Sitting poses for photography

Portrait photography can be a challenge, especially if you are new to photography. Whether you need sitting poses for photography or you're looking for sitting poses for yourself, here are the best sitting poses for men and women...

25 Sitting poses for photography

1. Leaning forward, elbows on the knees

This pose is effortless, classic, and versatile. What’s more, you can adapt the position of the hands to different moods depending on the effect you want to cause.

To do this pose, have your subject sit on a bench, chair, or ledge with their feet firmly on the ground. Have them lean their upper body slightly forward and rest their elbows on their knees, keeping their hands relaxed or clasped. Tell them to look directly at the camera or slightly off to one side for a more candid feel. You can have them rest their chin on their hands just make sure they don't squish their chin into their hands as that will create an unflattering look.

This sitting pose is great for:

• Engagement and Approachability: This pose conveys a sense of engagement, as if the subject is actively listening or participating which creates an inviting and approachable vibe, making the subject seem open and relaxed.
• Casual Confidence: I love to use this pose to express confidence without appearing stiff. The forward-leaning posture gives a relaxed, grounded look while still maintaining eye contact with the viewer, making it great for casual portraits or character-focused shots.
• Focus and Determination: This pose can also evoke thoughtfulness or intensity, making it ideal for creating a sense of purpose or concentration.
• Highlighting Facial Expressions: With the body leaned in and face closer to the camera, this pose emphasizes the facial expression, capturing subtleties and emotions well.

2. Sitting on the stairway

Stairs are great for making stunning, dynamic photos. Plus, they create a more casual look. The best part is that this pose works both facing forward and from the side.

To do this pose, choose a spot on the stairs that allows for a natural sitting position. Allow your subject's legs to follow the line of the steps, either extended or bent, and remind them to keep their back either relaxed or slightly straight for support. Have them rest their hands on their knees, thighs, or the step behind them, and experiment with looking straight, up, down, or sideways.

This sitting pose is great for:

• Casual, Laid-Back Vibe: The pose is often used to create a relaxed, informal atmosphere. It works well for lifestyle and candid shots, giving a feeling of spontaneity, as if the subject just paused naturally in the middle of a journey.
• Depth and Dimension: Stairs offer depth and leading lines, which draw the viewer's eye through the frame and toward the subject. This is excellent for adding visual interest to the composition, making it ideal for editorial or fashion photography.
• Reflective or Introspective Mood: Sitting on stairs can convey a sense of thoughtfulness or reflection, especially if the subject is looking away or downward. This makes it well-suited for moody, contemplative shots.
• Highlighting Legs and Body Angles: The staggered levels of the stairs help to highlight leg and body angles, allowing the subject to play with different sitting postures. It’s great for poses that showcase outfit details or footwear in fashion photography.
• Youthful and Adventurous: Stairway sitting often gives a casual, youthful energy, making it ideal for capturing a fun, carefree moment or an adventurous, urban feel.

3. Leaning back, arms on the sides

This pose is ideal for creating a casual, relaxed look, almost as if the photo is totally candid. It works great for pictures on a large chair or couch. You can try it with your arms resting on the armrests or just one arm on the side.

To do this pose have your subject sit on a flat surface and lean back slightly, placing their hands on each side for support. Remind them to keep their shoulders relaxed and let their upper body open up. Experiment with crossing one leg over the other or keeping them side-by-side for a more grounded look.

This sitting pose is great for:

• Relaxed Confidence: This pose exudes a laid-back confidence, suggesting that the subject is comfortable in their surroundings. It’s ideal for conveying a sense of ease and self-assuredness.
• Casual and Open Body Language: With arms open and resting on either side, the pose creates an open and inviting body language, which can make the subject appear approachable and friendly. It works well for lifestyle and portrait photography focused on warmth and authenticity.
• Highlighting Body Lines and Posture: The pose naturally emphasizes the upper body, shoulders, and arms. It’s a great choice for showing off posture and strength, making it suitable for fitness, fashion, or editorial shots.
• Sense of Control or Authority: Leaning back can sometimes give off an impression of control or authority, especially when paired with direct eye contact. It’s a good choice for portrait or branding photography where the subject needs to project power subtly.

