Picture poses men

21 Poses to Try When Photographing Men

While photos of male models were once limited to underwear ads with six-pack abs, the field is changing—for the better. With major brands turning to street-casting and alternative modeling agencies, photographers now have more freedom to experiment with how they portray male individuality and masculinity.

Masculinity is complex and multi-faceted; it means something different for everyone. These days, there’s more to photographing men than the muscle-flexing cliché, and men don’t have to fit a certain mold to steal the spotlight.

Below, we’ll look at just twenty-one versatile male poses to get started with when photographing men. These are all foundational poses, with several possible variations. They come from photo history and the worlds of fashion and portraiture, but they’re also modern and fresh.

Add variety by shooting these poses in vertical and horizontal formats; get close for detail shots, and then move away for full-body shots. Have your model move his head toward and away from the camera to see what works; even slight shifts can have a significant effect.

It’s also important to note that these poses are by no means reserved for men only. They’ll work with women, non-binary, genderqueer, two-spirited individuals, and more. We chose these poses because they can be vehicles for expressing masculinity in many different forms. They are meant to broaden your horizons—not limit them.

The hands-in-pockets

One of the first questions new models ask is, “What should I do with my hands?” The classic hands-in-pockets pose is one way to solve this problem. You can have one hand or both hands in the pockets, depending on the look you want, but make sure the thumb is hooked outside the pocket. That way, the hands won’t look like they’re disappearing or cropped. Of course, this pose can also be combined with other poses on this list for tons of variety.

The arm cross

You know this one; it’s the pose you’ll find on professional directories and profile pages the world over. It’s also easy and simple, especially for men who might not be used to posing professionally. Depending on the facial expression, this pose can evoke all sorts of moods, from businesslike to edgy and non-conforming. Like the hands-in-pockets pose, this one can be combined with several others, so feel free to try it out in different situations.

The wardrobe adjustment

We’re not talking about a literal wardrobe adjustment here but something more subtle. To give your model something to do with his hands, have him roll up his sleeves, adjust his cufflinks, fix his tie, pop his collar, or touch his watch or cap. Another popular one? Holding the labels of his suit with his hands. For fashion photographers, this pose serves two purposes; first, it helps create a relaxed, casual atmosphere, and second, it draws attention to the details of the outfit.

The lean

For a relaxed, expressive portrait, have your model lean against a wall. You can have him lean to the side or straight back. You can also ask him to lift one leg and push it against the wall for a casual vibe. Feel free to experiment with angles here, as walls give you lots of options for bent limbs and sculptural compositions.

This one isn’t a single pose but several! Try out different perspectives, and invite your model to look at the camera, and away from it, for some variety.

This technique was also a favorite of the legendary fashion photographer and portraitist Irving Penn, who sometimes used moving walls while posing his subjects. In the case of Truman Capote and Marcel Duchamp, he included walls on either side of the body, so feel free to get creative.

The strut

If your model’s having trouble loosening up in front of the camera, have them walk towards you from a distance. That sense of movement will make for dynamic images and get rid of any stiffness your subject might need to shake off before getting into other poses.

The jacket toss

You’ll find this pose in fashion magazines and editorials, and it works with a model who’s standing still or moving. For a “nonchalant,” casual-cool vibe, have your subject use one hand to drape his jacket or sweater over his shoulder; if he’s walking, you can get some nice flowing or billowing clothing at the same time.

The hair-swipe

Have your model run his fingers through his hair for a relaxed, spontaneous feeling. You can also ask him to move his arm down and place his hand on the back of his neck for a similar yet distinct pose. These are two favorites among fashion photographers, and you’ll find them across ads and editorials worldwide.

The hand-to-chest

This versatile pose can be used to express introspection and vulnerability, self-confidence and poise, and everything in between. Simply ask your model to place one hand on the opposite shoulder or chest. This easy movement will create interesting lines and angles—plus an added layer of depth. You can also have him hold onto something, like an article of clothing.

Contrapposto

Meaning “counterpose” in Italian, this is a pose that borrows heavily from art history, with one of the most famous examples being Michelangelo’s David. To achieve this pose, ask your model to lean his body weight on one straightened leg, bending the other leg and letting his upper body twist slightly off-axis from the hips for an asymmetrical but balanced look. Unlike standing straight, the contrapposto pose conveys dynamism and liveliness; recent studies even suggest that it could make us look more attractive.

