How to take good bikini pics
11 Flattering Bikini Poses for Sexy Beach Pictures in 2023
Bikini photos can be a difficult thing to master. We all have our insecurities, after all – and unfortunately, we ladies have been conditioned to believe that a “bikini body” needs to look a certain way.
I’m here to tell you that’s simply not true. Anyone can shine in bikini photos, regardless of body shape and size.
It all comes down to confidence, the right poses, and some helpful direction from the photographer.
Exclusive Discount
Solo Cards: Posing Made Simple
111 illustrations of stylish poses you can use as guidance when directing men and women. Print the cards to keep in your pocket, or add them to your smartphone for quick reference.
Get Discount
In this guide, I’ll run through the best bikini pose ideas to get you prepared for your upcoming project.
If you’re a photographer about to embark on a summer beach shoot, these bikini poses will be a great reference point.
And if you’re in front of the camera – these bikini poses have you covered as well, regardless of whether you’re a professional model or simply want to learn some flattering poses for your summer Instagram pics.
So let’s dive in.
Table of Contents
How do you Pose in a Bikini?
Many fashion poses will work equally well for swimwear shoots – the key is for the model to be aware of her body and its best angles.
Here are a few general pieces of advice that apply to many different bikini poses:
- In full-length bikini pics, stand with one leg forward, toes pointed slightly out, as this elongates the legs.
- Always try to create space between the arms and the torso. Pressing the arms into the body makes them look bigger and distorts their shape.
- Hands are a difficult part of the body to pose, so find a way to keep them busy. Some ideas are fixing the hair, adjusting the strap of a swimsuit, or holding a prop like an ice cream.
- If you’re specifically wondering how to pose in a bikini selfie, all the same tips apply – though some poses will be easier to shoot solo than others. You can use a self-timer or remote trigger to nail your shot with a stunning beach scene behind you or take a phone selfie in the mirror at home.
Now let’s look at some specific bikini poses and tips to try at your next summer photoshoot.
1. Pop the hipCredit: Alexi Romano
Bikini poses don’t have to be overly elaborate; simple standing poses work well regardless of whether you’re shooting at a beach or pool.
The trick to making the pose look natural and flattering is to avoid standing too stiffly. Even if the shoulders are square to the camera, you can turn the hips slightly and pop one hip to create a beautiful curve along the body.
Remember to keep some space between the legs to show their full shape. You’ll see professional bikini models using this pose day in and day out.
Credits: Danny Swellchasers | Houcine ncib
Some bikini poses can instantly change your mood and get you feeling confident. Stretching your arms up has that effect because it’s a powerful pose as well as a flattering one.
This pose elongates the torso, narrows the waist and stretches out the stomach to make it appear flatter.
Shooting upwards makes the model appear truly Amazonian in stature (see the picture on the right above), so get down low with the camera if you want some extra-striking bikini pictures to light up your Instagram feed.
3. Use the three-quarter turnCredit: Jernej Graj
A universal truth to posing is that the three-quarter turn is always flattering. This common portrait pose basically involves turning the body a quarter of the way away from the camera.
If you’re after bikini poses to look thinner, start here. Having your hips on an angle to the camera immediately makes them smaller than they would be front-on.
You can use this pose in your bikini photos in many different ways. One of the simplest is shown above: the model turns their whole body slightly away from the camera and looks straight ahead, hands on hips (or lower back).
You can easily come up with ideas for variations – like tilting the chin up rather than down or positioning the arms overhead.
4. Bikini poses for lying on the sideCredit: Max Libertine
Lying on your side – whether on the sand at the beach or a sun lounge by the pool – is a classic pose for bikini photos. To really make it work, though, you need to keep some things in mind.
Firstly, this pose works best if the model crosses one leg over the other (all the way, so the knee is resting on the ground). This creates a beautiful curve shape in the body and also elongates it.
The other leg should be fully extended for more length. Bonus points for pointing the toes gently (don’t curl or tense them up).
Finally, don’t ignore the arms: they’ll look best if they’re not squashed against the body. Try raising the torso up onto one hand for support, or resting the elbow on the ground with head in hand.
Speaking of hands, take care that the model’s hands and fingers are relaxed and preferably not curled, such as in the beach photo above. Here’s an article on specific hand poses for inspiration.
