Top 20 Poses for a Successful Portrait Photoshoot
At The Grey Edit Photo, my mission is to empower the modern woman through photography, offering an experience rooted in self-love and personal branding. Whether you're stepping in front of the camera to celebrate yourself, elevate your brand or get some updated headshots, each session is designed to make you feel confident, authentic, and seen. My approach goes beyond just capturing beautiful images – it’s about creating a space where you feel empowered to express yourself freely.
I host my photoshoots in three stunning, naturally lit studios located in Seattle, ensuring a comfortable and inspiring environment for you to shine. With a focus on capturing variety, I work with you to explore different poses by integrating different props and outfit changes to help reflect your unique style and story. From soft, natural looks to bold, dynamic shots, each session is curated to bring out your best, offering a versatile collection of images you'll love.
In this post, I’m sharing the top 20 poses across standing and sitting that will guarantee a successful portrait photoshoot, so you can walk in feeling prepared and excited for your upcoming session!
Top 20 Poses for a Successful Portrait Photoshoot
01 | the power pose
Look like the boss you are? This strong, hands-in-pockets stance screams confidence and totally gives off those “I’ve got this and I mean business” vibes.
Stacy Moore, Self Love Session
02 | the arms crossed pose
Classic, but with a twist—this pose says “I’m friendly, but I mean business.” A little sass, a little confidence, and totally approachable!
Client: Viviane Veraguth, Headshot Day
03 | the hand through the hair pose
Effortless and oh-so-natural. This classic move gives off that caught in the moment, confident vibe—like you’re just casually fabulous, without even trying!
Client: Miryam Richards, Branding Session for Bringing up Bebé
04 | the both hands in pockets, shoulders back pose
Relaxed and self-assured, this pose is all about laid-back confidence. With your shoulders back and hands tucked away, it gives off a cool, easygoing vibe with just the right amount of polish.
Client: Katie Scheib, Branding Session for Katie Scheib Hair
05 | the hand on the hip pose
A timeless go-to for a reason! With one hand on your hip, this pose brings out confidence and a little sass—perfect for showing you mean business while staying totally chill.
Client: Kristin Greene, Branding Session for The Joyful Minimalist
06 | the crossing of ankles while standing pose
Same same but different. With one leg popped like a flamingo and a hand on your hip, this pose adds a touch of personality while keeping things chic and polished.
07 | the lean back in front of a giant window pose
Naturally backlit, relaxed vibes, and all the confidence. This pose gives off that perfect mix of casual and poised, with the window backdrop adding just the right amount of drama!
Client: Ellis Yu, Headshot Day
08 | the one hand in my pocket against a window pose
Casual, cool, and a very demure. With this relaxed stance and natural light hitting your face, you’ll give off an “effortlessly chic” vibe, like you woke up looking this good.
Client: Camille Koppenberg, Personal Branding Session
09 | the exaggerated lean against the wall pose
A little laid-back, a little flirty—this pose is all about attitude. With that casual lean, you’re giving off cool confidence while staying totally approachable.
Client: Brittany Robinett, Branding Session for Homes by Brittany
10 | the strut your stuff pose
Own the room with this powerful walk. Confident, fierce, and full of attitude—this pose is all about showing off your style and walking like you mean it!
Client: Mary Krosnjar, Self Love Session
11 | the hair whip pose
No doubt, one of my faves. This playful, carefree move adds a dash of drama and a whole lot of fun to your shots. It also screams, I am woman.
Client: Lisa Cole, Self Love Session
12 | the on the floor like you mean business pose
Bold and grounded, this pose is all about owning your space. Sitting strong, with a confident gaze, you’re serving power vibes while keeping it cool and collected.
Client: Aimee Meisgeier, Branding Session for AM Interior Design
13 | the forward with both legs open pose
Bold, relaxed, and unapologetically confident. This grounded stance gives off total “I’m comfortable in my own skin” vibes, all while keeping things effortlessly cool.
Client: Stacy Moore, Self Love Session
14 | the legs for days pose
Long, lean, and full of sass. This pose is all about showing off those killer legs while keeping things chic and stylish. Total power move, but make it fashion!
Client: Mary Krosnjar, Self Love Session
15 | the squat and lean pose
Low to the ground and full of attitude, this pose gives off chill, sporty vibes while keeping it cool and confident. Perfect for when you're feeling laid-back but still want to make a statement!
Client: Maya Spring, Branding Session for M. Spring Creative
16 | the sitting on a windowsill pose
Cozy and laid-back, this pose captures a relaxed vibe while soaking in the natural light. Perfect for those “just chilling, but still looking amazing” moments!
Client: Kristin Green, Branding Session for The Joyful Minimalist
17 | the “IDGAF” in a post chair pose
Lean back and relax like you're running the show. This effortless, draped-over-the-chair vibe says “I don’t care, I’m in charge and I make it look so good”.
Client: Deborah Sandoval, Self Love Session
18 | the leaning into conversation because i’m interested pose
Engaged, relaxed, and totally approachable. This pose says, “I’m all ears,” while still keeping it cool and chic. PS:barefoot confidence at its best!
Client: Maggie So, Self Love Session
19 | the sprawling across steps pose
Casual and effortlessly cool, this pose is all about relaxed vibes with a hint of attitude. It’s perfect for showing off your style (hello cute shoes)! Open up with your arm to give an approachable vibe.
Client: Liz Zuluaga, Branding Session for Elizabeth Zuluaga Photography
20 | the playful on a stool pose
A little flirty, a little fun! This laid-back pose shows off your personality while keeping things effortlessly cool—just sitting pretty and loving it.
Client: Mina Sota, Self Love Session