The hand-on-hip

The hand-on-hip pose is usually associated with women, but like any pose, gender stereotypes need not apply, and it can work just as well for men.

Just think of Yousuf Karsh’s indelible photo of Winston Churchill, where the Prime Minister stands with one hand on his hip and the other on the back of a chair. It’s the portrait of a lifetime, and it’s not just that incredible facial expression that made it unforgettable—though that certainly helped.

To get the look, make sure you’re positioned slightly below your subject’s eye level. Another hint for an authoritative expression? Follow Karsh’s lead and go for a furrowed brow and narrow eyes, rather than wide-open ones.

The prop

Props can work wonders, but they have to make sense within the context of your photoshoot. That is to say, they should help tell the story of the person you’re photographing, rather than distract attention away from him. It can help to ask your model to bring an object of personal significance on set; not only will this prop help make him feel more comfortable, but it’ll also help prompt new pose ideas.

The jawline

Historically, portraits of men have trended towards hard lighting and contrast, which is great if you want to accentuate the jawline. In this case, remember to ask your model to jut his chin forward and down, as this position will result in that nice strong shadow on the neck.

That’s not to say that you can’t use softer light; there are no rules here. Traditionally used for portraits of women, soft light can produce beautifully dreamy, ethereal pictures of men as well; it just won’t accentuate that jawline in the same way.

The lean-in

Not to be confused with “the lean,” this pose occurs when the model is sitting, with his arms on his knees. If you want to make it a classic “power shot,” position your camera just slightly below the subject’s eye level.

The thinker

We borrowed the name of this pose from the famous sculpture by Auguste Rodin, but it can also be traced throughout photo history; one photographer, Alvin Langdon Coburn, even modeled a portrait of George Bernard Shaw after the sculpture itself. In this pose, the model is seated, with his chin on his hand and elbow on his knee. It’s a pose associated with thoughtfulness and heroism, so it works well for serious portraits.

The leg-cross

Crossing your model’s legs can add dynamics and a sense of movement to almost any photo, no matter the pose. Still, one of the most common leg-cross poses you’ll find includes a seated model with the ankle of one foot resting on the knee of the other. This pose can be done on a chair, bench, or sofa for a natural, candid feel.

The backward chair

This classic pose can be found everywhere from senior portraits to album covers (think: Lionel Richie in Can’t Slow Down or Johnny Mathis in Feelings). It works well because it conveys the same sense of self-assurance as the “lean-in” while also giving you some added versatility. Have your subject lean onto the back of the chair or rest his hands there for a cool, casual sensibility.

The face-touch

Use the position of your model’s hands to direct the eye, and play with hiding and revealing different portions of the face. A touch can be used to demonstrate strength, vulnerability, or both.

A hand to the chin, as in Albert Watson’s iconic photo of Steve Jobs, will tell a different story than a gentle hand on the cheek, so check in to see what your model likes and go from there. Asking your subject to touch his face can also result in candid, natural facial expressions that are difficult to “fake.”

The hand-clasp

This pose, usually executed when the model is sitting, can exude humbleness and approachability. As with the “lean-in,” you’ll have your model place his elbows on his knees—only this time, you’ll ask him to join his hands. You can also do it standing up, if your subject is leaning on something like a railing.

You can also use this time to get some close-ups of the hands, which can often help tell someone’s story even better than the face. Your model can also draw attention to any rings or tattoos he might have.

The stairs

Stairs are perfect for portrait and fashion shoots because they allow for different levels and perspectives. Have your model sit on one step and place his feet on two different steps; having those layers will give your photo more depth and interest.

The lean-back

There are tons of “leaning-back” poses to try, but for now, we’ll keep it simple. Have your model lean back, with at least one of his arms behind him, propping him up. He can also place his elbows on the floor, rather than his palms, but it works both ways.

Like many of the poses on this list, this one comes off as relaxed and comfortable, giving your photos an authentic and spontaneous vibe. He can lean back on both hands or leave one free and move it around. He can cross his legs for an added point of interest, or he can bend one leg and extend the other—your call.

