Are you trying to figure how to pose male portraits? This blog post will give you all the male poses you will need to know for your men’s photoshoot. It includes different ideas on how to pose men for their upcoming photoshoot. Guys will often book portraits with a firm goal in mind. Maybe it’s to update their business headshots, or a male model updating their portfolio. No matter what the occasion is, every man wants to look his best in his portraits.
Looking for more posing tips and ideas? Check out our 3,000+ portrait posing cards.
While the idea of a male portrait session might be daunting when you are more used to photographing gals, it doesn’t need to be. Once you get the hang of these male poses and into the client’s mindset, posing men can be a refreshing change with lots of room for creativity and fun.
This article will give you the low down on how to pose males perfectly during photo shoots. The male portrait market is growing as it becomes more common for men to book professional photo shoots so now it the time to focus on this lucrative niche.
The Best Male Poses
This collection of 13 flattering male portrait poses can be easily used during every photo shoot. Within each pose, you can easily get several variations. Depending on your session locations, you could have a wider range of poses possible. With each outfit change, you can repeat the posing list. You have so many poses to run through that you will never run out of ideas.
The Walking Pose
Get your male model to walk towards you, away from you and look back or through the frame to get three different walking poses. This can be modified to the running pose for more of an action shot. You can even take the images from the from the side and have him walk back and forth.
The Leaning Pose
You can also find something for your subject to lean on from walls, bridges, furniture, structures and trees. I love the texture in this wall. Always be on the lookout for unique colors and textures when photographing. Try taking the picture of the model from a different angle off to the side instead of straight on. This adds depth to your image.
The Squatting Pose
A manly pose that can be done almost anywhere and always looks cool and stylish. This is a great easy male pose to try out. If the man doesn’t understand what you mean by squatting pose simply say: “catcher’s stance.” You can switch up how you pose their hands once they rest their elbows on their knees.
Usually, I see what they do on their own and if it looks good, go with it because it feels natural for them. If they aren’t sure what to do with their hands, either have them cross their hands at their wrists with elbows resting on their thighs or have them make a fist and cover it with the other hand.
Pro tip: Take both a landscape shot if the background is interesting and a close up for some variety. Make sure to keep switching things up and try a range of angles to see what you like best!
The Seated Pose
An easy transition from squatting is finding a close by stairs. Get your subject to sit on the ground, on furniture or on stairs for different looks. Change the positioning of the legs to get a collection of seated pose photos.
I love the editorial aesthetic of the image below. Stairs always give leading lines to work with and can frame a photo perfectly at your photoshoot. Have the model rest his elbows on his knees and have him relax his fingers. Go for a wide angle shot, then go above him and photograph him looking up at you. This will provide some alternative poses.
Pro Male Portrait Tip: Whenever you’re posing make sure to have them look different ways to get a different look and feel of the image. Have them look towards you, look away and look up and away.
Sitting Against Wall:
Can’t find a nearby doorway or stairs? Not a problem, just have your male sit o up against a wall. Add variety by moving around the model to find the best angle. You can have the model rest his arm on his knee and remember to keep the hands relaxed. You don’t want them to look stiff in the images.
The Close-up Portrait
It’s a classic shot and often a client favorite that can be taken with him looking into or away from the camera with different profiles (straight on or to the side).
Pro Location Tip: I always try to scout my location for my men’s photoshoots right before the sessions start. When I’m doing this I try to be on the lookout for the following: textured or brightly colored walls, stairwells, steps, fences, alley ways, interesting architecture that I can incorporate into the photo. If you already have an idea of what the male is wearing, you can try your best to coordinate his wardrobe with the locations as well based off the colors.
The Over The Shoulder Pose
The over-the-shoulder pose is always a flattering pose, the over-the-shoulder pose looks totally different with a serious expression compared to a laughing one.
The Arms Folded Pose
This pose for men can make guys look muscular, authoritative and powerful and puts them at ease so bust it out at the beginning of the shoot.
The Hands In Pocket Pose
Another pose that looks relaxed and makes your subject feel the same way. The look using jacket pockets and pants pockets adds variation. Play around to get a variety of images that are cool, modern and sure to be appreciated by your client.
The Hands On Face Pose
This pose is great for the confident guy and often gives a model-like vibe. He might run his fingers through his hair, touch his beard or use his hand for support giving the impression of being in a reflective mood. Make sure they do not squish the face when putting their hand on their face. You will tell them to do this lightly.
The Adjusting Clothes Pose
Often used in wedding photography when the groom is getting ready, the adjusting of the clothes pose can have many variations depending on the outfits. Jacket over the shoulder, moving the collar and doing up buttons are a few examples. Accessories such as hats and sunglasses can be used too.
The Gesture Pose
It’s a trendy-looking pose that can be taken from many angles. Get your subject to look at his watch or phone, pray, reach out his hands or give the thumbs up. It is also useful to show a side of your subject’s personality which could be staunch, respectful, cheeky or funny.
The Action Pose
Give your guy direction to do actions like jumping, running or a slight spin to get some lively images to showcase his personality.
More Tips For Posing Men
1. Make your client feel relaxed and confident
You can do this by explaining to them what the shoot will be like, where you will be shooting and how your shoots are fun and relaxed. During the shoot be encouraging and supportive. Give your model a peek at some of the best shots on your camera when they need an energy boost and tell them they look good.
2. Give advice on outfits for them to wear
You can give advice on outfits and you should always ask about the purpose of the photo collection you are creating. You might like to ask your client what parts of their face or body they love most and emphasize those in some photos. In the same way, minimize any features they don’t like, which can be bald spots or skinny legs for guys.
3. Highlight Features to show off their best attributes
Smoldering eyes, bright smiles, strong jawlines, muscles, tattoos, tans and cool hairstyles are just some of the features guys like highlighted in photos. Really show off their best features and don’t be shy to tell them. It will boost their confidence during the shoot and show in the images.
4. Don’t forget about their posture
When you’re thinking about male poses posture is very important, especially for the taller guys. Encourage them to keep their shoulders wide, to stand tall and keep their tummy tight when it’s in view of your lens. Try to make the shoulders look broad, which will minimize the appearance of the waist. Make sure they stay relaxed at the same time and take a break to shake it out if they look tense.
5. Strive for a positive client experience
Being prepared, a positive client experience and great service during every step, including editing turnaround time, are as always as important as producing stunning images. This will help your men’s photoshoots go amazing and keep them coming back time and time again!
Remember, the more you photograph male portrait sessions the more skilled you will become. Practice any chance you have, including during couple and family sessions. Soon you will have an impressive collection of male portraits to market and grow a new side of your business. Men are 50% of the population, so it makes sense to market your photography services to them.
Other Blog Posts You Might Like:
68 Photography Marketing Ideas For Your Photography Business
How To Get Your Photography Business To Rank Higher On Google