4. One knee up

Whether sitting on a chair, a step, or a high wall, this pose is perfect for creating more dynamism in the composition. And it's a great way to make your model look relaxed.

To do this pose, have your subject sit down and bend one knee up, placing their foot flat on the ground. Have them rest their arm casually on the raised knee, or have them use it as a base to lean their chin on for more thoughtful poses. The other leg can be bent or extended straight out, depending on the look you’re aiming for.

This sitting pose is great for:

• Casual and Laid-Back: The pose looks relaxed and informal, ideal for candid, lifestyle, and portrait photography.
• Versatility with Expressions: Allows flexibility to play with different moods, from playful to introspective.
• Visual Interest and Angles: Adds asymmetry and angles, which break up the pose and make the composition more dynamic.
• Energy and Readiness: Conveys a sense of motion or anticipation, great for subjects with active, adventurous personalities.

5. Both legs spread

This pose looks fun and creates interesting lines to draw attention—beneficial for fashion and street photography. It's ideal for working with a high stool or on the floor. In addition, it works with the legs fully extended or slightly bent.

To do this pose, have your subject sit on something whether it's a chair, bench, or even a rock and have them spread both legs apart at a moderate angle, creating a stable and grounded posture. Remind them to keep their back straight or slightly relaxed, and rest their hands on their knees, thighs, or at their sides. You can experiment with having them lean slightly forward, keeping an arm on one knee, or looking directly at the camera for a powerful effect.

This sitting pose is great for:

• Power and Confidence: This pose takes up space, making the subject appear confident, assertive, and grounded. It's often used in powerful portraits or fashion editorials to project strength.
• Casual, Relaxed Feel: With the legs spread, it gives a sense of ease and casual openness, making the subject appear approachable and at ease.
• Creating a Strong Frame: The V-shape formed by the legs acts as a visual frame that naturally draws the viewer’s eye toward the upper body and face. This works well for focusing attention on facial expressions and upper body details.
• Edgy and Bold Style: Often seen in urban or fashion photography, this pose gives an edgy, nonchalant vibe, especially when paired with bold expressions or a moody setting.

6. Legs sideways

This is another classic pose for quickly resolving a seated portrait on the floor or ground.

To do this pose, have your subject sit down and turn their legs to one side, either both bent or with one leg extended. Then have your subject tilt their torso slightly to create a soft curve and have them look towards the camera or gaze off to the side for added elegance.

Make sure your subject stays comfortable and is in the pose naturally and that they aren't turning too much causing a crank in their lower back as this will make your subject look awkward.

This sitting pose is great for:

• Elegance and Poise: This pose naturally gives a graceful, classic look, often used to convey sophistication and femininity. It’s ideal for creating elegant and poised portraits.
• Soft and Relaxed Vibe: With the legs to the side, the body language appears more gentle and relaxed, making it perfect for soft, intimate, or lifestyle portraits.
• Adding Curves and Lines: Turning the legs creates natural curves and angles, which can add softness and enhance body shape. This is great for highlighting natural body lines and is often used in beauty or fashion photography.
• Highlighting Outfits and Footwear: When one leg is extended, it helps show off outfit details or footwear, ideal for editorial or fashion portraits.

7. Legs at 45-degree angle

This pose looks feminine and delicate while being undemanding and classic.

To do this pose, have your subject sit on a chair, bench, or floor and angle their legs about 45 degrees from the camera. One leg can be bent with the foot flat on the ground, while the other can either be extended or crossed at the ankle. Position their torso to face slightly toward the camera, or keep it aligned with their legs for a more casual look. Hands can rest on their thighs, knees, or placed softly beside them.