The “in-between”

This isn’t a pose per se, but it’s just as important as any conventional pose. The “in-between” refers to the natural poses your model makes when he’s in between formal poses; it could be as simple as turning over his shoulder to look at you or dancing to the music when he thinks you aren’t shooting.

The breaks between traditional “poses” are all opportunities to grab some candid, off-the-cuff poses and gestures that are unique to your model. These are the poses that can’t be planned or choreographed, so take advantage of these moments.

These poses are just a starting point, and we recommend staying open to improvisation on set. There are hundreds if not thousands of other poses to explore, so we’ve barely scratched the surface here. Your approach will also vary based on the person you’re photographing—what works for one face and personality might not work for another.

Take the time to get to know your model and understand what he wants from the session, and remember to provide encouragement and feedback throughout the shoot. Posing and direction should always be positive and fun.

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23 Male Model Poses & Prompts + Tips for Great Male Poses

Whether you’re photographing a male model or just a shy guy who’s having his first portrait photography session, this guide to male poses will help.

As a photographer, you’ll sometimes need to highlight your male subject’s masculinity, while other times you’ll simply want to create some more natural-looking photography poses.

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Whatever the case, having a handful of go-to modeling poses for male subjects under your belt is a great idea, both for your inspiration and for confidence while directing.

If you’re looking for general ideas on how to pose for pictures, this guide should help, but for now, let’s get stuck in to the tips!

Table of Contents

23 Natural Male Poses

In order to give you a good selection of male model poses, I’ve included male model images which show both standing and seated poses. Some of them you’ll come across in the average modeling portfolio or photo shoot, while other poses may be new to you.

Whatever the case, I hope these photos are a great way for you to get some fresh ideas for model poses and general body language direction for your subject at your next photo shoot.

Remember: these poses for men are meant to be a guide – you as the photographer should impart your own creativity to each of the poses, to make them your own. This is the key to creating truly individual photos.

1. Tilted Head

Credit: Keitravis Squire

This is one of the most popular but complicated male poses since it involves tilting the head and not turning the body. The camera focuses on the model who has to tilt the face in the opposite direction. It’s popular with magazine model poses, with the man’s face often being side lit.

If the male model is a heavy blinker, then ask him to be ready before you click a shot so you can get a decent photo with the eyes open. Alternatively, ask him to shut his eyes for a peaceful look, as seen in the image above, where the photographer has probably told his subject to relax and ignore the camera.

You can try to tilt the head a little more to get a good angle. Some angles may make the nose look bigger, and some will make it look sharper. The same goes for the chin and cheeks, so take care to find your perfect pose.

Side note: if ambient light and the current lighting conditions aren’t working for you, don’t be afraid to break out the off-camera flash.

2. Walking

Credit: Jeff Tumale (left)/ Pedram Normohamadian (right)

Walking – especially towards the camera – also makes it to the list of popular male poses, since it’s very natural. Most photographers prefer this shot in a formal setting, but it goes well in informal environments as well.

This is a great pose to start with for subjects that have trouble relaxing in front of the camera. Have your model start from a fair distance away and then walk casually toward you. The movement will help them loosen up, and you’ll come out with a set of dynamic images to boot.

For a more unusual portrait pose, you can also have them walk in other directions (i.e. past you). Just be careful where you have them looking.

Walking in a photo may seem somewhat cliché but it’s a popular fashion pose for good reason – it looks natural.

3. The Lean

Credit: Tyler Nix (left)/ Christian Buehner (right)

One of the more versatile males poses, the lean can be both relaxed and expressive.

Most leans are done with either the back or the shoulder against a wall. You can also have your model lean onto something like a bar table or a railing.

For a more intense vibe, keep the legs straight. For a more casual vibe, ask your model to lift one leg and put their foot against whatever he’s leaning against.

While the two example portraits above have their models leaning against a wall, you can use just about anything – a tree, a railing, a flag pole. This pose also looks great from different angles…possibilities are endless.

4. Hand In Pockets

Credit: Allef Vinicius (left)/ Dana Jm (right)

Hands in Pockets goes well with The Lean and many other standing poses. It gives the model a place to put their hands while offering a number of different expressions and moods.

It’s also a great way to get the guy to relax during the photos, if you find him looking a little wooden. Watch carefully for his body form, though – hands in pockets can sometimes look a bit too casual for some photoshoots.