5. Bikini poses for lying backCredit: AdamKontor
Lying on your back can be a great pose for bikini photos if you do it right. The trick here is to use the entire body to create curves, rather than staying too flat to the ground.
You can do this by arching the back slightly off the ground and bending up the knees. Arms can rest gently by the side or overhead – either works well in this go-to bikini pose.
Another lying down pose is to recline back and rest on the hands or forearms. Throw the head back as if soaking up the summer sun – it’ll make for more dramatic pictures.
Credit: Claudio Scott
Sometimes you’ll need to take bikini photos from behind – for example, if your client is a swimwear brand wanting to showcase their latest bikini bottoms.
Or – let’s be honest – you might just want to show your Instagram followers that your booty workouts are paying off!
Either way, to get the most flattering shot of your bikini-clad behind, avoid standing with both legs straight as this will flatten out your butt. Instead, stand with one leg slightly in front of the other and put your weight on one foot.
Rising up onto your toes and arching your back slightly will also help to give roundness to your posterior.
7. The cheeky peek over the shoulderCredits: Pinterest | Pinterest
If a straight shot from behind is a little too obvious, try this: it’s definitely one of the best bikini poses for showing off some booty in a subtle and flattering way.
To nail this pose, the model should stand turned away from the camera at an angle. They can give a look back over their shoulder to make the photo more engaging.
If you want to accentuate curves and make the booty a focal point, the model can lean forward slightly so her bottom is sticking out and closer to the camera (like the example on the right, above).
Either way, this pose creates a very flattering angle for the butt and thighs and is great for all figure types, making it great for plus size boudoir models.
8. Kneeling bikini posesCredits: Pinterest | Pinterest
Kneeling-on-the-beach bikini poses can feel a bit overworn, but there’s a reason they’re so popular: they work.
The trick to posing while kneeling is to rise up halfway rather than resting your butt on your heels. This elongates the thighs and makes for a more flattering shot. The legs should also be kept slightly apart.
You can do kneeling bikini poses front-on, or with the hips turned three-quarters from the camera – go with whatever is most flattering for the model’s figure type.
Credit: Coloringcuties
Sometimes you want bikini poses that are really natural and low-key – almost like you’re not posing at all.
If that’s what you’re after, try this for your next Instagram beach photo. Sit with both legs tucked underneath you (or instruct your model to do so), then lean forwards and support yourself with one or both arms.
A few tips here: push the torso away from the ground using your hand to keep the body elongated, and avoid twisting the upper body too much as that can distort the midsection.
You can also check these female sitting poses for photoshoots.
10. Sitting front-onCredit: Tania Braukamper
Bikini poses to hide stomach are hard to find, but if you (or your model) are self-conscious about their midsection, this one can help.
The model sits down with both legs bent up (i.e., knees to chest) – this gives some cover to the stomach while at the same time allowing her to come across as confident and relaxed.
One or both arms can be rested on the legs to complete the pose.
11. Using close cropsCredit: Michael B Luong
Here’s another flattering pose that’s great for those who are self-conscious about their figure.
Sitting with one leg best right up toward the chest hides the belly. The model can turn her head to the camera or flaunt her side profile. Running a hand through the hair keeps the hands busy in a natural way.
A close crop – like the one above – transforms the image into more of a beauty shot than a typical summer swimsuit pic, so play with different framing ideas to get different effects.
Close crops are also great for maternity photoshoot poses, where you can really highlight the lady’s baby bump.
Final Words
Posing for photos is always difficult, but it’s even more daunting when we’re wearing bikinis or other summer fashion items that make us self-conscious about our bodies.
Don’t let that deter you: if you’re the one posing, relax; show off your personal style; use your photos to capture the beauty of the beach environment or how much you’re enjoying your summer days lazing by the pool…
And above all, remember that there’s nothing more beautiful than a girl who’s confident in her own skin.
If you’re the photographer, keep these bikini poses as a reference; hopefully, the ideas and tips we’ve supplied can help you direct your model to shine and be her confident best.
Do you have any questions, or other favourite bikini poses or beach photo tips to share? If so, drop us a comment below.
Exclusive Discount
Solo Cards: Posing Made Simple
111 illustrations of stylish poses you can use as guidance when directing men and women. Print the cards to keep in your pocket, or add them to your smartphone for quick reference.