This sitting pose is great for:

• Dynamic Yet Relaxed Composition: This angle creates a sense of movement and dynamism without being too intense. It’s perfect for lifestyle, portrait, or casual fashion shoots, adding energy while maintaining a relaxed vibe.
• Natural and Approachable Look: The 45-degree angle gives a laid-back, conversational feel, often making the subject appear friendly and easygoing.
• Body Line Emphasis: The slightly angled pose elongates the legs and torso, helping to create a slimming effect and smooth body lines, which works well for both close-ups and full-body portraits.
• Versatility in Expression: This pose can be adapted easily to suit different moods—leaning slightly forward adds engagement, while leaning back gives a relaxed, open vibe. Ideal for a wide range of portrait styles.

8. Legs bent on the floor, one knee up

This is a variation of a pose we saw earlier but on the floor.

To do this pose, have your subject sit on the ground with one leg bent flat in front of them, and the other leg raised with the knee up, creating a triangle shape with the bent leg. I like to have the subject rest one arm on the raised knee for support, and let the other hand relax by their side or on their thigh.

You can also tell your subject to lean slightly into the raised knee for a comfortable look, or keep their posture upright for a stronger feel. Have your subject look directly at the camera, or gaze off to one side for a thoughtful expression.

This sitting pose is great for:

• Casual and Relaxed Look: This pose is casual and grounded, giving a spontaneous, relaxed feel. It’s great for lifestyle or candid-style portraits where the subject appears at ease.
• Thoughtfulness and Introspection: With the option to lean an arm or chin on the raised knee, this pose can create a pensive, introspective mood, making it perfect for personal or storytelling portraits.
• Balance and Structure in Composition: The varied height created by one knee up and one leg flat adds visual interest and balance, providing a natural focal point. This structure works well in compositions where you want to emphasize different angles.

9. Leaning on a table

If you have a table, use it to your advantage! You can play with your model’s hands to create interesting lines and shapes and forget about the legs momentarily. If you don't have a table, then you can use any surface.

To do this pose, have your subject stand or sit next to a table or elevated surface, and lean forward slightly, placing one or both arms on the table’s surface for support. I like to have the subject rest their elbows or forearms on the surface and let their body angle naturally towards it. Adjust your subject's posture by leaning more or less forward depending on the mood you want to convey, and try having them rest their chin on their hand for a thoughtful look or keeping their hands relaxed.

For example, during a fitness photography shoot I had, I had my subject lean on a boxing heavy bag.

This sitting pose is great for:

• Engagement and Approachability: Leaning on a table gives a close-up, inviting vibe, as if the subject is in a casual conversation. It works well for portraits where the goal is to make the viewer feel connected to the subject.
• Casual Professionalism: This pose balances a sense of professionalism with approachability, making it great for business or branding photos where the subject should appear friendly but confident.
• Highlighting Upper Body and Face: The table support brings attention to the subject’s face and upper body, making it easier to capture expressions and details in a close crop. Ideal for portraits where facial expression is the focus.
• Creative Compositions with Props: The table setting allows for props, such as books, coffee cups, or laptops, which can add personality and context to the shot. This is useful for lifestyle or storytelling photography.

10. Chair backwards

Sitting in chair regularly is boring! Mix it up and try turning it around for a rebellious look. This is a good idea to use a chair differently and get out of the ordinary.

To do this pose, have your subject sit in a chair with the back facing them, then have them sit down straddling the chair, with their legs on either side. I like to have my subjects rest their arms casually on the top of the chair or fold them across the backrest. You can have your subject lean slightly forward for a more engaged look or stay upright for a more assertive stance. Experiment with different angles of head tilt and hand placement to add personality.

This sitting pose is great for:

• Edgy and Confident Look: This pose projects confidence, boldness, and a bit of a rebellious vibe. It’s great for portraits where you want the subject to appear self-assured and dynamic.
• Highlighting Upper Body and Expression: With the upper body leaning forward and arms positioned prominently, this pose emphasizes the shoulders, arms, and face, which is great for expressive portrait shots.
• Dynamic and Unique Composition: Using the chair as a prop adds depth and texture, allowing for creative framing. This can break up a standard portrait composition, adding interest and drawing the viewer’s eye directly to the subject.
• Ideal for Editorial or Personality-Focused Shots: This pose works well for editorial, character-focused, or branding photography where the goal is to highlight personality and individuality. It’s commonly seen in fashion or personal branding photography to convey confidence and uniqueness.