You can use the front or rear pockets, one hand or both. Just ensure the thumb is hooked outside the pocket so that the hands don’t look like they’re “disappearing” into the pockets.

Check out more hand poses here.

5. Arms Crossed

Credit: Alex Perri (left)/ Ali Morshedlou (right)

Another pose that’s easy for inexperienced models is standing with the arms crossed. Depending on the facial expression, it can give an air of authority, a sense of edginess or defiance, or just pure expressiveness.

Like Hands In Pockets, this pose can be combined with many other poses, both sitting and standing. It’s also a great go-to if the model isn’t sure where to put their hands.

Be aware, though – in some situations, crossing the arms can also create a sense of being closed off or unavailable and may give off the wrong message.

6. Hand On Hip

Credit: Andrew Dick (left)/ Teryani Riggs (right)

One of the more standard male photography poses, the hand on hip is more versatile than it may seem at first. You can face the hand backwards or forwards, have the hand open or closed, and vary where on the hip your model places their hand.

The result can be a relaxed, casual look (the image to the right), a more posed, intense look (the image on the left), or anything in between. For best results, ensure the camera is positioned somewhat below the model’s eye level.

7. Adjusting the Wardrobe

Credit: Ges Photos (left)/ Pablo Padilla (right)

One of the favorite poses of wedding photographers, the Wardrobe Adjust, adds a sense of intimacy and movement to a portrait.

You can have him fix his tie, pop his collar, button his cufflinks, turn an item of jewelry, or touch his hat or watch. Your model can be looking at the camera, at the adjustment they’re making, or off to the side. Play around and see what works.

Keep in mind though: the adjustment doesn’t need to be a literal one…it’s the motion that counts.

Credit: Derick Mckinney

A bonus element of this pose is that it draws attention to the details of the outfit – another reason wedding and fashion photographers love it! So if you’re looking for some detail shots, this is a great pose to start work with.

8. Jacket Over the Shoulder

Male model poses | Credit: Teryani Riggs (left)/ Hejaz Memon (right)

Frequently used in fashion magazines, the Jacket Over the Shoulder pose is one of the best male poses for adding a touch of nonchalance or “attitude” to the portrait.

Credit: Michael Silkesjoo

It can be used with a model that’s standing still or moving. As far as gaze is concerned, they can be either looking directly at the camera or away.

Just make sure the jacket adds to the model’s outfit and the overall look you’re going for.

9. Contrapposto

Male model poses | Credit: JT Kim (left) / Pargat Dhillon (right)

For a truly classic look, consider the Contrapposto. It’s the pose you see in Michelangelo’s David and has been used throughout centuries of art.

In the Contrapposto, the model places most of his weight on one straightened leg while twisting his shoulders and arms a bit off-axis from his hips and legs. The other leg is bent at the knee.

Depending on how you do it, the Contrapposto pose will come across either as more dynamic or more relaxed than simply standing straight. Males look just as good as female models in this pose, and according to one study, it makes us look more attractive.

10. Holding One Arm

Male model poses | Credit: Andres Hernandez (left)/ Jennifer Marquez (right)

For a more vulnerable look, have your model reach across their chest and hold their upper arm. It’s important here that the arm be relaxed so that the model doesn’t come across as closed off.

You can have the model either facing the camera directly or facing off to the side.

11. Hand On Chest

Credit: Salah Amrani (left)/ Omid Armin (right)

Another pose that creates a sense of vulnerability, the Hand on Chest pose comes across as a bit more open than the Holding One Arm pose.

Have your model place one hand on their opposite shoulder. This will bring out interesting lines and angles while adding in a bit of introspection and mystery to the image.

You can also ask your model to hold on to a prop or his clothing.

12. Hands in Hair

Credit: Bruna Lima (left)/ Lesly Juarez (right)

The Hands In Hair pose is another favorite of the fashion photography industry. Having your model place their hands in their hair or run their fingers through it can make for some very compelling photos.

Photo Credit: Omid Armin

Depending on the facial expression, this pose can go for a sultry, intense look or a relaxed, spontaneous one. With the camera below the model’s eye level, this pose is also excellent for accenting the strength of the upper body.

13. Touching the Face or Neck

Credit: Taylor Hernandez (left)/ Junaid Aziz (right)

Similar to Hands in Hair, having your model touch their face or neck can bring out many different emotions.

