10 Posing Tips for Senior Pictures

When is comes to planning out your high school senior pictures, there is so much to think about. Lots of times, seniors worry about how they will pose (after all, posing isn't typically an every day occurrence). I help all my seniors with posing during every shoot, so there is never a need to worry. However, I thought I would post some of my favorite tips and posing ideas to help with the planning process. Pinterest is a fabulous resource for posing ideas, and I have included a link to the We've Got Something Special Pinterest posing board for more tips.

Tip #1 - Genuine Laughs Make for the Best Pictures

What better way to celebrate this awesome time in your life by capturing real joy? The gorgeous senior in the grassy picture actually brought along the rest of her family who kept her laughing and having a great time during her entire session. I recommend every senior bring people along with them who will make them feel comfortable and can keep them laughing!

Tip #2 - Stagger Your Limbs

Keeping your arms and legs at different angels will keep your pictures from being boring. I always have my seniors extend a leg when sitting or have one arm higher than another when leaning on something. It just looks so much better than everything being flat and even.

Tip #3 - Don't Always Look at the Camera

Yes, it is a good idea to look at the camera most of the time... but go ahead and get a few shots looking somewhere else. These can be candid moments where you are interacting with others at your shoot or they can represent looking off into what your future holds. Perfect as you are about to reach the end of your high school career. I mean how great do these senior girls look not looking at the camera?

Tip #4 - Keep Your Hands/Arms Visible

This may seem like a strange one, and it isn't the most natural pose (we typically don't touch our faces, neck, or hair constantly), but it looks great in senior pictures! In shots that will be mainly upper body, include your hands whenever possible. I promise you'll love the result!

Tip #5 - Try This Pose {Wrist Hold}

Building off of tip #4, this is a great pose to include your arms. Put one hand in your hair and then rest the other hand near your wrist. Make sure to loosen up your fingers so that it doesn't look like a super tightly posed photo. 

Tip #6 - Try This Pose {Spidey-Sense}

I LOVE this pose! It may not be a "natural" pose by any means, but it just looks so great - every, single time. Basically you just kneel on one leg, then extend the other to the side. You can just rest your arms however is comfortable for you. You will end up with an awesome picture!

Tip #7 - Try This Pose {Forward Lean}

This pose is gorgeous and super easy. Find something to sit on (a rock if out on location or a chair if indoors), then lean forward onto your knees, falling comfortably into the pose. You can then choose what to do with your feet. Seriously, that's it, easy peasy! 

Tip #8 - Try This Pose {Against the Wall}

We all know the "back against the wall" pose and though there is nothing wrong with that pose (in fact I still use it quite often), I think we can all admit that it is a go-to pose that is overused and no longer unique. So how about a twist on it? Face the wall, with your hands up against it (almost like your hugging it), might seem weird... but it looks great! 

Tip #9 - Try this pose {Criss-Cross Applesauce}

Another one of my absolute faves! It's a great grown up spin on a very childlike pose. The key to getting the cutest senior picture out of this pose is leaving your legs loosely crossed and raised. Your hands must be rested somewhat loosely as well so that it doesn't look like a tightly posed photo. Add a hand in your hair - and you've got such adorable perfection!

Tip #10 - Try this pose {Raise Your Hand} 

This one's another great pose. For your senior pictures, why not show off some modeling skills? Just place one arm over your head. You can either just let that hand hang freely, or grab onto it with your other hand. Voila... Senior picture gold right there!

For more great tips on posing for senior pictures, click here to visit the We've Got Something Special inspiration board.

To learn more about choosing a great location for your senior pictures, click here.

Or visit the We've Got Something Special homepage.