25 Best Male Poses: Guide to Photographing Men
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Loading... - Simon Sterling
- 22 Mar 2022
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It can be hard to direct a male model when first starting in portrait or fashion photography. That’s because we may deal with more images of women in fashion and social media.
Not to worry! Today, we will guide you through 25 male model poses to get you started. It’s a range of different male poses depending on your style of photoshoot and the feel you want to convey.
General Tips When Posing a Male Model
When it comes to posing for pictures, men and women may not be so different. There are many conventional ideas of male poses here. But we encourage you not to constrain yourself. Use this list as a jumping-off point to push the boundaries. Plus, posing is very much a collaboration, learning how to bring out the best poses from your model.
Determine the Tone You Want to Convey
Before deciding how to pose your male model, determine the tone and “feel” you want to get across in your photos. Dictate this with clothing styles and your location.
Relaxed, casual clothing will benefit laid-back, candid photos. In contrast, a high-fashion or smart, dressier look is better for formal poses.
Strategically Choose a Location
When it comes to a location, you want to match the formality of your clothes as a rule of thumb. But, you may want to play with your concept. Put your male model in places that amplify or contradict their pose and features. It all depends on the atmosphere you are trying to create.
Maybe you want to photograph a man in a suit? It would make sense if it were a studio shoot or a high-end establishment. But, the message and feel of the shoot would be completely different on the beach or in an alleyway!
Test Out Different Male Model Poses
If you’re starting in portrait photography or working with inexperienced models, play with poses as much as you can. Ask your model to try a bunch of poses in a range of different outfits.
Then familiarize yourself with how people react to your instructions…. every person is different. And change your directions and shooting method based on those experiences.
A great way to direct the model is through small instructions. Even better, provide visual material of what you want. You can even bookmark this page and show your male model when shooting.
25 Best Male Poses
We will now guide you through 25 male poses you can try yourself or with a friend. Mix and match these male photography poses and create other poses!
25. Placing Hands in Pockets
Let’s start with a classic pose. Have your model place their hands in pockets.
This male pose brings a casual vibe to your image. It conveys an air of confidence and comfort when done right.
When done wrong, this pose can come off awkward and rigid. You and your model may need to play around with it.
Often, the awkwardness of this pose comes from the cut or tightness of the trousers. Your model may need a wardrobe change.
24. Leaning on a Wall
Having your model lean on a building or room wall is a pretty conventional pose. This pose can produce an air of aloofness while remaining casual and playful.
It’s one of the many male model poses that allow you to photograph from different perspectives. If you’re leaning on the same wall as your model, have them look over their shoulder towards you for a dramatic look.
23. Crossing Arms
If you want a photograph with a powerful male pose, have your model pose with their arms crossed. It’s a great power pose to shoot straight on with them looking directly at the camera.
You want to photograph from a lower point of view to amplify this powerful pose. Ask your model to even their chin to ensure no double chin features if they look down.
You can also make this a more casual pose if you position the model to lean on a wall. Have the model relax with casually crossed arms and look away from the camera. Shoot this pose at an angle or further away if you want a more subdued vibe.
22. Adjusting an Outfit
When it comes to the best stylish photo poses for men, ask your model to button their jacket, adjust their cufflinks, or roll up their sleeves. It is a great pose if you want a candid, behind-the-scenes vibe.
The male model pose works incredibly well in a suit. When it comes to cool photo poses for guys, you can’t go wrong with this smart-looking combination.