For example, placing the hand on the chin can bring out an element of thoughtfulness or introspection. It can also highlight intensity, or even show a poker face.

Credit: Kazi Mizan (left)/ Bibek Thakuri (right)

Placing the hand on the back of the neck can create out a sultry look or make an image look more candid, depending again on the facial expression.

14. Knee Up (Standing)

Credit: Chander Mohan

For a pose full of relaxed confidence, find something for your model to place their foot on while standing. It can be a chair or a stump or a half-wall – whatever is at hand.

The height of the knee and the direction of the gaze will affect the mood of the look, so play around with different options. When the knee is high enough, you can also have your model lean an elbow on it.

15. Leaning Forward

Credit: Dmitry Vechorko (left)/ Victoria Volkova (right)

For a classic sitting pose, have your model lean forward and place either their hands, elbows, or arms on their knees.

If you like shooting male portraits that accent the model’s masculinity, use this pose and position the camera slightly below the model’s eye level and shoot up. This will give you the classic “power shot”.

16. The Thinker

Credit: Kazi Mizan (left)/ Raghav Bhadoriya (right)

A variation on Leaning Forward, the Thinker borrows its inspiration from the famous sculpture by Auguste Rodin.

Here, the model places his elbow on his knee and his chin on his inward-turned hand. It’s an excellent male model pose for more serious portraits and is generally associated with thoughtfulness and sometimes even heroism.

17. Leaning Into the Arm

Credit: Kevin Quezada

Another variation of Leaning Forward, having your model lean into their arm while seated shifts the focus from “powerful” to being more vulnerable and approachable.

18. Knee Up (Sitting)

Credit: Sumit Kapoor

For this pose, have your model sit on the floor (or wall or bench) and bring one knee up. From there, rest the elbow on the knee and make sure their chest is open and facing at least somewhat towards the camera. The hand can rest on the chin, in the hair or behind the head.

Credit: Jake Noren

There are several different looks possible from this pose – everything from the classic James Dean effect to simple and straightforward. It really depends on what model look you’re going for.

19. Clasping Hands

Credit: James Barr (left)/ JJ Jordan (right)

Another great sitting pose for men; the Clasping Hands pose adds an element humbleness and approachability to your portraits. This shot is generally done with the model’s elbows on his knees but also can be done while holding the elbows close to the body.

Also, if you’re going for detail shots, this is a great pose for getting a close-up of his hands and/or drawing attention to any jewelry or tattoos he might have.

(This seated pose can be done with or without a chair.)

20. The Backward Chair

Credit: Christian Buehner (left)/ Marllon Cristhian Barbosa (right)

Another favorite male model look, this pose can be found on everything from album covers to senior portraits to Star Trek. It conveys a sense of relaxed self-assurance and, depending on how you work it, independence or rebelliousness.

Once seated with the chair turned around, have your subject rest their elbows, hands, or even their chin on the back of the chair. There are a lot of possibilities here, as the subject can cross his arms, put his chin on his hand, or touch his face or neck.

21. Crossed Legs

Credit: Vishan Lakhiani (left)/ Yogendra Singh (right)

There are a couple of ways to do the Crossed Legs pose. Sitting with just one leg crossed over the other with the ankle resting on the knee is more of a business casual look.

Sitting cross-legged on a floor, bed, sofa or other flat surfaces will give you a more care-free, candid feel.

Either way, it’s one of the easier male poses to work with.

22. Squatting

Credit: Wallace Chuck (left)/ Luis Quintero (right)

For a more unusual male model pose, try having them squat. This pose is usually done with a bit of attitude thrown in, but you can also have the model go for thoughtfulness or joy.

Pay special attention to the background in your shot with this pose, though, as it will be more noticeable in this stance than in some of the others.

23. Props

Credit: unknown

While not precisely a pose, using props in your male model shots can add a ton of versatility to your portrait photography. The props can vary from items they hold in their hand (like flowers) to a car, skateboard, or basketball.

You name it – the sky’s the limit. Just ensure the prop makes sense with the look you’re going for and matches their wardrobe.

Male Poses FAQ

How should men pose for portraits?

If you’re going for masculinity, make sure that the model pushes his chin out and tilts it a little bit down. This will help bring out a strong jawline.

How do men prepare for a photoshoot?

