9 Photography Poses for Men That Actually Work

Author: Raghav Aggarwal

26 April 2025

I am Raghav Aggarwal, focused on bringing the latest trends in digital photography to aspiring photographers and hobbyists. I work to build a team of experienced photographers dedicated to sharing their practical knowledge with young talent, helping them turn their passion for photography into a career.

Photography Poses for Men

History is evidence that men have often been overlooked in pose guides. But trust us, there is a lot of innovation and style that can be infused to enhance the personality of men. With the rapid development of the fashion industry and digitalization of the world, everyone is looking to level up their game of portrait photoshoots. Here, in this guide, we are to help you ace the game and shine in photoshoots or Instagram that work brilliantly! Dive deeper to find the perfect photography poses for men: 

9 Photography Poses for Men That Actually Work

1. Hands in Pocket

This is certainly the classic pose of all time. This pose is best for both casual and professional photoshoots, where all you need is to ask your model to put the hands in the pocket. This pose works best when you see your model's hands dangling at the side, creating an awkward look and ruining the body language. So, here are a few ways you can experiment with this pose: 

  • Tell your model to either put the thumb or hands in the pocket. 
  • Tell your model to put hands in the back pocket and put weight on the front side of the body.
  • Tell your model to put one hand in a pocket and lean the body backward with one leg at the wall. 

Can you see the magic happening? This pose allows so much scope to experiment! Whenever you think your subject is looking awkward, pull out this pose to make them look relaxed. It works, always! 

2. Arms crossed

Now, it may sound like this pose looks more defensive, but with a few subtleties, it will look great. In this pose, it is important to pay close attention to the person's expression. The seriousness may make them look authoritative. But, if this pose is coupled with a smile, it can actually give a pleasing look. While this pose works for any photoshoots, they are better for corporate photoshoots and portrait photography. One of the great aspects of this pose is that it is an expression that helps in setting the tonality of the photograph. 

3. Adjusting clothes

Now, this pose looks sleek and better if done with planning. Just let your model adjust their clothes, fix the ties or cufflinks, pop up the collar, or roll up the sleeves. And trust the process, as everything you will click throughout will make your model look natural. This pose is also great in helping them showcase their style. Though the adjustment doesn't need to be literal, it is the action that counts. 

4. Play with the hair 

Be it women's or men's photoshoots, this pose works for everyone at any time. Let the model play with the curls of the hair or swipe them down to give a unique angle to the picture. Just make sure that your model is looking straight at the camera to give it a dramatic look. 

5. Face touch

If done right, this makes one of the most flattering images. In this pose, tell your model to touch the face or chin with all the grace. One of the greatest advantages of this post is that it looks good both in sitting and standing. A touch can be used as a sign of vulnerability, strength, and grace. 

6. Hand clasp

A pose that looks good both when the model is sitting or standing. However, if this pose is done when the model is sitting, it showcases humbleness, which gives the picture an extra charm. While doing this, you can tell your model to lean in with elbows on the knee or can tell them to squat on the ground, lean their back at the wall, and clasp their hands. Do you want the picture to have that ruggedness and tough look in it? Play with this pose, and you will get it there. 

7. Crossing legs 

Want to give that candid feel to the photo? This pose will take you there. This is another classic pose of all time where you are not required to put in the effort but sit with crossed legs in a relaxed manner to add that touch of elegance to the picture. You can also experiment more with this pose by making your model lean on a side, keeping elbows on knees, or carrying some props in the hand- each gives a different vibe. Here, in such photoshoots, backdrops play a big role, therefore ensure that the vibe of the pose matches the background. 

8. Walking shot 

If you think your model feels too tight up to pose, make them stroll around the place. Tell them to adjust clothes or play with their hair while walking, as this will give a more candid shot. This also adds energy to the photo, making it ideal for fashion and street-style content. 

9. Playing with props 

Have the jacket? Drape it over the shoulder. Got a hat? Let it flip over your head. Is the chair around? Give a backward chair look pose. That's it. To give your picture that fun, casual, and nonchalant vibes, it's better to experiment with props to get your perfect shot. 

To sum up, 

Well, we haven't even scratched the surface of poses that are out there for men. But this guide must be your go-to list to get started with the types of photography poses out there. However, always remember to improvise and keep on experimenting with poses. Learn what makes your subject stand out and how it can be used to serve the purpose. If you are the one looking to rent a studio in Delhi, reach out to Pixel Institute of Photography to serve your needs. Want help with more such guides? Explore our blogs, where we have covered everything from camera accessories to lighting, types of photography, and photography poses that can serve as your comprehensive guide to ace photography!

 


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