One of the most uncomfortable aspects of taking pictures for males is posing. Because of this, a skilled portrait photographer should be able to guide their male subject into a stance that is both attractive and delivers the desired effect.
This is particularly crucial if the male subject of your photo is not a professional model.
One of the most difficult aspects of being a portrait photographer is, of course, posing men. There are a lot more poses to try than there are for women. This list should therefore be helpful whether you're in front of or behind the camera.
15 BEST POSING IDEAS FOR MEN
You have to tell them exactly what you want them to do in an understandable and direct manner. Using visual aids to guide the model is a terrific idea. You can either demonstrate the posture yourself or show them a photograph of it. This guide is ideal for that since we've included a photo of each stance that you can share with the model.
Keep in mind that while many standard stances are appropriate for every type of photo session, others are best used in particular situations. Just remember to take these questions into account before deciding on the ideal poses for your photo session.
- Is the photo shoot formal or informal?
- What is the age of your model?
- What body type does your model have?
Photographing a CEO for a corporate portrait is one thing; photographing a kid for a senior picture shoot is quite another. Therefore, always consider how the images will be used in the end.
The Top 15 Men's Poses
These are the top 15 positions that men like to strike. You have to decide which of these stances will work best for YOUR picture shoot, even if they will suit a range of scenarios.
Above all, ensure sure the postures you are asking your subject to execute are COMFORTABLE for them.
1. Standing with hands in front of you
It's a great posture for professional men to stand with their hands in front of them.
Request that your model place his hands in front of his stomach. His fingers should be in contact when he extends his hands. This hand gesture is a feature of a particular body language that presenters frequently use. Because of this, we often identify it with someone who is open, self-assured, and educated.
Ask your subject to place one hand on top of the other with their arms a little more relaxed for a more laid-back vibe.
2. Posing with your arms folded
One of the most timeless poses for males is to stand with your arms crossed and face forward. This is an excellent option for business or professional photos. It is a powerful position that conveys steadiness.
But pay great attention to the way he looks at you. It can come out as overly authoritative and off-putting if the male is TOO SERIOUS.
To make the image more friendly and gentler, try taking the same picture with him angled 45 degrees toward the camera. Make sure to select the best side of the topic, or take pictures of both and decide on the best one later.
3. Placing your hands in your pockets
The Standing with Hands in Pockets position is my favorite because it's both amiable and attractive. Since they won't have to worry about what to do with their hands, it's particularly ideal for male individuals who experience anxiety when appearing in front of the camera.
The model's elbows naturally bend slightly as he puts his hands in his pockets. This posture creates a pleasing visual break that makes the arms and body appear more distinct and captivating.
4. Place hand on chin
The Hand on Chin pose has the advantage of being able to be performed both sitting and standing. And it's reciprocally flattering! Usually, the purpose of this stance is to draw the viewer's attention to the model's face.
Ask your model to place one hand beneath his chin in order to position. He can hold it in an open hand with his chin nestled between the thumb and index finger, or he can hold it closed with his chin resting on top.
The elbow of the bent arm can be supported by crossing the other arm across his chest.
Ask your model to slant forward if he is seated. He can then put his bowed arm to rest on his leg or the desk in front of him.
5. Having fun with hair
Take pictures of your model running their fingers through their hair when the haircut permits it. This style is lighthearted and carefree.
It creates angles and draws the viewer's attention to the face in the same way as the preceding stance did visually.
If he doesn't have long hair, you can also ask him to place his palm on the back of his neck for a few images.
6. Jacket over-the-shoulder
For a more fashionable picture, ask your model to sling a jacket over his shoulder. He can either hang the other hand by its side or tuck it into his pocket.
7. Lying back on a Wall
The Reclining on a Wall stance can be executed in two different ways, based on your desired level of relaxation or dynamic effect.
Lean the subject back against the wall and let his body loose for a more laid-back appearance. Because the wall was taken at an angle that differs from the frontal photograph, you can add further depth by having the man recline from their side or with his back to the wall in a frontal photo.
The man who bends one arm and leans against the wall using his forearm and elbow rather than his body strikes a more elegant variation of this stance. With that hand on the waist, the other arm can be slightly bent. With this option, the image will appear more dynamic because his body only touches the wall once. In addition, the flexed arm gives the composition more diagonal lines.
8. Taking a single step forward
Anytime you paint a man's entire body, you also have to pose his legs.
A great technique to accomplish this is to ask him to step one leg in front of the other. By shifting his weight to one leg, he can achieve a more attractive stance since the rest of his body will balanced. The front leg will also appear somewhat flexed but still relaxed, adding to the overall dynamic appearance.
9. Having one leg crossed
Among sitting stances, the crossed-leg pose is one of the most popular since it's both cozy and attractive.