11. Leaning against a wall with bent legs

This is another simple and classic pose that always works. It looks great with the arms resting on the knees or one leg higher than the other to create more striking lines. Try it indoors or outdoors with walls, door frames, windows, trees, etc.

To do this pose, have your subject stand close to a wall and have them lean back against it with their shoulders or upper back touching the surface. Have your subject bend one or both legs slightly, letting one foot rest flat on the wall or keeping both feet on the ground in a relaxed stance. I like to either have my subjects cross their arms, place their hands in pockets, or let them rest by their sides. Experiment with having them look directly at the camera, or glance to the side for a more candid feel.

This sitting pose is great for:

• Effortlessly Cool and Relaxed Look: This pose gives a laid-back, effortlessly cool vibe, ideal for lifestyle or urban photography where the subject appears casual and confident.
• Casual Confidence and Approachability: Leaning against a wall with relaxed legs creates an approachable look, making the subject seem friendly and easygoing.
• Body Shape and Lines: With one leg bent or both legs at an angle, this pose adds interesting lines and shapes to the composition, which is visually engaging. It’s excellent for portraits where you want to create a dynamic silhouette.
• Urban and Youthful Vibe: Leaning against a wall has an urban, youthful energy, often used in street-style photography or editorial shoots with a gritty, city feel. It’s perfect for conveying personality and a sense of place.

12. L shape

Any pose that creates lines and geometrical shapes adds much to your final image. The L pose looks fantastic for fashion photography.

To do this pose, have your subject sit on the ground or a flat surface with one leg extended straight in front of them and the other leg bent at a 90-degree angle, creating an “L” shape. Keep their torso upright and have your subject rest their hands gently on their legs or beside them for balance. You can have them tilt slightly to the side of the bent leg for a relaxed look or stay straight for a more structured pose. Experiment with them looking toward the camera, or have them cast their gaze off to one side for a softer feel.

This sitting pose is great for:

• Structured and Balanced Composition: The L-shape pose offers a clean, balanced structure, creating natural lines that guide the viewer's eye. This makes it ideal for minimalist or artistic portraits with strong symmetry.
• Highlighting Legs and Outfits: With one leg extended and the other bent, this pose showcases leg shape and any clothing details, especially for fashion photography where outfit structure is a focus.
• Graceful and Poised Look: The pose has a gentle, poised feel, making the subject look composed and elegant. It’s great for editorial or beauty photography that calls for sophistication and refinement.
• Casual Relaxation: Despite its structured look, the L-shape is comfortable and relaxed. It can convey a natural, calm vibe, especially if paired with soft or thoughtful expressions.

13. Sitting leaning to one side

If you're going for a creative fashion look, have your subject sit down and lean to one side.

To do this pose, have your subject sit down with their legs bent to one side or in a cross-legged position. I like to have them lean their torso slightly to one side, either propping themselves up with one hand on the ground or resting on their forearm for support. Let their other hand rest on their lap or drape it casually by their side. You can also have them tilt their head naturally, and look towards the camera for engagement or off to the side for a candid feel.

This sitting pose is great for:

• Relaxed and Casual Feel: This pose exudes a relaxed, laid-back vibe, ideal for lifestyle or candid-style photography. It feels natural, as if the subject is simply lounging comfortably.
• Graceful Lines and Angles: Leaning to one side creates elegant, flowing lines in the body, highlighting curves and adding a sense of softness to the pose. It’s great for portraits focused on capturing femininity or elegance.
• Comfortable and Approachable: The asymmetry of leaning to one side makes the pose approachable and friendly, ideal for personal branding or lifestyle photos where the subject appears easygoing.
• Highlighting Outfit Details: With one side of the body naturally elongated, this pose is useful for showcasing outfit details, accessories, or shoes. It’s often seen in fashion and editorial photography for a chic, effortless look.