Men can best prep for their photoshoots by grooming meticulously and making sure their outfit(s) match the intention of the shoot. It’s also helpful to talk with the photographer beforehand to see what expectations they may have.

How can I be more photogenic?

Being photogenic is comprised of many aspects. Facial expression, stance, overall posing and outfit are only part of the equation. The most moving element will be the emotion you convey. Find a strong emotion that you can bring out in your eyes and essence. That will make your portraits compelling.

Poses for Men – Final Words

Remember that the key to success is to engage with your subject, to illicit the most natural poses during your photoshoot.

On the one hand, you’ll need to guide and direct your subject to some extent, but after that, it’s important to interact naturally to try and get the guy to relax.

I hope these male model poses have helped you out with some new ideas.

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Men's poses for a photo shoot in the street or in the studio: 20 posing options for beautiful photos of guys and men

It's no secret that men don't particularly like to be photographed. For some reason, this seems unworthy to the stronger sex. That is why photo shoots of guys are much less common than women or children. And few guys love and know how to show off in front of the camera, unlike girls.

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The prospect of being in front of a camera seems like a daunting task for many men. Nevertheless, there are many photo shoots of guys. For some, this is a professional task, while others get such an unusual gift. But guys in general feel uncomfortable in front of the camera, the whole shooting for them is sheer stress. As a result, both the photographer and the organizer of the photo shoot begin to get nervous. But many problems can be avoided if you correctly approach the organization of a photo shoot, take into account the inevitable little things and choose the right poses. nine0003

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Preparing for a photo session

Careful planning of any event increases the chances of its success. Before the photo session, it is also worth talking with the photographer and the guy some points.

Choosing a location

There are many places that can become the basis for a photo shoot. No one forces you to lock yourself in the studio. It can be a park, cafe, office or home. The list is only limited by your imagination. The main thing is that the guy should feel as comfortable as possible in this place

Choice of shooting style

And in this matter, the number of options is truly limitless. For example, classic portrait photography can be organized not only in the studio, but also on the street. The season will only add spice. Evening and night shots are popular, but in any case, scenery is secondary in portrait shooting. For young men, a popular fashion shoot may suit, in which the emphasis will be on a stylish wardrobe. A thrash-style photo shoot with ripped jeans, heavy boots and casual shirts will suit the rebels. The scene for such shooting can be garages, abandoned workshops. A photo shoot in the style of "military" means military clothing and even weapons. nine0003

Choice of clothes and props

It is worth carefully considering the image of the guy. Clothing is especially important if you want to create a certain image. When preparing, you can choose as many options for outfits of various styles as possible, so that later you have plenty to choose from. Clothing can even suggest the nature of future photos. Comfortable clothes will help the guy to relax. It is worth paying attention to props. Many items can emphasize the inner world of a man: a bottle of cognac, a cigar, a guitar, a mobile gadget. nine0003

Meet the photographer

If the photographer is a stranger until the moment of cooperation, then it is better to discuss all the nuances with him, agree on the rules and discuss shooting options. Perhaps the subject is afraid of certain angles and wants to emphasize something certain about himself. A trusting relationship with the photographer helps to liberate yourself. The specialist has to be a bit of a psychologist in order to learn more about the person with whom he has to work. nine0003

The right attitude

This item is important both for the guy himself and for the organizer. It should be understood that even an hour and a half of shooting will make everyone tired. A man should understand what he is getting into, calm down and trust the photographer. In most cases, everyone is satisfied with the result.

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How to look good in the frame

If you analyze the photos of men in social networks, then the skill of posing will be found in few people. Most often, men prefer to just stand straight in front of the camera. Others, on the contrary, demonstrate relaxation in every possible way, which further emphasizes self-doubt at this moment. And before we go directly to the possible options for poses, it is worth paying attention not to the basics of male posing. For such a case, the most natural poses look best, the simpler they are, the better. nine0003

How to look cool?

To create such an image, it is not at all necessary to strain all your muscles and emphasize your brutality in every possible way. Best of all, masculinity emphasizes confidence. And the facial expression should be calm. Regardless of the location of the model, do not forget about posture. You can't look cool without a straight back.

Is it necessary to smile in the photo?