The model may be perched on a chair, couch, or bench. Next, ask him to cross his leg such that his ankle is resting on the knee opposite him.
10. Leaning forward while seated
Ask the man to bend forward and place his elbows on his knees when you are posing him while he is seated.
This pose's perspective will make the shoulders appear wider than the waist, giving the body a more attractive appearance. Now that his face is in the foreground, the image's main focus will be on it.
11. Adjusting his jacket
For guys, the "Fixing His Jacket" stance is both fashionable and well-liked. Additionally, there are several options available.
One way would be to have him adjust the jacket's collar; depending on the style, this would mean pulling it forward or up.
If you would rather have his arms out of his face, you can also ask him to adjust the buttons on his jacket.
12. Squatting or kneeling
Younger models are more suited for the squatting position. Of course, if the portrait is more informal, older models can also utilize it.
Your subject will take up less room if he squats, allowing you to accommodate his complete body. Thus, in both portrait and landscape orientations, this is a great stance to try to fill the frame.
Have your subject stretch one of his legs to enhance the image's visual appeal. The foot will be in the forefront in this manner. It's a fantastic method for varying depth of field and adding extra depth, which draws the viewer's attention to the image.
13. Leaning forward while seated
Models of all ages can perform the Sitting with Legs Flexed pose, unlike the squatting position.
Have the person take a seat on the ground. Ask him to flex one leg vertically and bend the other one parallel to the floor.
He can support himself by extending one arm behind him and the other over his flexed knee.
This is a great casual picture posture because it's easy and laid back. But because of all the diagonal lines, it still has a lot of visual intrigue.
14. One leg raised
The man adopts the One Leg Up position by raising one leg up onto a chair or bench that he is standing next to. After he's positioned himself, have him bend forward and place his arm over his bent knee.
The model can also be used in this stance while seated on a couch or bench. Being able to hold the pose and remain comfortable long enough for you to take pictures is crucial.
15. Reverse seating in a chair
Begin with a chair facing backward and ask your subject to take a seat facing the camera for the Sitting on a Chair Backward posture. He ought to be seated with one leg on each side.
Then he can rest his chin on his hands, which are resting on the back of the chair. Alternatively, he can place his elbows on the back of the chair while extending his forearms; however, this option requires him to maintain a straight posture.
FAQs For Top Male Poses
1. What are the best poses for male photography?
The best male poses highlight masculinity and confidence. Popular options include standing with crossed arms, looking over the shoulder, and sitting with hands resting on the knees. Each pose can be enhanced with proper direction and lighting.
2. How can I direct men to pose naturally in photos?
For natural male poses, it helps to keep the instructions simple. Encourage relaxed postures like leaning against a wall or walking toward the camera. Providing specific directions, such as where to place hands and feet, helps keep the subject comfortable and confident.
3. What is the importance of posture in male posing?
Posture is key to portraying masculinity and strength in male poses. Having the subject stand straight, with shoulders back and chest out, creates a powerful and assertive look, which is ideal for male portraits.
4. How can male poses enhance different body types?
Poses can be tailored to different body types by emphasizing key features. Taller men can be posed sitting down to appear more approachable, while shorter men might be photographed from a lower angle to add height and dominance.
5. What are some easy poses for men who are new to modeling?
Begin with simple, relaxed poses like hands in pockets, leaning against a surface, or crossing arms. These poses are easy for beginners to hold while still offering visually strong results.
6. How can lighting affect male portrait poses?
Lighting dramatically impacts male portraits. Using side lighting enhances masculine features by creating shadows that emphasize the jawline and cheekbones. Proper lighting can also add mood and depth to the overall image.
7. How should I pose men for formal portraits?
In formal portraits, it's essential to maintain a composed, structured posture. Men can stand or sit straight with a slight tilt of the head and eyes looking directly into the camera. Hands should be positioned either at the sides or neatly in front.
8. What are common mistakes to avoid when posing men?
A common mistake is forcing overly complicated poses. Another issue is neglecting proper hand positioning, which can make the subject appear awkward. Also, avoid slouching unless the goal is to create a relaxed or casual vibe.
9. How can props be used in male photography poses?
Props such as jackets, hats, or furniture can add an element of interaction to male poses. For example, having a subject hold a jacket over their shoulder or lean on a chair can make the photo look more dynamic and engaging.
10. What tips help make men look more confident in their portraits?
Confidence can be captured through body language. Encourage subjects to relax their shoulders, straighten their posture, and make eye contact with the camera. Providing positive reinforcement during the shoot also helps boost their comfort level.
Conclusion On The Top 15 Male Poses
With so many different ways to pose, you can be sure that your next male photo shoot will turn out great. To get the ideal angle, feel free to slightly alter each stance.