14. Chin cradle

This pose is great for photographing your subject from the front and creating an attractive vertical composition. It works on a couch, chair, or stairs.

To do this pose, have your subject sit comfortably and place one or both hands under their chin, gently cradling it with their fingers. Be sure to also have your subject gently touch their chin and avoid "smushing" their chin as that will be very unflattering. Have your subject keep their head tilted slightly downward for a softer gaze, or have them life their chin for a more confident effect. Tell your subject to look directly at the camera to create engagement, or glance to the side for a thoughtful expression.

This sitting pose is great for:

• Intimate and Thoughtful Feel: The chin cradle pose has a gentle, introspective quality, making it ideal for portraits where the subject appears thoughtful, reflective, or serene.
• Highlighting Facial Features: This pose brings attention to the face, framing it naturally with the hands. It’s great for close-up portraits where the focus is on expression, eyes, and facial features.
• Softness and Approachability: With hands under the chin, this pose exudes warmth and openness, making the subject appear friendly and approachable. Perfect for personal branding or lifestyle portraits.
• Adding a Feminine or Elegant Touch: This pose has a soft, delicate feel, often used to convey elegance or femininity in portraits, beauty, and editorial photography.

15. Legs crossed over fully

This is one of the most common sitting poses for women. It simply involves keeping your legs together and crossing one over the other.

To do this pose, have your subject sit on a chair or bench and cross one leg fully over the other, letting the top leg rest on the lower thigh. Have your subject keep their back straight for a more formal look or lean slightly forward with their hands resting on their lap or the arm of the chair for a relaxed vibe. You can have them place their hands gently on the knee of the crossed leg or let them rest naturally by their sides. Experiment with direct eye contact for engagement or a sideways glance for a softer expression.

This sitting pose is great for:

• Poised and Confident Look: This classic pose is often used to convey professionalism, confidence, and composure. It’s ideal for business or branding portraits where the subject should appear polished and self-assured.
• Refined and Elegant Vibe: Crossing the legs adds a touch of refinement and formality, making it suitable for portraits that require elegance, especially in formal attire.
• Body Shape and Angles: Fully crossed legs create interesting angles, adding structure and shape to the composition. This makes it visually appealing and helps draw attention to the lower body and outfit details, making it great for fashion or editorial shots.
• Compact and Controlled Posture: The crossed legs create a contained, compact look, which can help the subject appear grounded and centered, giving off a composed and professional aura.

16. Legs crossed over partially

This pose is similar to the previous one but is a bit of a more masculine pose because you'll be having your subject cross their legs partially.

To do this pose, have your subject sit on a chair, bench, or even on the ground and cross one leg over the other, but only halfway, so the ankle of the top leg rests on the lower leg’s knee or thigh, forming a relaxed figure-four shape. Have your subject keep their back comfortably straight or lean back slightly for a laid-back look. You can have your subject rest their hands on the chair arms, place one hand on the ankle or knee, or let their hands fall naturally to their sides.

This sitting pose is great for:

• Casual Confidence: This pose gives off a relaxed, confident vibe without being overly formal. It’s great for lifestyle or candid-style portraits where the subject appears approachable and self-assured.
• Open and Friendly Body Language: With the partially crossed leg, the body language remains open, which can make the subject appear more approachable and engaging. It’s ideal for personal branding photos or informal portraits.
• Highlighting Outfit and Accessories: The figure-four shape naturally draws attention to the legs and feet, making it ideal for showcasing footwear, accessories, or the bottom half of an outfit in fashion or editorial photography.
• Dynamic Composition with Angles: This pose creates interesting angles and negative space around the legs, adding visual interest and making the pose feel more dynamic. It’s suitable for artistic portraits that focus on unique shapes and body language.

17. Arms hanging

The arms hanging pose while sitting is a bit of a rebellious, fashion look. The only time this pose is applicable is if you're in a creative shoot like a fashion shoot. If you're taking photos for a client then this might not be the best look.

To do this pose, have your subject sit on a bench, chair, or ledge, and let their arms hang naturally, fully relaxed. Their hands can be slightly cupped or left open, with fingers loose. Have your subject keep their shoulders relaxed and lean slightly forward or sit upright, depending on the desired mood.