The guy in the photo can and should even smile. And let someone be content with the principle “men don’t cry”, but what does the smile have to do with it? Even if you do not want to portray unbridled fun, you can simply slightly expand the line of the mouth. But even the complete absence of a smile will be better than a forced artificial grimace. nine0003

Masculinity of the figure

To better emphasize the masculinity of the figure - broad shoulders and muscles, you need to stand so that your shoulders look at the camera, but at the same time your hips turn slightly to the side, just a couple of degrees.

Confident look

To look confident, you just need to look in the direction where the face is turned. Looking away will give the illusion of embarrassment or flirtatiousness. For a male image, this is rarely appropriate. nine0003

Do not stand in one position for a long time

A man will have to work at a photo session: change postures, facial expressions, emotions, head turns. The photographer will already be catching good shots. If you need to take several shots in one position, then the man will simply be asked to freeze or take the desired position.

Listen to the photographer

Don't expect the photographer to point out every step of the model, but the hints will still sound. The opinion of a professional should not be neglected. Only the joint work of the model and the photographer can provide a cool result. nine0003

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Best Male Photo Poses

Standing Arms Crossed

This is a very simple pose, great for a male portrait. It is necessary to cross your arms over your chest, but at the same time, your shoulders should be slightly pulled back and your stomach drawn in - you should not forget about posture. This closed position will give a man confidence. For a man, this pose is quite natural, it is no coincidence that it is often chosen for amateur shots. nine0003

Standing full length with arms crossed

A similar pose can be used for full length photography. The arms should be crossed at chest level, the hands should be placed on the elbow bends, and the thumbs should be hidden inward. The model can cross her legs so that one is slightly in front of the other. And at the same time, the weight must be transferred mainly to one leg, otherwise the pose will seem awkward.

Full length with hand in pocket

This pose can be considered a development of the previous one. Only this time one hand can be put in the pocket, and the other left relaxed.

Hands in pockets

If you place your hands completely or partially in the front pockets of your trousers, you will get the most natural and relaxed posture. She has two options:

with her hands folded into a fist at waist level, with her thumbs in her pockets; nine0190
with the brush hidden in the pocket and the thumbs left outside.

With an object thrown behind the back

This pose also develops the previous one. It is enough just to throw some object over your shoulder: a jacket, a briefcase. You can cross your legs and put your hand or thumb in your pocket.

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Asymmetrical pose

In this pose, the weight of the body should be transferred to one leg. The second leg can be set aside or crossed with the first. For the natural position of the body, it is necessary to take a step, but not to attach the second leg. It is not at all necessary to be located directly under the camera, you can sit half-turned. Hands can also be given a certain freedom: folded on the chest, hidden in pockets. The more natural the pose for a man, the more alive the photos will turn out. nine0003

Full length leaning against a wall

The man may lean with his back against a wall or vertical surface with his hands in his pockets. The view will be even more relaxed if there is also a leg bent at the knee leaning against the wall. It is not necessary to look into the lens, you can turn your head slightly to one side.

Leaning against the wall

This pose works well for both formal portraits and impromptu ones. Crossed legs emphasize the confident position of the body. The posture implies external relaxation and even slight negligence. The head can be tilted slightly. nine0003

With object in hand

This is a very simple business portrait pose. And the object in the hand, whether it be a laptop or a tool, can indicate the occupation of a man.

Relaxed sitting on the table

This position may not be very etiquette, but no one forces you to climb onto the table with your feet. It is enough just to sit on its edge. In this free and relaxed pose, the hands should rest freely on the hips, they can be folded on the chest, rest against the table top, or put in pockets. nine0003

Sitting at a table

Pretty simple posture for a person sitting at a table. But the main thing at the same time is not to portray an exemplary and clamped schoolboy. And the occupation of the model can show objects located on a horizontal surface. It can be a laptop, tablet, book, cup. It is allowed to lean forward slightly or turn around half a turn. You can put your hands in front of you or touch one of them on the chin, take an object. This will give the frame a natural look. nine0003

Sitting at a table with an extended shoulder

This posture is slightly different from the previous one. But it is well suited for business portraits, emphasizing the image of a wealthy and self-confident man.

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Sideways on a chair

This characteristic pose looks creative. But at the same time, the chair on which the model sits must be turned sideways or back to the camera lens. nine0003

Arms crossed at the table

Crossed arms can be leaned on and items related to the male profession can be placed on the table.

