo. Your safety should always be first priority. These photos were taken in a safe and supervised manner.

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2. Mirror Mirror

We've all huddled around our friends in a crowded bathroom to take a mirror selfie. So why not add a classy twist to an old favorite? With your photographer behind you there are so many poses to play with in the mirror. In fact this might be the easiest pose of all because you can see exactly what you look like! For this pose we went back to the lips but without the gloss. Use your finger to touch up your make up or examine yourself in the mirror. Think of what story you want to tell. Are you proud of the reflection you see? Excited? Concerned? Content? Countless emotions to play with here.

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1. The Big Arch

Any type of curves you can create in your portraits add so much dimension and character. This pose is great to show off your flexibility in an elegant way. One had reaches toward the camera to add depth while the other sweeps the hair back to add height. Make sure to keep the head in line with the spine for a delicate long neckline.

Disclaimer: Do Not lean or sit on railings. This pose was done with both feet on the ground and hands barely touching the rail.

Practicing your poses before the big day is a sure way to feel confident stepping in front of the camera. But remember, the most important quality you need for stunning photos is to be completely and uniquely yourself. These poses are meant to inspire you so you can add your own personal twist to a blueprint. Not to squeeze you into a mold. You are fearfully and wonderfully made. The world needs to see YOUR light shine!

Thanks for reading! Follow @oliviaannagail on Instagram and pinterest for more modeling BTS and inspiration. Also be sure to check out @dontwaitphotographyyy on Instagram and Pinterest. Especially if you're needing senior pictures, couple photos, or branding sessions. She's the best.

Have a blessed day <3

Article by Olivia Anna-Gail Parrett