This sitting pose is great for:

• Creative Look: This pose is more on the creative side and meant to be something to experiment with. If you have a paying client in front of you that just wants traditional portraits, then this may not be the best pose.
• Edgy Appearance: If you want to have an edgy, punk-like vibe, then this pose is great for that.

18. Sitting touching ground

This pose is ideal for creating a creative and artistic look. Ideally, you want to do this pose in water or in a field of flowers. You'll want there to be something on the ground for the subject to touch whether that be water, a flower, etc.

To do this pose, have your subject sit down with one or both legs bent to the side or in front of them, and have them lean forward or to the side slightly to touch the ground with one or both hands. You can have your subject gently place their fingers on the ground for a light, delicate look, or press down more firmly to convey strength and stability. Experiment with different head angles—looking down for a contemplative vibe or directly at the camera for a more engaged look.

In this example, I had my subject go into a small body of water and she touched the water while looking down.

This sitting pose is great for:

• Grounded and Stable Feel: This pose conveys a strong connection to the ground, symbolizing stability, calmness, and presence. It’s ideal for portraits with a natural or earthy feel.
• Reflective and Intimate Mood: Leaning down to touch the ground adds a sense of introspection, making it perfect for thoughtful, serene shots. Looking downward can enhance the contemplative effect, while looking at the camera can create a sense of vulnerability.
• Adding Visual Depth and Layers: With one hand or both hands touching the ground, this pose introduces a unique dimension, adding visual depth and engaging lines to the composition.
• Expressing Strength or Elegance: Depending on the hand placement and body posture, this pose can either express strength and stability or lightness and grace, making it adaptable for various moods. It’s suitable for beauty or editorial photography focused on self-assurance.
• Great for Outdoor or Nature-Themed Portraits: This pose works particularly well in outdoor settings, such as in grass, sand, or forest environments, where the subject’s connection to the earth enhances the natural theme of the shoot.

19. Elbows on knee 45 degrees

This pose is similar to the first pose in this list except this time you'll want to angle your subject 45 degrees.

To do this pose, have your subject sit down with their legs positioned at a 45-degree angle to the camera. Have your subject bend one knee and place their elbows on it, leaning slightly forward. I like to remind my subject to keep their back comfortably straight or slightly rounded, depending on the desired mood. You can tell them to rest their hands casually—either clasped together or one hand supporting their chin. Then, tell your subject to look directly at the camera for an engaging portrait, or look off to the side for a more introspective feel.

This sitting pose is great for:

• Engaged and Approachable Look: This pose creates an open, friendly vibe, as if the subject is engaged in a conversation or actively listening. It’s ideal for portraits where you want to convey warmth and connection.
• Dynamic Composition and Angles: The 45-degree angle adds depth and dimension to the shot, drawing the viewer’s eye naturally toward the subject. It’s great for creating a more dynamic and visually interesting composition.
• Casual Confidence: Leaning forward with elbows on the knee gives a relaxed yet confident appearance. It’s suitable for lifestyle and professional portraits where the subject should appear self-assured but approachable.
• Highlighting Facial Expressions and Hands: With the face positioned closer to the camera, this pose emphasizes facial expressions and the subject’s hands, which can add subtle emotion and personality. Perfect for intimate or expressive portraits.

20. Elbows on knees facing inwards

For this pose, you'll want to have your subject place their elbows on their knees once again, but instead of having their arms and hands face forward, they will be facing inwards.

To do this pose, have your subject sit down with their legs slightly apart and have them angle their elbows inward, creating a relaxed, inward-facing position. Remind your subject to lean forward and place their elbows on their knees, letting their hands fall naturally between their legs or clasping them together. Remind them to keep their back slightly curved or straight, depending on the desired effect. Lastly, remind them to look directly at the camera for a more engaging feel, or cast their gaze downward or to the side for a pensive, thoughtful vibe.