With support at hand

A photo in which a man's hand is located on some kind of support will look attractive: a table, chair, window sill. You can diversify the portrait by asking to lean with your hip on the edge of the table, cross your legs or arms.

Sitting comfortably in a chair

This dominant pose works well for corporate or formal portraits. The leg can be put one on the other, and the hand - on the knee or armrest. But it's definitely not worth keeping your head up. You can even not look into the frame, turning your head slightly to the side.

Sitting on the ground without support

A simple and natural pose has many variations to suit changing camera angles. In this case, you need to succumb slightly forward, straightening your shoulders. You can put your legs in front of you and put your hands on them, or you can cross them, leaving your hands in the center. nine0003

Sitting on the ground, leaning on his hands

A man would look good in this position outdoors. You can lean on one hand, and put the other on a raised knee. The angle is very important, but this is the work of the photographer.

Sitting at ease on the ground

In this relaxed and relaxed position, you can naturally cross your legs.

Relaxed, reclining against the wall

The man can sit with his back against a wall or some object. In this case, one leg can be bent at the knee. Legs can be extended or crossed at the ankles. The back should be relaxed, but not spread over the support.

Close-up

Don't be afraid to take a close-up of the model's face. Let the man be the main subject in the frame. You can take many pictures from different angles, show different emotions, turn your head or tilt it, bring your hands to your face. The pose can be any, because the emphasis is on the face. The main work is given to the photographer - he selects the angle and lighting. nine0003

Portrait of a man. Men's poses.

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Comments (10)

Good day to all. In this post we will talk about male portrait , or rather about posing. Most guys are embarrassed not only to be normal in front of the lens - many are afraid to take pictures.

Below I will show you some standard male poses to make the photo more attractive. nine0003

It is much easier for girls in terms of posing - they always turn out great, if not judged strictly =) But guys usually have a problem with this, most of the pictures in their archives consist of an endless series of "I was here" - hands "at the seams and look at the camera.

Of course, a lot depends on the photographer, and on the equipment he shoots with, but still the main object is the model, and not everything else. The photograph will remain for life and it will be unpleasant if you turn out badly in it. It's good that now everything is in the figure - you can delete and remove it again by pressing a couple of buttons. nine0003

So, let's go directly to the male poses themselves. Consider some of them, and below, in the gallery, you can see everything. You also have the opportunity to download them all in one archive and upload them, for example, to your phone or tablet as a hint.

I will show everything with an illustrative example to make it clearer.

Complemented this male portrait with a small but significant detail in the form of reading a book - this is what came of it:

Legs crossed, posture almost identical to that in the diagram. You can shoot from different angles, choosing the right composition.

Going further - the usual casual male portrait , where the model leans on something with her back.

In my execution, the portrait was complemented by a tree and a beautiful background of Christmas trees.

In the forest, by the way, you have to be more careful when you sit down on the ground - otherwise all sorts of bald dogs walk around, grumpy, sir to the left and to the right, sir =)

In any case, the poses are shown schematically and do not need to be repeated exactly. Make your adjustments, don't be clones - there are already enough of them =)

If a person behaves easily and naturally in front of the camera, consider that you have 75% of a successful photoset in your pocket. Sincere emotions on the face of the model - that's what is most important for me, this should be strived for.

The next 2 postures are "business".

Combining them together and tweaking a little, I got the following picture:

For a non-thematic male portrait of , guys usually emphasize their strengths - they expose their muscles, and older people try to show their status in society: how they dress, what watches they wear and how businesslike they look. For this type, shirts or suits are required.

Male pose is considered to be the one in which primarily vertical or horizontal lines predominate, a strict look of both the photograph itself and the background on it. Curves and smooth forms usually go to the beautiful half of humanity =)

You can shift your body weight to one side, lean on something.

In my implementation, I asked to lean on a tree and removed the model from the waist and vertically, and again added the thematic detail of the entire photoset - a book.

I think it turned out very nice.

Another good, in my opinion, male pose is the one where the model holds a jacket or jacket over her shoulder. This gives importance and efficiency to the subject. nine0003

But in some cases, when making a couple of adjustments, on the contrary, you can get a rather cheerful, carefree look of a person who is not burdened with worries.

hooray you're in!