We've given you plenty of gear advice over the years — from the best lenses for portrait photography to finding the right camera settings. But when it comes down to it, it's the choices you make with your camera in hand that determine the quality of your photos.
If your portraits feel a bit lifeless or clumsy, it could come down to the posing and positioning of your model. Here are our top posing tips for portraits, so you can produce striking portraiture time and time again.
Develop a rapport with your model
Before you even think about posing, take time to get to know your model. Chatting with them before and during the shoot helps them feel at ease — and their level of comfort will be clearly visible in your photos. A friendlier relationship also means posing tips and requests are better received.
Ask if they have experience posing for portraits, so you know how much guidance is needed. If you're working with an inexperienced model, this step is even more crucial. Start building the relationship early — when organising the shoot, during setup, and throughout the session.
Use the 45-degree angle rule
A model positioned dead centre in your frame, staring straight into the lens, can easily look boring and uninspiring. A quick fix is to either turn the body to a slight 45-degree angle, or keep the body straight on and angle the head instead.
This technique unlocks the classic three-quarter face look — where both eyes but only one ear are visible. It's a simple adjustment that oozes confidence and is widely considered the most flattering angle for portrait photography.
Encourage your model to lean back
If there's a wall nearby that makes an interesting backdrop, take advantage of it. Ask your model to lean back against it while you shoot — this introduces a more relaxed, natural vibe to your images. Experiment by capturing some shots from the front and some from the side.
Combine this with the 45-degree rule for truly professional results.
Shift the weight to the back leg
Advising your model to shift their weight to their back leg instantly makes them look more natural and approachable — it's the same stance people naturally adopt in conversation. Have them stand with one leg slightly forward, and even cross the front leg over slightly for variation.
Give the arms and hands a job to do
Arms hanging straight down at the sides are a one-way ticket to awkward photos. Give those arms and hands something to do — ask your model to bend their arms slightly, offer a prop to hold, or combine this with the leaning tip by resting an arm against a wall.
For headshots, crossed arms can work but often read as threatening or closed-off — tread carefully. Top tip: Arms crossed loosely around the waist is a softer, more inviting variation.
For hands specifically, placing them on hips, in pockets, or having your model adjust their collar or jacket while you shoot are all effective options — the last one adds a sense of purpose and personality to the image.
Head tilts and turns
We've covered the 45-degree angle, but don't be afraid to push further. Ask your model to stand side-on, or even turn their back to you completely and look back over their shoulder — this creates a fun, dynamic mood that stands out from standard portraiture.
Head tilts are also popular in portraiture. Tilting the chin upward or angling the neck slightly adds a sense of movement to your images, as if you've captured a brief, candid moment rather than a posed shot.
Bonus portrait photography tips
- Change your vantage point. Snapshots are almost always taken straight on. For a more polished result, get down low and shoot upward, or hold your camera high and use a tilting LCD screen to shoot downward. Even a slight shift in perspective can produce a dramatic difference.
- Be bold and crop. Whether in-camera or in post-production, a tighter crop can be incredibly effective. The right crop emphasises the angles and shapes you and your model have worked to create.
- Composition is crucial. Composition refers to how and where you position your subject within the frame. For a basic head-and-shoulders portrait, the rule of thirds is a great starting point — position the eyes at one of the intersecting points for a more dynamic result. This is just one of many compositional techniques worth exploring.
Make the most of this advice with a portrait lens
With these posing techniques under your belt, you're ready to take the next step as a portrait photographer. Browse our range of portrait lenses online, or visit a Ted's Cameras store for personalised advice from our team. And keep an eye on the Ted's photography blog for more tips and inspiration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most flattering pose for portrait photography?
The three-quarter face angle — where the body or head is turned approximately 45 degrees from the camera so both eyes but only one ear are visible — is widely regarded as the most universally flattering pose for portraits. It adds depth and dimension to the face and avoids the flat, passport-photo look of a straight-on shot.
How do I make my model look more relaxed in photos?
Building rapport before the shoot is the most effective approach — a comfortable model will naturally look more at ease in front of the camera. During the shoot, keep the atmosphere light and conversational, give clear and encouraging direction, and avoid long silences. Practical tips like shifting weight to the back leg, leaning against a wall, or giving the hands something to do also help reduce stiffness.
What should I do with my model's hands in portraits?
Hands hanging straight down at the sides almost always look awkward. Instead, give them a purpose: place them on hips, in pockets, loosely crossed at the waist, or holding a prop. For a more dynamic shot, ask your model to adjust their collar, jacket, or hair while you shoot — this creates a natural, candid feel. Avoid tightly clenched fists or overly rigid hand positions.
What lens is best for portrait photography?
An 85mm prime lens is the classic choice for portrait photography — it flatters facial features, produces beautiful background blur (bokeh), and allows you to shoot at a comfortable distance from your subject. A 50mm lens is a versatile alternative, particularly in tighter spaces. Both are available across Canon, Nikon, Sony, and other major mounts at Ted's.
How do I direct a model who has never been photographed before?
Start slowly and keep your direction simple and positive. Begin with easy, natural poses — standing relaxed, looking slightly off-camera — before introducing more specific adjustments. Show them reference images if it helps. Narrate what you're doing and why, and give genuine positive feedback when a pose is working. The more comfortable and informed your model feels, the better your results will be.