This sitting pose is great for:

• Casual and Relaxed Vibe: This inward-facing posture creates a laid-back, unguarded look, ideal for lifestyle portraits that feel natural and approachable.
• Emphasizing Connection and Vulnerability: The inward-facing pose can also express a sense of vulnerability or introspection, making it suitable for portraits that aim to reveal a softer, more intimate side of the subject.
• Great for Candid and Storytelling Portraits: This pose works well in settings that call for a candid or storytelling approach, such as sitting on a bench, ledge, or natural setting, where the subject appears as if captured in a quiet moment of thought.

21. One hand on top of thigh

The one hand on top of thigh pose is another easy sitting pose that you can use. To strike this pose, I like to have my subject sit up straight, rest one arm on one leg, and have the other hand on the top of their thigh.

To do this pose, have your subject sit down with their legs either bent or extended in front of them, and have them rest one hand gently on the top of their thigh. Have your subject keep their posture upright or lean slightly forward for a more engaged look. Have them position the other hand naturally, either resting on the other thigh, placed at their side, or casually resting on a surface. They can look directly at the camera for an engaging portrait or glance off to the side for a more relaxed feel.

This sitting pose is great for:

• Subtle Confidence and Poise: Resting one hand on the thigh conveys a sense of self-assurance in a subtle, relaxed way. It’s perfect for portraits where the subject should appear calm and in control.
• Grounded and Centered Look: The hand placement on the thigh gives a grounded, composed feel to the pose, making it suitable for professional portraits or personal branding photos.
• Casual Elegance: This pose has a natural, elegant quality that feels both approachable and refined. It’s ideal for lifestyle and editorial photography that aims to capture a poised yet relaxed atmosphere.
• Emphasizing Outfit and Style: With one hand on the thigh, the pose highlights the legs, outfit, and accessories, making it a great choice for fashion portraits or showcasing specific wardrobe details.

22. Sitting with props

The sitting with props pose involves your subject playing or interacting with a prop while sitting down.

To do this pose, have your subject sit comfortably in a position that allows them to naturally interact with a prop, such as a book, cup, laptop, camera, or even a musical instrument. For example, in this photoshoot, we had a small disco ball and I had my subject look into the reflection and adjust her lip gloss. Remind your subject to keep their posture relaxed and let their hands engage naturally with the prop. You can have your subject look at the camera for engagement, focus on the prop for a thoughtful moment, or look away for a candid feel.

This sitting pose is great for:

• Storytelling and Context: Using props adds depth and personality, giving context to the image and telling a story about the subject’s interests or environment. Ideal for lifestyle, personal branding, and editorial photography.
• Enhancing Interaction and Candidness: Props create a natural interaction point, making the pose feel more spontaneous and unposed. It works well for capturing a candid or in-the-moment feel, as if the subject is lost in their activity.
• Highlighting Hobbies and Professional Identity: Props can symbolize the subject’s profession, passion, or hobbies (e.g., a camera for a photographer or a book for a writer). This makes the pose excellent for branding photos that showcase personality and skill.
• Versatile for Adding Visual Interest: Props add visual texture and break up empty space, making the composition more dynamic. This is especially useful in studio setups or minimalist backgrounds, as the prop adds an extra point of interest.

23. Sitting legs dangling

The sitting with legs dangling pose create a fun, casual look.

To do this pose, have your subject sit on an elevated surface like a ledge, bench, or bed of a truck where their feet don’t touch the ground, allowing their legs to dangle freely. Have your subject keep their posture relaxed, either leaning slightly forward, sitting upright, or leaning back on your hands.

For example, in this photoshoot, my subject turned ever so slightly to create a more natural sitting pose for himself. You can let your subject's feet swing slightly or cross them at the ankles for a more composed look. Experiment with different hand placements—resting hands on the ledge, holding them in their lap, or letting them fall naturally to the sides.