Get Discount
Highly Recommended
8 Tools for Photographers
Check out these 8 essential tools to help you succeed as a professional photographer.
Includes limited-time discounts.
Learn more here
Don't Miss These Articles:
5 Steps To Looking Good In Bikini Photos – nobadaddiction
It's not always easy to look your best, especially in a bikini.
Unless you're Kendall Jenner or Bella Hadid it's completely normal to feel intimidated at first, but practise makes perfect! We're here to give you some tips so you can feel comfortable in a swimsuit for the gram!
Choosing the right bikini can be tricky sometimes but if you choose one that flatters your curves you’ll feel good, and if you feel good you'll look good. Carrying it with confidence will show when you wear it and make you look even better! Rock that swimsuit girl!
Do you think the above bikini would suit you? Grab the Pretty Thing bikini top ($65 USD) and the Aisha bottoms ($60 USD) to get the look.
It might not feel natural at first, but have a look in the mirror and practice. This way you'll learn what looks good and what doesn't when the camera is placed straight in front of you. Pop out that hip, put the bikini a little higher than usual. It might not even feel natural but it could look amazing, so play around with different poses - after all, practice makes perfect!
This stunning piece is the Lulan bikini which is a perfect for enhancing your waist!
If you choose to shoot on a sunny day or a cloudy one, make sure that the light-source is facing you.
This is also something to play around with, does sunlight flatter your bikini-bod the best or is shadows something you prefer? Shadows can be a bit more forgiving but who doesn’t love a good sunny bikini-pic!
Grab the Most Wanted bikini before it's gone!
Sometimes it can be difficult to get a god shot from straight ahead or from the side/a profile image, so try to position yourself at a 45° angle to show off your best angle! It will without a doubt enhance your curves! You can also play around with high/low angles - depending on what part of the body you want to appear bigger. If you choose a low angle it will make the lower part of your body appear bigger while making the upper body look smaller and vice versa for a high angle.
The bikini worn in the photo is the Nellie bikini which gives a beautiful cheeky look behind, while being flattering on the front.
The most important part is of course to have fun! Even though we all want to capture the "perfect" bikini shot it's easy to become critical of yourself, so cut yourself some slack and don’t be too serious! Sometimes a candid shot is the best shot!
This top is the Confident Goddess top which is almost sold out! So if it's sold out in your size, have a look at the Most Wanted top which is quite similar.
When you've got the shot a filter can do the trick to perfect the photo!
Don't forget to follow us on Instagram @nobadaddiction for more inspiration!
Tag us and use #celebratebeauty for a chance to be featured, we'd love to see the content you create using these tips!
5 rules for a successful photo in a swimsuit
Even if you are not a Victoria's Secret Angel, you have a chance to take beautiful pictures in a swimsuit. You only need to know a few simple rules!
Website editor
Tags:
fashion swimwear
photo in bikini
Photography
Image for a photo shoot nine0003
Photo shoot on the beach
Getty Images
Be natural
provided by Calzedonia
provided by Calzedonia
Don't be afraid to take bad shots! Do you know how long models spend on the beach before they achieve the desired result? It can be a whole 8-hour working day! Therefore, arm yourself with a good mood, unshakable faith in your own attractiveness and just enjoy your vacation.
Run along the beach, splash water on the photographer (just be careful with your technique), laugh and play volleyball. Bright, emotional and full of life shots are always liked more than a boring silhouette against the sea. nine0003
Choose the time to shoot
The best time for a successful photo shoot is early morning when it gets light or in the evening at sunset. Then you will be able to catch the right light, and the diffused rays of the sun can visually correct your figure. There are several important rules that should not be neglected:
- you cannot take pictures during the day when the sun is at its zenith - so you risk getting faded and overexposed pictures instead of bright and beautiful ones;
- the sun should not be behind the model - such a mistake can cause you to be too dark in the photo, and the background too light. Try to find a position where the sun is at an angle and gives small shadows and highlights.
Emphasize merits
Look at the pictures of famous models: you will not see stiff poses, stooped backs or frightened eyes anywhere. Take a look at yourself in the mirror in advance and think about what parts of the body you like the most about yourself? Do you have large and beautiful breasts? Then be sure to choose a pose that can emphasize it: large angles or take pictures in waist-deep water. nine0003
If you are proud of your skinny legs, ask to be photographed from below - this way you will visually make your legs longer and slimmer. Just in no case do not look down at the photographer - this way you can get a double chin in the pictures to long legs.