This sitting pose is great for:

• Playful and Youthful Energy: This pose gives off a sense of fun and lightheartedness, ideal for capturing a youthful, carefree vibe. Great for lifestyle photography, especially with a relaxed, happy expression.
• Casual and Relaxed Look: Dangling legs add a laid-back, unguarded quality, making the subject appear approachable and at ease. It’s suitable for informal portraits or candid-style photos where the goal is to convey authenticity.
• Visual Depth and Dimension: The dangling legs create a sense of height and depth, drawing attention to the lower body and adding dimension to the composition. Perfect for outdoor or urban settings where depth and background play a role in the shot.
• Adventurous or Travel-Themed Shoots: This pose works well in adventurous or travel photography, as it implies sitting on ledges, walls, or scenic viewpoints, enhancing the sense of exploration and freedom.

24. The lean sit

The lean sit is a hybrid pose where your subject is both leaning and sitting.

To do this pose, have your subject sit or lean their body to one side. For example, in this photoshoot, my subject wanted to show off the new car he had, so I had him lean/sit on the front right side of the car highlighting him and his car at the same time.

You can have your subject rest one elbow or forearm on a surface beside them for support. Let their legs extend out naturally or keep them bent, and adjust the angle to create a relaxed yet composed posture. Experiment with having your subject look at the camera, off to the side, or slightly down for different moods.

This sitting pose is great for:

• Effortless Relaxation and Casual Confidence: This pose exudes a relaxed, self-assured vibe, as if the subject is comfortably settled. It’s great for lifestyle and candid portraits where the subject should appear at ease and approachable.
• Stylish and Modern Look: The lean sit has a natural elegance and a bit of edge, often seen in fashion and editorial photography. It creates a chic, nonchalant feel that works well with stylish outfits or modern settings.
• Highlighting Body Lines and Angles: The leaning posture creates soft angles and curves, drawing attention to the torso, arms, and legs. This is ideal for adding visual interest and can be flattering in portraits, especially with a well-composed background.
• Engaging and Inviting Composition: Leaning to one side creates a natural diagonal line in the composition, leading the viewer’s eye across the frame and focusing on the subject’s expression or outfit.

25. The sit lay

The final pose I have is the sit lay...or the lay sit, whichever you prefer.

To do this pose, start by having your subject sit on the ground, a soft surface, or a bed, and then lean back to partially recline, resting on one or both arms for support. One leg can be bent while the other is extended, or both legs can be relaxed and extended for a more casual look. Adjust your subject's torso angle to create a comfortable, laid-back posture. You can have them look directly at the camera for an inviting feel or gaze upward or to the side for a more serene, reflective mood.

This pose is great for capturing a moody or contemplative look. Pair it with Golden Hour or Blue Hour and you'll create a moody aesthetic.

This sitting pose is great for:

• Relaxed and Intimate Atmosphere: This pose conveys a sense of ease and relaxation, making it ideal for lifestyle or candid-style photography where the subject appears comfortably at rest.
• Natural, Unposed Vibe: The sit lay has an unguarded, natural quality that feels authentic and spontaneous. This makes it suitable for portraits where the goal is to capture a candid or in-the-moment look.
• Highlighting Body Lines and Softness: Reclining poses like this one create natural curves and soften body lines, which add a gentle, inviting quality. This is great for editorial, beauty, or portrait photography focused on capturing elegance and softness.
• Storytelling and Emotional Depth: The partially reclined position can evoke a reflective, dreamy, or pensive mood, depending on the subject’s expression and setting. This pose is excellent for storytelling photography, especially in indoor or intimate settings.
• Versatile for Different Settings and Backgrounds: The sit lay pose works well in both indoor and outdoor settings, whether on a bed, in a field, or on a beach, adding a cozy, comfortable feel that enhances the overall scene.

I know portraits can be intimidating at first, and being a good portrait photographer takes much practice— just like in any other photography genre.

So, the best advice I can give you is to look for references, plan your sessions with time, and practice with your friends.

Additionally, you can also practice with yourself. I like to try poses and photograph myself first to understand how to improve the pose and direct the subject more effectively. It also helps to know if a pose is awkward so you don't give your model a hard time.

Learning photography is all about trial and error, so get your camera, find a place to sit, and practice poses!