Use accessories
courtesy of Calzedonia
courtesy of Calzedonia
Who said all beach photos have to be naturel? Away with boredom and monotony, include a variety of accessories in your look - from massive bracelets to wide-brimmed hats.
In this way, you can take pictures unlike anything that will sparkle in your feed on social networks, and at the same time collect a couple of hundred likes and many admiring comments. By the way, light dresses and tunics can hide figure flaws. nine0003
Choose the right swimsuit
Have you noticed that you've put on a few extra pounds since your last vacation? Then it is definitely worth thinking about buying a new, more appropriate size swimsuit model. Firstly, you yourself will be more comfortable in it, and secondly, all these strings digging into your hips will ruin all the beauty of the photos at once.
BLUPARADISE ᐈ Bikini photo poses at home 2023
Many girls like to be photographed while trying on bikinis for others who do it. nine0069 professional photographers . Many times we try on swimwear at home to see how they fit us, without being in the fitting room, we take photos and pass them on to our friends to see what they think and give their opinion.
Regardless of your group, here we leave you a few poses so you can take the photos you like. Run to change and get ready in your best bikinis, these poses will make you look 10.
There are many types of poses you can use at home to get the best out of your photos and clothes. We give you the most commonly used poses with photo examples that you can recreate at home without any problem, if you want to be more professional, we recommend that you have a small tripod for your mobile phone and use a timer to take photos, that way you can take photos alone photos without anyone's help.
Professional photographer
Bikini Poses at Home 3Index
Professional Photographer
Lateral Thigh Pose
In these 3 poses we give you, they all tilt the hips to one side, moving one leg forward and the other back. It is important that this photo was taken by another person or that you turn on the automatic mode of your mobile phone in order to be able to take a photo from this angle.
Hands have different options:
- Jugs. You put them in jars so that more volume is visible at the waist. nine0038
- One arm is outstretched and the other is holding his elbow. If you want to hide the city center, this option is very good.
- Arms extended, both extended and one close to the hip, to give more volume.
bikini mirror selfie
Bikini photo poses at home 5You can do these 4 poses without anyone's help in front of the mirror and with the main camera of your mobile phone, which always has the best resolution. If you look closely, she also uses a hip trick to create more curves in her silhouette, it will depend on your silhouette but this variation usually looks great with all silhouettes. nine0003
Touching your hair is an option when you don't know what to do with the hand that isn't holding the phone or touching your clothes, because when the hand with the phone is busy, the other hand has few options.
Poses with hands on hips
Bikini photo poses at home 4 As you can see, this is where he put his cell phone or they are taking pictures, and it is important how he places his hands to give the photo dynamism.
You have 3 options that you can try and choose the one you like best! nine0003
Tarnished glass
For this position, you need to run hot water in the bathroom for a few minutes. When the full length mirror is fogged up, all you have to do is clear the areas where the bikini top and bottom are visible. Position your phone on a tripod so you can't see it from behind, set a timer, and all you have to do is pose with one arm up or one leg at your side.
With this misted glass effect, your photo will look original and your bikini will shine above all else. nine0003
side seat
Bikini photo poses at home 1 You can recreate this version at home on a chair or on the edge of a bed. Look at the pose, how it is stylized, so that your body comes out better in the photo. Sit on your side, stretch your legs and tilt your body back, while sticking out your chest. You can put your hands like in the photo or lean on your legs, or one on a chair and the other touch your hair.
You can also try looking down, you will be surprised!
bottom photo
New pose, and to make these photos perfect, all you have to do is step out into your garden in your best bikini. Place your mobile phone or camera in front of the step, then tilt your device so that it takes a photo above the step.
When you can only see the top of the step and the sky, it's time to set the timer and put on your sunglasses. Simulate as if you are going to walk on a cell phone or camera and wait for the photo to be taken. nine0003
You will see. Thanks to the angle, you will appear much taller and slimmer, in addition, you will get a very original image.
Lying down or sitting Bikini photo poses at home 2
For this photo you will need a phone on a tripod or a photographer who will offer to take photos. It is important that you always find poses that you are stylized in and that your body looks stretched to make it more harmonious.
